Melinda Rostal
The health of ecosystems, wildlife, livestock and domestic animals all contribute to our own health. Increased urbanization, climate change, shrinking habitats and the rise in infectious diseases have serious consequences on the health of our planet and its inhabitants. As a Wildlife Trust field veterinarian, Melinda "Mindy" Rostal will extend viral surveillance research in emerging infectious disease hotspots around the world. Working with Wildlife Trust's network of global partners Mindy will further advance conservation medicine programs, training and research.
While attending Princeton University, Mindy earned a BA in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She went on to complete a dual-degree program at the University of Minnesota where Mindy graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and a Masters in Public Health.
- "The intricate links between wildlife and public health are perpetually changing making my job as a field veterinarian more challenging as I investigate the causes and determinants of rogue viruses." – Mindy Rostal
Mindy's master thesis examined the activity of Rift Valley fever in Kenya among wildlife, domestic livestock and people. She conducted this extensive research in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international emerging infectious disease program.
Prior to Wildlife Trust, Mindy worked with The Marine Mammal Center, the Brookfield Zoo and the Smithsonian National Zoo. She also spent two years as a mixed animal veterinarian in Washington State.
