Epidemiologist combining 20+ years of international experience with local action in Aotearoa New Zealand

One Health recognises that human health, animal health and environmental health are deeply interconnected. My work applies this integrated approach – from analysing disease patterns across species to understanding how ecosystem changes affect community wellbeing.

Epidemiologist at EpiVets

Since January 2026, I’ve been working with EpiVets, New Zealand’s leading veterinary epidemiology consultancy. This role allows me to apply rigorous epidemiological methods to animal health challenges while maintaining the human-animal-environment connections central to One Health.

At EpiVets, I contribute to:

• surveillance system design and analysis
• disease outbreak investigation and response
• evidence-based policy support for animal health
• research connecting animal and public health

Learn more about EpiVets → https://epivets.co.nz/

From Veterinary Medicine to One Health

My path began with veterinary medicine in Germany, where I earned my doctorate and became fascinated by the patterns of health and disease that cross species boundaries. This led me to New Zealand for specialised training in epidemiology at Massey University, where I discovered the power of One Health approaches – recognising that human, animal and environmental health are fundamentally interconnected.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working across continents and cultures, from managing avian influenza surveillance in Vietnam to coordinating multi-million dollar European research projects. Each experience has deepened my understanding of how health challenges require integrated, collaborative solutions that honour both scientific rigour and community wisdom.

Professional Evolution

Early Career (2007-2012): Field epidemiology in Vietnam and New Zealand, developing practical skills in disease surveillance and community engagement

Research Leadership (2012-2024): Based in Germany, leading major international projects including risk-based animal health surveillance systems and innovative crowdsourcing approaches to public health research

Current Transition (2024-present): Returning to New Zealand to apply accumulated expertise to environmental health, community resilience and therapeutic nature connection.

The Golden Bay Connection

Golden Bay chose me as much as I chose it. This extraordinary place – geographically isolated yet culturally connected, environmentally pristine yet economically innovative – embodies the systems thinking that drives my work. Here, the connections between individual wellbeing, community health and environmental vitality are not theoretical concepts but lived realities.

Living in Bainham has deepened my appreciation for how communities create resilience through collaboration, how natural environments provide healing beyond measure and how local initiatives can generate insights with global relevance.

Completed

• Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (Ludwig-Maximilian University, Germany, 2007)
• Master of Veterinary Studies in Epidemiology (Massey University, New Zealand, 2008)
• Specialized Veterinarian for Epidemiology (Federal Chamber of Veterinarians, Germany, 2015)
• Forest Bathing Guide Training (Treeming, 2025)
• REO111 Whakawhitiwhiti Kōrero Māmā Tētahi Ki Tētahi (Open Polytech, 2025)
• REO112 Whakamāramatia Ngā Whakawhitiwhitinga Kōrero Māmā (Open Polytech, 2025)
• Marine Mammal Medic (Project Noah, 2025)
• New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 3; 50 credits; 2026)
• Conservation Field Skills Training Scheme: PRT301 Predator Trapping Methods; CFS426T Five Minute Bird Count; CFS422T Introduction to New Zealand Conservation; CFS421 Risk Assessment (delivered by NMIT and Department of Conservation; 20 credits; 2026)

In progress

• REO113 Tuhituhi Kōrero Māmā Tētahi Ki Tētahi Atu (Open Polytech)
• Permaculture Design Certificate (EcoDesignHive)
• BEN301 Environmental Assessment (Learning Cloud)

Research Officer, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany (2015-2024)

– Project Coordinator, JoinUs4Health (2021-2024)

• Led €1.57 million EU Horizon 2020 project with 11 international partners
• Pioneered crowdsourcing approaches bridging science and public health
• Integrated Responsible Research and Innovation principles

– Project Manager, SHIP-NEXT One Health Module (2020-2023)

Postdoc, Friedrich Loeffler Institut, Greifswald, Germany (2013-2015)

• Managed €2.4 million project integrating animal health examinations into population-based cohort studies
• Demonstrated practical One Health applications in research settings

Vietnam

Technical Manager, Vietnam Avian Influenza Project (2008-2011)

• Managed USD 1.5 million NZAID-funded project
• Designed and monitored six epidemiological field studies
• Delivered training and co-supervised postgraduate students

New Zealand

Research Assistant (Massey University, Vets on Farm Programme, 12/2024-05/2025)

• Conducting qualitative research on disaster preparedness in farming communities
• Contributing to community resilience understanding

Principal Insights Advisor (Department of Conservation, 05-06/2025)

• Improving insights across biodiversity, heritage, and visitor functions
• Developing data-driven strategies for environmental conservation

Photo von Dave Hoefler auf Unsplash

Philosophy and Approach

Systems Thinking in Practice

Twenty years of epidemiological work has taught me that health challenges are rarely simple cause-and-effect problems. They emerge from complex interactions between multiple factors – biological, social, environmental and economic. Effective solutions require understanding these connections and working across traditional boundaries.

Systems thinking shapes everything I do:

• Epidemiological and One Health approaches as part of my work for EpiVets address health challenges by examining human-animal-environment interactions
• Community initiatives understand that food security, social connection, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability are interconnected
• Forest immersions recognise connections between natural environments, nervous system regulation and overall wellbeing

Collaborative Philosophy

The most significant health and community challenges cannot be solved by individuals working in isolation. Whether coordinating international research projects or developing community garden networks, my approach emphasises:

• Inclusive participation that values diverse perspectives and expertise
• Transparent communication that builds trust and shared understanding
• Sustainable engagement that honours people’s capacity and motivation
• Learning orientation that embraces adaptation and improvement

Integration and Application

After almost two decades of international work, I’m excited to apply my accumulated expertise to the place I now call home. Golden Bay provides an ideal laboratory for exploring how professional skills can serve grassroots community needs while generating insights applicable to broader challenges.

My current focus includes:

• Organisational health solutions through One Health approaches and systems thinking
• Community resilience development through collaborative initiatives
• Policy contribution through research and analysis
• Knowledge sharing through writing, speaking and teaching
• Therapeutic nature connection through forest immersion experiences

The Connected Pathways Vision

Connected Pathways represents my commitment to integrated approaches that recognise the fundamental connections between individual healing, community wellbeing, biodiversity and environmental health. Whether working with individuals seeking stress relief, organisations addressing complex health challenges or communities building resilience, the underlying principle remains the same: everything is connected, and sustainable solutions honour these connections.

Personal Interests

Beyond professional work, I’m passionate about:

• Permaculture and sustainable living – currently completing organic production qualifications
• Conservation and biodiversity – undertaking Department of Conservation field skills training
• Te Reo Māori language learning – honouring the cultural foundation of this place I’m privileged to call home
• Community engagement – active member of Bainham Rural Women and local sustainability networks

Let’s Connect

While my primary professional work is with EpiVets, I’m always interested in:

• Collaborations that apply One Health to community challenges
• Conversations about integrated approaches to health and wellbeing
• Sharing knowledge and experience with others working at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health

For professional epidemiology inquiries: Please contact EpiVets directly at https://epivets.co.nz/contact-us

For community collaborations or forest immersion: