Maria Van Kerkhove is a renowned infectious disease epidemiologist, currently serving as a Scientist and Technical Lead for MERS-CoV at the World Health Organization (WHO). Her expertise lies in emerging and re-emerging pathogens, making her a key figure in global health.
Wiki/Biography
Born on February 20, 1977, in New Hartford, New York, Maria Van Kerkhove (née DeJoseph) developed a passion for science, particularly virology, during her high school years. Inspired by tales of virus hunters, she pursued her academic journey at Cornell University, Stanford University, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, earning degrees in biological sciences, epidemiology, and a PhD in infectious disease epidemiology respectively. Her doctoral thesis focused on avian flu in Cambodia.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’4″
- Hair Color: Medium Ash Blonde
- Eye Color: Hazel Brown
Family & Ethnicity
Maria Van Kerkhove hails from a White American family. Her parents, Mary and Peter Joseph, reside in Cedar Lake, Indiana. She also has a twin sister, Alisa.
Relationships, Husband & Children
Maria married Neil James Van Kerkhove on September 13, 2003, in Manhattan, New York. The couple has two sons, one of whom is named Cole.
Career
Dr. Van Kerkhove’s career path is marked by a blend of academic pursuits and practical field experience. Early experiences included studying medicinal plant usage among indigenous populations in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Venezuela. Following this, she worked at a New York consulting firm, honing her skills in risk assessment. Her PhD research on avian flu in Cambodia provided invaluable insights into virus transmission dynamics.
Subsequently, she joined the WHO’s flu team in 2009, collaborating with modelers and public health experts. She also served as a research fellow at Imperial College London and Head of the Outbreak Investigation Task Force at the Institut Pasteur, leading field research on various viruses including Ebola and Marburg. Since 2017, she has held the position of MERS-CoV Technical Lead at the WHO.
A Regular Face of WHO
Dr. Van Kerkhove’s role at the WHO has significantly expanded since 2017, encompassing a wide range of zoonotic diseases. Her expertise became highly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she frequently participated in WHO press conferences, effectively communicating complex scientific information to the public. She consistently strives to present information in an accessible and responsible manner.
Favorite Things
Here’s a glimpse into Dr. Van Kerkhove’s personal preferences:
| Category | Favorite |
|---|---|
| Writer | Richard Preston |
| Film | Outbreak (1995) |
| Athlete | Nary Ly |
| Music Band | The Ruse |
| Singer | Courtney Freed |
| TV Show | So You Think You Can Dance (2005) |
Facts/Trivia
- Enjoys photography in her leisure time.
- Added “Van Kerkhove” to her name after marriage.
- Has numerous publications in renowned journals.
- Research interests include zoonotic, respiratory, and emerging/re-emerging viruses.
- Holds an honorary lecturer position at Imperial College London.
- Leading member of CONSISE (Consortium for the Standardization of Influenza Seroepidemiology).
- Spent two weeks in China studying the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak.
