Jonna Mazet

American epidemiologist and professor

Jonna Mazet, epidemiologist

Jonna Ann Mazet is an American epidemiologist and professor known for her work in global health and wildlife epidemiology. She is a professor of epidemiology and disease ecology at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Mazet is recognized for her leadership in the field of One Health, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health.

Early life and education

Jonna Mazet was born in the United States. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Harvard University, where she developed an interest in the intersection of human and animal health. Mazet went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of California, Davis. She furthered her education by obtaining a Ph.D. in epidemiology from the same institution, focusing on wildlife diseases and their impact on human health.

Career

Mazet began her career as a veterinarian, working with both domestic and wild animals. Her early work involved studying the transmission of diseases between wildlife and humans. She joined the faculty at the University of California, Davis, where she has been instrumental in developing programs that address global health challenges.

One Health Institute

Mazet is the founding executive director of the One Health Institute at UC Davis. The institute is dedicated to advancing health at the interface of humans, animals, and the environment. Under her leadership, the institute has become a leader in the field, conducting research and training programs worldwide.

PREDICT Project

One of Mazet's significant contributions is her role in the PREDICT project, a global initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project aims to identify and monitor emerging infectious diseases in wildlife that could pose a threat to human health. Through PREDICT, Mazet and her team have discovered numerous new viruses and have developed strategies to prevent pandemics.

Research and impact

Mazet's research focuses on the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Her work has been pivotal in understanding how environmental changes, such as deforestation and climate change, contribute to the emergence of new diseases. Mazet advocates for a collaborative approach to health, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary research and international cooperation.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Mazet has received numerous awards for her contributions to science and public health. She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has been recognized by various organizations for her leadership in global health initiatives.

Personal life

Jonna Mazet is married and has children. She is passionate about education and often speaks about the importance of inspiring the next generation of scientists and health professionals.

Related pages

• Epidemiology
• Zoonosis
• One Health
• University of California, Davis