Insa Herzog, DMV, Dr. Med. Vet.
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Dr. Herzog, DMV, Dr. Med Vet will complete her residency under the supervision of Dr. Mani Lejeune at the Parasitology Lab of the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She studied veterinary medicine at the Free University of Berlin. Afterwards, Insa completed her doctoral thesis at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. Her research topic was "Prevalence, adaptation and impact of arthropod parasites on seals in the German North and Baltic Sea". Insa’s research interests are arthropods and arthropod-borne diseases in wild animals as well as parasite ecology.
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Five Questions with NCVP Antech Resident Dr. Insa Herzog
Tell us a little about your background. Where are you from, what are some of the defining experiences of your life?
I grew up in East Germany on a property right next to a large forest. Growing up, I spent a lot of time outdoors with my older siblings exploring nature and observing critters that eventually kindled my interest towards ecosystem health, wildlife biology and veterinary medicine. My fascination for parasites and the broader role they play in ecology culminated with my doctoral thesis studying the population impact of nasal mites (Halarachne halichoeri) and seal lice (Echinophthirius horridus) in grey and harbor seals and investigating the potential role of the latter in the transmission of the seal heartworm (Acanthocheilonema spirocauda).
How did you initially become interested in veterinary medicine?
My grandparents are both veterinarians and my family have a hunting background, so I developed a strong enthusiasm for every kind of animal from an early age. My fascination for animals, along with my internships at various zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers, led me to a career in veterinary medicine.
How did you become interested in parasitology? When did you know it would be your field?
Parasitology is a major component for completing veterinary studies in Germany. I have been interested in this discipline since then. Additionally, my passion for wildlife that accompanied me throughout my time at university led to research involving parasites of wildlife. Fortunately, right after completing my veterinary studies, an interesting position became available at the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) where I was hired in the German Research Foundation (DFG) Priority Program "Physics of Parasitism" to compete a doctoral thesis on arthropod parasites of marine mammals. This happened to be a turning point to pursue my interest in parasitology.
What focus have you chosen for your residency? Where will your research efforts be targeted?
My main focus will be on developing and strengthening my classical and molecular skills in diagnostic parasitology. In addition, I will contribute towards the development of an antemortem assay for detecting Fascioloides magna infection in the dead-end (moose, cattle) and aberrant hosts (sheep). The goal is to develop and validate a specific PCR assay for the F. magna miRNA in the blood of dead-end and aberrant hosts for early detection and management of this parasitic disease which is emerging as a serious issue in the Northeast USA.
What is your plan after your residency? What would you like to accomplish over the course of your career?
I would like to continue working in research, particularly in the field of wildlife parasitology and its interface with humans and domestic animals, although I am also open to considering other career opportunities.
I grew up in East Germany on a property right next to a large forest. Growing up, I spent a lot of time outdoors with my older siblings exploring nature and observing critters that eventually kindled my interest towards ecosystem health, wildlife biology and veterinary medicine. My fascination for parasites and the broader role they play in ecology culminated with my doctoral thesis studying the population impact of nasal mites (Halarachne halichoeri) and seal lice (Echinophthirius horridus) in grey and harbor seals and investigating the potential role of the latter in the transmission of the seal heartworm (Acanthocheilonema spirocauda).
How did you initially become interested in veterinary medicine?
My grandparents are both veterinarians and my family have a hunting background, so I developed a strong enthusiasm for every kind of animal from an early age. My fascination for animals, along with my internships at various zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers, led me to a career in veterinary medicine.
How did you become interested in parasitology? When did you know it would be your field?
Parasitology is a major component for completing veterinary studies in Germany. I have been interested in this discipline since then. Additionally, my passion for wildlife that accompanied me throughout my time at university led to research involving parasites of wildlife. Fortunately, right after completing my veterinary studies, an interesting position became available at the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) where I was hired in the German Research Foundation (DFG) Priority Program "Physics of Parasitism" to compete a doctoral thesis on arthropod parasites of marine mammals. This happened to be a turning point to pursue my interest in parasitology.
What focus have you chosen for your residency? Where will your research efforts be targeted?
My main focus will be on developing and strengthening my classical and molecular skills in diagnostic parasitology. In addition, I will contribute towards the development of an antemortem assay for detecting Fascioloides magna infection in the dead-end (moose, cattle) and aberrant hosts (sheep). The goal is to develop and validate a specific PCR assay for the F. magna miRNA in the blood of dead-end and aberrant hosts for early detection and management of this parasitic disease which is emerging as a serious issue in the Northeast USA.
What is your plan after your residency? What would you like to accomplish over the course of your career?
I would like to continue working in research, particularly in the field of wildlife parasitology and its interface with humans and domestic animals, although I am also open to considering other career opportunities.