Princeton University Athletics
Mindy Rostal '03 PhD / Women's Fencing
City, State / Workplace / Title
New York, NY/EcoHealth Alliance/Principal Scientist, Vector-Borne Diseases
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
Veterinary Public Health/DVM, MPH, PhD
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
Understanding the intricate link between the health and conservation of wildlife and the health and well-being of people.
What is the focus of your work today?
I do research to prevent the emergence of infectious diseases that jump from animals to people, like COVID-19.
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
Being a student athlete at Princeton helped me gain the perseverance to keep searching for the opportunity to score a touch and to give everything for my team.Mindy Rostal
Our work is more important than ever to understand the human behaviors that are linked to spillover events when viruses jump from animals into people and identifying ways to prevent that jump.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
It helped me gain the perseverance to keep searching for the opportunity to score a touch and to give everything for my team.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
I believe we can prevent this [pandemic] from happening again.
Medical School / Other Affiliations
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and School of Public Health, The University of Glasgow, Institute for Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine
Tiger Heroes
In partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, the official health care system of Princeton Athletics, “Tiger Heroes” honors front line workers and health care leaders from our alumni community. This digital and social series highlights alumni from all 37 varsity sports programs who have risen to the challenge since the onset of COVID-19. We also recognize special Princeton friends and family. Nominations may be sent to Jess Deutsch, Princeton's Associate Director, Student-Athlete Services: jdeutsch@princeton.edu