Maria Bye is an epidemiologist in the zoonotic diseases unit at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and coordinates the surveillance for zoonotic special pathogens such as brucellosis, Q fever, and tularemia. She also supports the rabies surveillance program and helps to investigate enteric outbreaks linked to animal contact. Mrs. Bye received her BS in Biology and Communications from the University of Minnesota and her MPH from Emory University. Prior to coming to MDH, Maria worked in zoonotic disease laboratories at the University of Minnesota. She bridged the gap between benchtop science and public health by doing epidemiological work with the Special Bacteriology Reference Laboratory at the CDC. Her research passions include zoonotic pathogens, bioterrorism preparedness, and antimicrobial stewardship.  

Dr. Kivisto graduated from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. He’s a Minnesota native, growing up on the Iron Range who made his way slowly to the Twin Cities after a brief four year stop at the University of Minnesota, Duluth for his undergraduate work. Outside of a three-year stint in academia he has spent most of his career working as a practicing veterinarian in various small animal clinics in Minnesota. He currently oversees the companion animal branch of the Board.

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