Maria Bye
About Maria Bye
Maria Bye is a Zoonotic Disease Epidemiologist with extensive experience in public health and research. She has worked at the Minnesota Department of Health since 2016, collaborating with various external partners on investigations related to zoonotic diseases.
Work at Minnesota Department of Health
Maria Bye has been employed at the Minnesota Department of Health since 2016 as a Zoonotic Disease Epidemiologist. In this role, she coordinates surveillance efforts for high-consequence zoonotic pathogens, including Bacillus anthracis, Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii, and Brucella species. She also provides recommendations to prevent laboratory-acquired infections by assessing laboratory exposures to Select Agents. Additionally, she served as the Healthcare Worker Monitoring Interview Team Lead from 2020 to 2021, overseeing monitoring efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experience at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Maria Bye worked as a Graduate Researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2014 to 2015. During her one-year tenure, she contributed to projects within the Special Bacteriology Reference Laboratory. This experience provided her with insights into public health and epidemiological research, enhancing her expertise in the field of zoonotic diseases.
Education and Expertise
Maria Bye holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Epidemiology from Emory University, which she obtained from 2013 to 2015. Prior to that, she earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology and Communication Studies from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, completing her studies from 2009 to 2013. Her academic background has equipped her with a strong foundation in both biological sciences and public health communication.
Research Experience at University of Minnesota
Maria Bye has extensive research experience at the University of Minnesota. She worked as an Undergraduate Researcher in the College of Food Science and Nutrition for five months in 2010 and later in the Ben Pomeroy Endowed Chair Laboratory within the College of Veterinary Medicine from 2012 to 2013. Additionally, she served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the College of Veterinary Medicine for two years from 2011 to 2013. These roles contributed to her development as a researcher in the field of zoonotic diseases.
Collaborations and Partnerships
In her current role, Maria Bye collaborates with various external partners, including the FBI, Minnesota Poison Control, and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) on investigations involving suspicious substances. This collaboration enhances the effectiveness of public health responses to potential zoonotic disease threats and promotes inter-agency communication.