Dr Marina Kugler is a recent PhD graduate from the University of Glasgow. In her 3MT presentation, she introduced her doctoral research titled "Understanding Human Exposure to Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers in Uganda: Occupational, Behavioural, and Ecological Factors” in a concise and accessible format.
Her broader research interests focus on vector-borne infectious diseases and their epidemiology. She is currently undertaking a short postdoctoral position, where she is developing a transition model for Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus to evaluate surveillance strategies in Uganda.
Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever is a deadly tick-borne virus affecting communities in Uganda and spreading with climate change. Through interviews and large-scale antibody testing, this research identifies how people are exposed to the virus, informing targeted prevention strategies such as awareness campaigns, tick control, behavioural change, and future vaccination planning.