Käthe Robert works as an environmental health specialist

• Käthe Robert
• Bachelor in Biology (2017, University of Antwerp)
• Master in Biology: Biodiversity: Conservation and Restoration (2019, University of Antwerp)
• Educational Master’s Degree: Science and Technology (2020, Hasselt University)
• PhD in Science: Biology (2024, University of Antwerp) – at the EVECO research group
• Works as an environmental health specialist for biotic factors at the Department of Care 

Why did you choose to study biology?

I chose biology due to a combination of circumstances: I did not pass the entrance exam for medicine, I had broad interests, and biology offered promising future prospects. 

Can you briefly describe what your job involves?

I work at the Department of Care within the Division of Preventive Health Policy, in the Environmental Health team. As an environmental health specialist focusing on biotic factors, I mainly work on themes such as water, climate and health, and nature and health. This includes topics like blue-green algae in swimming and recreational ponds, tiger mosquitoes, ticks, West Nile virus, tick-borne encephalitis, the mental health benefits of green spaces, and much more.

What knowledge from your studies do you use in your current job?

First of all, the scientific knowledge about the ecology of, for example, ticks, mosquitoes, and blue-green algae. But also the ability to stay informed about new findings through scientific literature, to give presentations, and to think critically. Thanks to my English-taught master’s program, I can express myself fluently in English. Finally, the network I built within various (scientific) institutions during my academic career is still very useful today.

How did you end up at the Department of Care?

When the funding for my doctoral research was coming to an end, I started applying for a broad range of jobs. I mainly looked for something that combined science with communication or organisation. I have always been interested in the medical side of biology, which already played a role in my PhD through tick-borne pathogens. A vacancy as an environmental health specialist at the Department of Care turned out to be the perfect match.