Dr. Mandi de Mestre, professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, and the Dorothy Havemeyer McConville Professor in Equine Medicine at the Baker Institute, has been named the next Director of the Baker Institute for Animal Health. Her term will begin on Feb 16, 2025.

“Dr. de Mestre brings a wealth of experience to this role,” says Lorin D. Warnick, D.V.M., Ph.D. ’94, Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “I look forward to seeing the continued success of the Baker Institute of Animal Health under her leadership and to having her as a member of our college leadership team.” 

de Mestre holds a BVSc from the University of Sydney, a Ph.D. from the John Curtain School of Medical Research, Australian National University, and is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. In addition to her roles at the college, she also serves as the director of the newly launched Cornell Equine. Prior to Cornell, she held research and administrative positions at the Royal Veterinary College. She also completed the Baker Institute’s Leadership Program for Veterinary Students and held a postdoctoral position with Dr. Douglas Antczak.

de Mestre also heads the Equine Pregnancy Laboratory program which focuses on unraveling the molecular and cellular mechanisms that support placental function and fetal development in health and disease. Specific projects include identifying genetic causes of early pregnancy loss and exploring what proteins are essential for early placental development and uterine immunity.

de Mestre will succeed Colin Parrish, Ph.D. ’84, John M. Olin Professor of Virology, who has served as interim director since June 1, 2024 (and previously as director from 2010-2016). 

Written by Lauren Cahoon Roberts