Dr. Maria Kokozidou: Lab Animals Science, Comparative Medicine, and Life in Academia

In this thought-provoking episode of the VetMore Podcast, Dr. Vassiliki Stathopoulou converses with Dr. Maria Kokozidou to explore a journey that crosses continents, species, and scientific disciplines. From her early days in Greece studying veterinary medicine to her transition into human medicine and cutting-edge cardiovascular research, Dr. Kokozidou shares the defining moments that shaped her path in science and academia.

Through candid reflections, Dr. Maria Kokozidou explores the intersections of veterinary and human medicine, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in research, and the ethical complexities of working with animals in science. She also shares her teaching philosophy, thoughts on mentorship, and personal insights on life, purpose, and resilience — all framed by her cultural heritage and global academic experience.

Whether you're a student, researcher, or science enthusiast, this episode offers rich life lessons, practical advice, and inspiration for navigating the world of science with heart and integrity.

Dr. Maria Kokozidou is a distinguished veterinary scientist with expertise in anatomy, molecular biology, and cardiovascular research. She holds a diploma in veterinary medicine from Aristotle University and a Master's Degree in Medical Parasitology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London. She earned her doctorate in 2003 from Justus Liebig University in Gießen with magna cum laude distinction for her research on PCR methods in "Leishmania infantum" detection, which is a huge problem in Europe and in the Mediterranean. 

With a German veterinary license and specialization, as a human anatomist, she has held research and teaching roles at institutions such as the Boehringer Ingelheim START, RWTH Aachen Maastricht University and Paracelsus Medical University. Her research spans from molecular parasitology to vascular biology, securing substantial grants for the university, including those from Boehringer Ingelheim and the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung Foundation. She has served as a reviewer for multiple scientific journals and contributed to international cardiovascular research initiatives. 

Dr. Maria Kokozidou's research portfolio includes extensive work on vascular remodeling, placental biology, and the development of biomaterials for cardiovascular tissue engineering. Dr. Kokozidou has also held research and teaching positions at institutions such as Klinikum Nueremberg Nord and has been actively involved in mentoring students in both English and German.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• From Pan-Hellenic exams to veterinary school in Greece 🇬🇷
• A transformative academic moment at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 🎓
• Shifting into human medicine and cardiovascular research 🫀
• The power of mentorship, community, and cultural adaptation 🌍
• Teaching with empathy and building student trust 🧠
• Animal ethics and the future of organoids in research 🐾🧪
• Artificial intelligence: potential, limitations, and human oversight 🤖
• The meaning of life, legacy, and nurturing the soul beyond science 🌱

Chapters Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Veterinary Medicine Journey
04:21 The Path to Research and Academia
06:31 Cultural Adaptation and Resilience
08:27 Surrounding One's Self with Good People
08:48 The Role of Mentorship in Science
10:53 Our DNA Has Memory
11:18 Transitioning from Veterinary to Human Medicine
12:46 Transitioning to Human Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research
13:25 Creating Opportunities in Research
14:34 The Children of This Era Are Afraid To Dare To Do Something
16:13 Just Do It — Create Opportunities
18:37 The Evolution of Veterinary and Medical Education
20:53 Personal Values and Relationships
23:18 Future of R