Maria José Navarrete Talloni, DVM

Associate Professor & Assistant Dean of Student Engagement

Email: mariajose.navarrete@liu.edu

Dr. María José Navarrete Talloni is a Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist whose career has been shaped by a deep commitment to science, education, and community engagement. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Chile in Santiago, and in 2006 completed a Master in Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) at UC Davis. That same year, she was awarded a prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship, which led her to pursue a PhD and advanced training in pathology at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover in Germany, within the Systems of Neuroscience Program (ZSN).

In 2010, Dr. Navarrete returned to Chile to join Universidad Austral de Chile in Valdivia as an Assistant Professor. Nearly a decade later, she and her family embraced a new adventure in the Caribbean, where she served as an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) in Saint Kitts and Nevis. As of July 2025, she brings her expertise and vibrant energy to Long Island University in New York, where she serves as Associate Professor of Anatomical Pathology and Assistant Dean.

Her research is rooted in a One Health perspective, using pathology to explore critical issues such as antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious diseases in domestic and wild animals, invasive species (both terrestrial and aquatic), and forensic entomology. Her work bridges disciplines and communities, always with a focus on impact and inclusion.

For over 20 years, Dr. Navarrete has been a passionate advocate for science communication and community outreach. She is known for her heartfelt approach to public engagement, especially in projects that uplift underrepresented groups and minorities. Her initiatives range from hosting science radio programs like Sed de Ciencia in Chile, to co-creating bilingual educational tools such as The Colorful Faces of Veterinary Medicine, a coloring book developed through the Vets of All Colors initiative. Today, she continues to champion multicultural awareness in veterinary medicine and leads bilingual outreach efforts that make science accessible and inspiring, particularly for children.

Beyond academia, Dr. Navarrete is a dedicated advocate for women in science, environmental conservation, and health equity. She serves on the Board of Directors of Alerce NGO in Chile (www.ongalerce.cl), is an active member of Women in Pathology at the American College of Veterinary Pathology (ACVP), and mentors aspiring veterinarians through Pawsibilities Vet Med (pawsibilitiesvetmed.com). She was named a Social Change Fellow by Walden University in 2022 and is a proud alumna of the Vital Voices Visionaries Program (2025).

At Long Island University, Dr. Navarrete is excited to help build inclusive networks and collaborative spaces that connect students, faculty, and communities. As Assistant Dean, she works closely with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to foster a vibrant, supportive environment for the next generation of veterinary professionals.