Dr. Mathias Corteel obtained his degree in veterinary medicine in 2005, specializing in research and aquaculture. Since then, he has been hooked on research into diseases of shrimp and fish, first during his Ph.D. at the faculty of veterinary medicine, Ghent University, later working for INVE Aquaculture. Most of his research has focused on the pathogenesis of White Spot Syndrome Virus, namely how the virus gains entry to its hosts and what measures can be taken to control infection and disease. He (co)authored 12 publications, 2 book chapters and several trade magazine articles.