Millions of people pass through the CHS Miracle of Bith Center (MOBC) at the Minnesota State Fair each year, likely unaware of the colossal effort it takes to ensure the health and safety of the hundreds of animals born in the exhibit.

Among those caring for animals and supporting more than 100 veterinary students and dozens of volunteer veterinarians on hand to help is Dr. Maria Pieters, an associate professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine. For her dedicated involvement with the exhibit and her passion for its mission, Pieters received the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award.

The award, presented to Pieters at the 2024 MVMA Annual Meeting in February 2024, recognizes individuals who have performed outstanding service to the veterinary profession and have contributed to the well-being of animals.

“Dr. Pieters has been invaluable to the MOBC exhibit through her coordination, encouragement, and support of the rotation veterinary students who participate, and also her dedication to the concept and day-to-day running of the exhibit itself,” Dr. Holly Neaton, one of the event’s co-chairs, writes in her nomination letter for Pieters.

Pieters brings an expansive knowledge of swine care to her work with the exhibit. Her research centers on infectious diseases in pigs—particularly the diagnosis, epidemiology, and control of mycoplasma infections—and pig neonatal immunity. She is the principal investigator of the UMN Mycoplasma Research Laboratory and an active member of the International Organization for Mycoplasmology.

“Her knowledge of swine health is extremely helpful in ensuring the exhibit’s pigs are cared for properly,” Neaton writes. “The Miracle of Birth exhibit has been very fortunate that Dr. Pieters is on their team and students are lucky to have her as a mentor and a professor.”