Mariko graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honors and worked as a general practitioner and emergency and critical care veterinarian in Sydney for several years. After completing a PhD investigating canine and feline congestive heart failure therapeutics in 2018, Mariko undertook a residency in veterinary cardiology at the North Carolina State University and became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in cardiology in July, 2022. She is interested in the pathophysiology and management of congestive heart failure and arrhythmias, as well as collaborative research encompassing human and veterinary medicine.