Adriano Lubanga | Antimicrobial Resistance | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Adriano Lubanga | Antimicrobial Resistance | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Adriano Lubanga | Antimicrobial Resistance – Clinical Research Education and Management Services, Malawi

Dr. Adriano Focus Lubanga is a dedicated medical doctor and public health researcher with extensive expertise in combating infectious diseases prevalent in tropical regions. His work spans antimicrobial resistance, vaccine-preventable diseases, neglected tropical diseases, and the interplay between human, animal, and environmental health. He also focuses on the impact of climate change on disease transmission in resource-limited settings. An advocate for mentorship, Dr. Lubanga supports early-career researchers in advancing their academic and professional goals.

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Education

Dr. Lubanga earned his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Malawi, College of Medicine, graduating in January 2023. His foundational education was completed at Mzimba Secondary School, where he achieved his Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) in 2015.

Experience

Dr. Lubanga serves as the Research Program Manager at Clinical Research Education and Management Services (CREAMS Mw) and as a Senior Medical Officer at Kamuzu Central Hospital. His roles at CREAMS include overseeing research operations, fostering collaborations, securing ethical clearances, and leading data analysis and manuscript preparation. At Kamuzu Central Hospital, he provides patient care in various departments, including medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics, while also conducting follow-ups and patient counseling.

Dr. Lubanga has held significant roles in global health initiatives, including contributing to the Malawian Ministry of Health’s One Health Technical Working Group. He has also collaborated with international organizations to evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare interventions in Malawi.

Research Interests

Dr. Lubanga’s research focuses on antimicrobial resistance, neglected tropical diseases, and the effects of climate change on infectious diseases. He also investigates public health policies, community involvement in disease control, and the socio-economic determinants of healthcare access. His interdisciplinary approach often integrates a “One Health” perspective to tackle health challenges holistically.

Awards

Dr. Lubanga was honored with the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Early Career Grant Program (ECGP) award in 2024. His recognized project, Toward a Typhoid-Free Community, evaluates public knowledge and practices in preventing typhoid disease in high-risk urban and peri-urban areas of Malawi.

Publications

Lubanga AF, et al. Addressing the re-emergence and resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in Africa: A health equity perspective. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2024; 20(1):2375081. DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2375081.

Lubanga AF, et al. Tackling antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and opportunities. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2024; 22(6):379-386. DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2362270.

Lubanga AF, et al. Beyond RTS,S malaria vaccine piloting to adoption: A new hope in the fight against vector-borne disease. Frontiers in Tropical Diseases. 2024. DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2024.1387078.

Lubanga AF, et al. Exploring community involvement in reducing neglected tropical diseases in Malawi. Res Rep Trop Med. 2024; 15:51-58. DOI: 10.2147/RRTM.S448425.

Lubanga AF, et al. Lessons from Malawi’s deadliest cholera outbreak in two decades. Int J Surg: Global Health. 2023; 6(5):e0300. DOI: 10.1097/GH9.0000000000000300.

Lubanga AF, et al. Characteristics of tuberculosis patients in a rural district of Malawi. J Clin Res Med. 2024; 7(1):1-4.

Kangoma M, Lubanga AF, et al. Mental health impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy on Malawian women. Int J Surg: Global Health. 2023; 6(5):e0306.

Conclusion

Dr. Adriano Focus Lubanga’s work exemplifies a commitment to public health, global health equity, and interdisciplinary research. His contributions to infectious disease control, antimicrobial resistance, and One Health initiatives highlight his impact on health systems in Malawi and beyond. Recognized for his innovative approach and dedication, Dr. Lubanga continues to be a vital figure in addressing global health challenges.

Manoj Sharma | Public Health | Excellence in Research

Posted on by Academic achievements

Prof. Dr. Manoj Sharma | Public Health | Excellence in Research

Professor & Chair at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States

Dr. Manoj Sharma is an accomplished public health expert and educator with over 35 years of experience in the field. He currently serves as a tenured Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Social & Behavioral Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Public Health. In his career, Dr. Sharma has trained thousands of professionals across diverse health disciplines, including physicians, dietitians, and health educators. His work in health behavior, public health education, and leadership has earned him recognition as one of the top public health scientists globally.

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Education

Dr. Sharma holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Preventive Medicine and Public Health from The Ohio State University, a Master of Science in Community Health from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Delhi. He also holds additional postgraduate qualifications, including a Postgraduate Certificate in Health & Family Welfare Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Training & Development from premier institutions in India. His diverse education has provided him with a strong foundation in public health theory and practice.

Experience

Throughout his career, Dr. Sharma has held various full-time and adjunct faculty positions at 13 national and international universities, including The Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati, and Southern Illinois University. Beyond academia, he has provided leadership in public health agencies and non-profit organizations at the local, state, and federal levels. His roles at institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the World Health Organization (WHO) have allowed him to contribute significantly to public health policy and practice on a global scale.

Research Interests

Dr. Sharma’s research focuses on theory-driven and evidence-based health behavior change interventions. His work spans various areas, including obesity prevention, mental health, stress-coping mechanisms, and integrative mind-body interventions like mindfulness-based stress reduction and yoga. He is also heavily involved in community-based participatory research and evaluation, aiming to create interventions that are both effective and culturally relevant. Dr. Sharma is passionate about addressing health disparities and improving population health outcomes through targeted behavioral interventions.

Awards

Over the course of his career, Dr. Sharma has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to public health and education. These include the American Public Health Association’s Lyndon Haviland Mentoring Award, the ATOD Lifetime Achievement Award, and the ICTHP Impact Award. He has also been honored with the William R. Gemma Distinguished Alumnus Award from The Ohio State University and the Cancer Forum’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award. These accolades reflect his dedication to mentorship, leadership, and advancing health equity.

Publications

Dr. Sharma is a prolific researcher, having published over 400 peer-reviewed articles, 16 books, and numerous other publications. His widely-cited work has contributed to advancing knowledge in public health, health behavior, and education. Some notable publications include:

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for healthy individuals: A meta-analysis, Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 2015. Cited by 2048 articles. Link

COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in the United States: A rapid national assessment, Journal of Community Health, 2021. Cited by 1210 articles. Link

Theoretical foundations of health education and health promotion, Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2021. Cited by 1034 articles. Link

Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress during COVID-19 pandemic, Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, 2020. Cited by 508 articles. Link

School-based interventions for childhood and adolescent obesity, Obesity Reviews, 2006. Cited by 464 articles. Link

Conclusion

Dr. Sharma’s distinguished career, marked by prolific research output, global recognition, and leadership roles, makes him a highly deserving candidate for the “Research for Excellence in Research” award. His work has not only contributed to advancing public health but has also influenced public health education and policy at a global scale. Though there are areas where he could expand, particularly in interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement, his overall contributions are exemplary.

Manika Saha | Public Health Practitioner | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Manika Saha | Public Health Practitioner | Best Researcher Award 

Research Fellow , Monash University , Australia

Dr. Manika Saha is a dedicated public health practitioner and researcher specializing in human-centric design for development. With a focus on marginalized communities, she leverages participatory approaches to co-create solutions that amplify community voices. Dr. Saha’s work spans global health, nutrition, food security, gender studies, and international development, contributing significantly to sustainable global development. Her impactful research has been published in top-tier HCI, ICTD, and global public health journals.

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Strengths for the Award

  • Diverse Research Expertise: Dr. Saha’s work spans multiple disciplines, including public health, human-centered design, international development, and ICT for development. Her ability to integrate these fields highlights her interdisciplinary approach, which is crucial for addressing complex global issues.
  • Prolific Publication Record: Dr. Saha has a robust portfolio of peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals and conferences, such as the ACM CHI Conference and Nature Scientific Reports. This indicates her research’s high impact and recognition in the academic community.
  • Significant Leadership Roles: Her leadership in various projects, including the USAID-funded INGENAES project and her role as a National Nutrition Specialist at the UNFAO, demonstrates her ability to lead large-scale, impactful research initiatives.
  • Global Reach and Impact: Dr. Saha’s research has a global perspective, with a focus on marginalized communities in developing countries. Her work on nutrition, public health, and digital interventions has direct implications for improving health outcomes in disadvantaged populations.
  • Recognition and Awards: Dr. Saha has received multiple prestigious awards, such as the STEM Sisters in Colours Ambassador for Victoria and the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. These accolades reflect her excellence and leadership in her field.

Areas for Improvement

  • Further Development of Industry Collaborations: While Dr. Saha has extensive academic and international development experience, increasing collaborations with industry partners could enhance the practical application and scalability of her research.
  • Expansion of Teaching and Mentoring Roles: While she has held several teaching positions, expanding her mentorship of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers could further establish her as a leader in her field and contribute to the development of the next generation of researchers.
  • Greater Focus on Policy Advocacy: Given her expertise in public health and international development, Dr. Saha could strengthen her influence by engaging more directly in policy advocacy, translating her research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers.

Education 🎓

Dr. Saha holds a PhD in Human-Centred Computing from Monash University, Australia, where she focused on incorporating community voices into project commissioning for international development. She earned her MSc in Global Health with merit from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, and an MSc in Food & Nutrition from the University of Dhaka, where she graduated with distinction. Her academic journey is rooted in a commitment to improving health outcomes and fostering inclusive governance.

Experience 💼

Dr. Saha is currently a Research Fellow in ICT for Development at Monash University, where she also teaches IT research methods. Her professional experience includes roles as a National Nutrition Specialist with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization and a Nutrition Research Associate at WorldFish. Dr. Saha has a rich history of working with disadvantaged communities, leading projects funded by organizations like USAID and collaborating with various international development agencies.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Saha’s research interests include action research, participatory design, human-centered design for community engagement, and the intersection of technology and global health. She is particularly focused on co-designing interventions that address the needs of marginalized populations, leveraging digital participatory media for data collection, and advancing nutrition-sensitive agriculture. Her work is driven by a passion for integrating community insights into policy and technology development.

Awards & Recognition 🏆

Dr. Saha has received numerous awards, including the Young Leader Award at the Global Peace Summit (2024) and the Postgraduate Publication Award from Monash University (2022). She was also recognized as an Emerging Young Science Leader by CGIAR (2021) and received the prestigious Commonwealth Shared Scholarship for her studies in the United Kingdom. Her contributions to public health and development have earned her widespread acclaim.

Publications 📚

  • Saha, M., Stephen L., Watterson, J., et al. (2024). Hearing Community Voices in HCI4D: Establishing Safe Places to Co-Create Counter-Collective Narratives with Women Farmers in Bangladesh. CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. [Ranking: A*]
    • Cited by: (To be updated)
  • Saha, M., Ng, H., Odjidja, E.N., et al. (2024). Small Fish Big Impact: Improving Nutrition during Pregnancy and Lactation, and Empowerment for Marginalized Women. Nutrients, 16, 1829. Ranking: Q1
    • Cited by: (To be updated)
  • Saha, M., Zadesh-Cummings, N. (Accepted 2024). “For them it’s not the work, it’s the life”: Humanitarian leadership development in the Global South. Journal of International Humanitarian Action. [Ranking: Q1]
    • Cited by: (To be updated)
  • Islam, A., Richardson, D., Saha, M., et al. (2024). Recordkeeping in Voice-based Remote Community Engagement. CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. [Ranking: A*]
    • Cited by: (To be updated)
  • Oliver, G., Saha, M., Whitty, M., et al. (2024). Cybersecurity: Putting Indigenous Peoples First. Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology. [Ranking: Q1]

Conclusion

Dr. Manika Saha is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her interdisciplinary research, extensive publication record, leadership in significant international projects, and global impact make her a strong contender. With a few strategic enhancements, such as expanding industry collaborations and policy advocacy, she could further solidify her standing as a leading researcher in her field.