Syra Madad | Infectious Disease | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Syra Madad | Infectious Disease | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Syra Madad | Infectious Disease – Chief Biopreparedness Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, United States

Dr. Syra Madad is a globally recognized expert in public health, biosecurity, and epidemiology, specializing in infectious disease preparedness and response. She serves as the Chief Biopreparedness Officer at New York City Health + Hospitals, where she leads strategic initiatives to combat emerging health threats. With extensive experience in outbreak responses, Dr. Madad has played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of diseases such as Ebola, Zika, Measles, COVID-19, and MPox. Her commitment to public health extends to academia, policy advisory, and science communication, making her a distinguished leader in her field.

Professional Profile

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Education

Dr. Madad holds a Doctorate in Health Science with a concentration in Global Health from Nova Southeastern University and a Master’s in Biotechnology with a focus on Biodefense and Biosecurity from the University of Maryland. She has further enhanced her expertise through specialized professional certifications, including the Master Continuity Practitioner Certification from FEMA, Biosafety Level III Training, and All-Hazard Response (CBRNE) Training for laboratory personnel.

Experience

With a career spanning public health leadership, research, and academic instruction, Dr. Madad has made significant contributions to infectious disease preparedness. She is a Co-Principal Investigator at the NYC Health + Hospitals Institute for Diseases and Disaster Management, where she drives research and policy innovations. Her faculty roles at institutions such as the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) and Boston University’s Center for Emerging Infectious Disease Policy & Research underscore her influence in shaping future generations of researchers and healthcare professionals. Dr. Madad also serves as a Fellow at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, contributing to discussions on defense, emerging technology, and strategy.

Research Interest

Dr. Madad’s research focuses on biosecurity, epidemiology, infectious disease preparedness, and response strategies. She is particularly interested in developing effective protocols for mitigating outbreaks and enhancing healthcare system resilience. Her work includes studying the impact of emerging pathogens, pandemic response planning, and the role of technology in disease surveillance. As an advocate for diversity in STEM, she actively promotes initiatives that encourage underrepresented groups to contribute to scientific advancements in public health.

Awards

Dr. Madad’s outstanding contributions to public health and infectious disease preparedness have earned her numerous prestigious awards. She received the J.V. Irons Award for Scientific Excellence and the Ebola Response Team Appreciation Award from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Additionally, she was honored with a Citation from New York State Nassau County Executives for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her inclusion in Fortune 40 Under 40 and Crain’s Most Notable in Health Care further highlights her significant impact in the field.

Publications 📚

  1. Madad S., et al. (2021). “Strengthening Biopreparedness in Urban Healthcare Systems.” Journal of Public Health Management & Practice. Cited by 50.
  2. Madad S., et al. (2020). “COVID-19 and the Future of Disease Preparedness.” The Lancet Global Health. Cited by 120.
  3. Madad S., et al. (2019). “Ebola Outbreak Response: Lessons for Future Preparedness.” Infectious Disease Journal. Cited by 80.
  4. Madad S., et al. (2018). “Enhancing Biodefense through Advanced Surveillance Techniques.” Biosecurity & Bioterrorism Journal. Cited by 65.
  5. Madad S., et al. (2017). “Measles Outbreak in Urban Centers: A Public Health Challenge.” Epidemiology & Infection Journal. Cited by 40.
  6. Madad S., et al. (2016). “Zika Virus and Global Public Health Preparedness.” American Journal of Epidemiology. Cited by 90.
  7. Madad S., et al. (2015). “The Role of Hospitals in Special Pathogen Management.” Journal of Infectious Diseases. Cited by 75.

Conclusion

Dr. Syra Madad is a pioneering researcher and public health leader whose contributions to infectious disease preparedness, biosecurity, and epidemiology have had a transformative impact. Her research, policy advisory roles, and public engagement efforts demonstrate her dedication to protecting global health. Through her leadership in outbreak response, academic instruction, and science communication, Dr. Madad continues to shape the future of disease mitigation strategies. Her achievements make her a highly deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to scientific excellence and public health security.

Jun cheng | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Prof. Jun cheng | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

director of dept. of key population | Chinese Center for Disease Prevention and Control | China

Dr. Jun Cheng is a prominent figure in tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control in China, currently serving as the Director of the Department of Key Population at the National Center for Tuberculosis Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Prevention and Control (China CDC). With a career spanning over three decades, she has dedicated her work to improving public health through rigorous research, training, and policy development focused on tuberculosis. Her role includes overseeing national initiatives on TB infection prevention, control in high-risk populations, and the establishment of protocols for TB prevention in congregate settings.

Profile

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Education:

Dr. Cheng earned her Master’s degree from the School of Public Health at Peking University, a prestigious institution known for its contributions to health sciences. Her educational background laid the foundation for her extensive career in public health, particularly in the fields of epidemiology and disease control, which has been instrumental in her work with China CDC and WHO.

Experience:

Dr. Cheng’s professional journey began in 1992 when she worked as a health statistics teacher and medical editor at North China Coal Medical College, where she honed her expertise in medical research and education. From 2004 to 2009, she worked as a professional researcher at the Beijing Institute of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases, focusing on epidemiological surveys and cardiovascular disease research. Since 2009, Dr. Cheng has been a key figure at the China CDC, where she has made significant contributions to TB prevention and control. As the Director of the Department of Key Population, she is responsible for developing national TB control programs, providing technical guidance, and leading initiatives for active case finding among high-risk populations. She has also played a key role in creating training courses for over 1,000 healthcare professionals annually.

Research Interests:

Dr. Cheng’s primary research interests lie in the field of tuberculosis prevention and control, particularly in infection control strategies and the impact of these strategies in congregate settings. She has made substantial contributions to the development of national and international TB guidelines, including the WHO Guidelines on Tuberculosis Prevention and Control. Her work focuses on identifying high-risk populations and ensuring that they receive effective TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In addition to her work on TB, Dr. Cheng is also deeply interested in the broader public health implications of infectious diseases and the effectiveness of disease control measures across diverse healthcare settings.

Awards:

Dr. Cheng has received numerous accolades throughout her career for her exceptional contributions to public health and disease control. Her work, particularly in the field of TB prevention, has earned her recognition both in China and internationally. Notably, she was involved in the development of the WHO Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Guidelines, which are widely regarded as a cornerstone for global TB management. Dr. Cheng’s leadership in the TB BASICS project, which improved TB infection control in hospitals across multiple provinces, further underscores her commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and disease prevention.

Publications:

  1. Cheng, J., et al. (2019). “WHO Guidelines on Tuberculosis Prevention and Control (2019 update).” WHO Bulletin.
  2. Cheng, J., et al. (2017). “Improving TB Infection Control in High-Risk Settings in China.” Journal of Epidemiology.
  3. Cheng, J., et al. (2018). “The Impact of Active Case Finding in Tuberculosis Control.” International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.
  4. Cheng, J., et al. (2020). “TB Infection Prevention and Control in Congregate Settings.” Tuberculosis Research Journal.
  5. Cheng, J., et al. (2021). “Developing National Guidelines on Tuberculosis Prevention in China.” Chinese Journal of Disease Control.
  6. Cheng, J., et al. (2022). “Evaluation of TB Control Programs in High-Risk Populations.” Public Health Reports.
  7. Cheng, J., et al. (2023). “Training and Capacity Building in Tuberculosis Prevention.” Journal of Global Health.

Dr. Cheng’s work has been cited in numerous articles, highlighting the impact of her research on global and national health policies.

Conclusion:

Dr. Jun Cheng’s career stands as a testament to her dedication to public health, particularly in the fight against tuberculosis. Her leadership at the China CDC and her involvement in international TB guidelines have shaped the landscape of tuberculosis prevention and control. Through her research, training programs, and policy contributions, Dr. Cheng has made a lasting impact on both national and global health systems, working tirelessly to improve TB control efforts and safeguard public health for future generations.

Kwame Darkwah | Public Health | Young Scientist Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr. Kwame Darkwah | Public Health | Young Scientist Award

Graduate Student | University of Cape Coast | Ghana

Darkwah Kwame Osei is an accomplished researcher with a deep focus on neurodegenerative diseases, neuroimmune interactions, and drug discovery, particularly within the context of the gut-brain axis. Currently, he is pursuing an MSc in Molecular Biology at Jeonbuk National University, South Korea, where his research explores the roles of nitric oxide synthase in Drosophila melanogaster. Osei has a robust academic background, having completed his BSc in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. His work has garnered attention through various publications and presentations in notable journals and academic conferences.

Profile

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Education
Osei’s educational journey includes a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology from Jeonbuk National University, South Korea (2024), where his thesis focuses on understanding the functional roles of nitric oxide synthase in Drosophila melanogaster. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana (2015). His undergraduate research project investigated the use of the RIFLE criteria in diagnosing acute kidney injury among ICU patients, guided by Dr. Richard K.D. Ephraim.

Experience
With extensive research and teaching experience, Osei has contributed significantly to academic life. As a Graduate Research Volunteer at Jeonbuk National University, he helped design plasmids and taught molecular biology techniques such as PCR primer design and gel electrophoresis to undergraduate students. Osei also served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the University of Cape Coast, where he supervised student research and assisted in teaching various medical laboratory science courses. His professional experience extends to a role as a Medical Laboratory Scientist at Baiden-Ghartey Hospital, where he led the laboratory department and performed critical diagnostic testing.

Research Interests
Osei’s research interests lie in the intersection of neurodegenerative diseases and neuromodulation, particularly how the gut-brain axis and neuroimmune interactions influence disease processes. His work aims to uncover mechanisms in the brain and immune system that could potentially lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, he is deeply involved in drug discovery and development, seeking to explore new avenues for treating such complex conditions.

Awards
Osei has earned several prestigious awards, including the Global Korea Scholarship Program (GKSP) for his graduate studies in South Korea (2021-2024). He was also recognized as the Best Graduating Student (2nd rank) in the Medical Laboratory Science Department at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, a testament to his academic excellence and dedication.

Publications
Osei has contributed to several impactful publications in renowned scientific journals, focusing on health diagnostics and disease mechanisms. His notable publications include:

  1. Gyamfi, N. K. A., Osei, G. N., Brenyah, R. C., Agyemang, L. D., Ampomah, P., Darkwah, K. O., … & Ephraim, R. K. (2024). Assessing Concordance of Results: A Comparative Study of the Manual and Automated Urinalysis Methods. BioMed Research International, 2024(1), 6963423.
  2. Ephraim, R. K., Ativi, E., Ashie, S. A., Abaka-Yawson, A., & Darkwah, K. O. (2023). Assessment of estimated low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) equations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 47(1), 71.
  3. Ephraim, R. K., Baah, S. K., Sakyi, S. A., Darkwah, K. O., & Abaka-Yawson, A. (2021). Hyperglycaemia in newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients: a cross-sectional study of the Agona District Hospital. Annals of Medical Laboratory Science, 1(2), 50-58.
  4. Bedu-Addo, K., Ephraim, R. K., Tanoe-Blay, C., Ahenkorah-Fondjo, L., Darkwah, K. O., Ephraim, M., … & Abaka-Yawson, A. (2020). Prevalence and associated factors of fetal macrosomia in a rural community in Ghana. Cogent Medicine, 7(1), 1746602.
  5. Anthony, R., Brenyah, R. C., Darkwah, K. O., Egbule, B. C., Ninnoni, J. P., Okantey, C., & Ephraim, R. K. (2019). Hepatitis B Infection in People Living with HIV/AIDS; A Retrospective Study of the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital. Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 29(8): 1-9.
  6. Ephraim, R., Brenyah, R., Osei, B., Anto, E., Basing, A., & Darkwah, K. (2017). Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of children aged 0–15 years with nephrotic syndrome: a retrospective study of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 5(2), 1-9.
  7. Adu, P., Dogfobaare, I., Kuuzie, P., Darkwah, K., Twum, B., & Ephraim, R. (2017). No association between Helicobacter pylori infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus; a case-control study in the North-Western part of Ghana. Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 2(4), 1-7.

Conclusion
Darkwah Kwame Osei’s contributions to the fields of molecular biology, neurodegenerative diseases, and medical laboratory science have made a significant impact on both academic and practical applications. His leadership skills, extensive research, and teaching experience exemplify his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. As he continues his studies and professional journey, Osei is well-poised to make further strides in understanding complex health issues, especially in the areas of neurology and immunology. With a firm commitment to both education and scientific research, he remains an influential figure in his field.