Syra Madad | Infectious Disease | Women Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

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

Google Scholar 

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.

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.

Profile

Scopus

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.