RITA REGO | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. RITA REGO | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. RITA REGO |Public Health -Full Professor at FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF BAHIA , Brazil

Rita de Cássia Franco Rêgo is a distinguished Brazilian public health expert, specializing in epidemiology and environmental health. A professor at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), she has significantly impacted public health, especially in the realms of environmental epidemiology and occupational health. With decades of experience in both research and public health management, Rita has earned international recognition for her contributions. Her research focuses on health, environment, and sustainability in vulnerable communities, particularly in the contexts of sanitation, child health, and the effects of environmental exposure on human health. She has taught numerous graduate courses, mentored many students, and continues to engage in significant research and consulting work.

Professional Profile

Orcid

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Education

Rita de Cássia Franco Rêgo graduated in Medicine from UFBA in 1987. She pursued a Master’s in Collective Health (1996) and a Ph.D. in Public Health/Epidemiology (2002), both from UFBA. Additionally, she completed a postdoctoral program in Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina (2015-2016). Her academic pursuits laid the foundation for her robust career in environmental epidemiology, public health, and health management.

Professional Experience

Professor Rêgo has an extensive career at UFBA, where she has held various academic roles, including a permanent professor of graduate programs in health, environment, and work. From 2004 to 2021, she was a full-time professor and coordinated multiple health programs. She also served as a Municipal Health Department chief in Lauro de Freitas, Bahia, and was involved in numerous research and development projects, particularly those related to health impacts of environmental and occupational exposures.

Research Interests

Rita de Cássia Franco Rêgo’s research primarily focuses on environmental epidemiology, the effects of environmental and occupational exposures on public health, child health, and sanitation. She has worked extensively on understanding health risks from climate change, assessing interventions, and promoting sustainability. Her work also emphasizes community-based participatory research and epidemiological methods to analyze health and environmental risks in vulnerable communities. She leads a research group focusing on health, environment, labor, and sustainability in marginalized communities.

Awards and Recognitions

Rita de Cássia Franco Rêgo has received multiple prestigious awards, including the 2nd Women Leaders in Global Health Conference Scholarship (2018), and the Jessé Acciolly Award for the best monograph by her student in 2017. In 2004, she earned first place from the Pan American Health Organization for her doctoral thesis on environmental sanitation and health. She was also nominated for The Lancet Paper of the Year (2008). Additionally, her contributions to public health research were acknowledged with the FRED L. Soper Award for Excellence in Health Literature in 2008.

Publications

Socio-occupational conditions and health of fishers exposed to the oil disaster-crime in Pernambuco, Brazil

Authors: Gonçalves, J.E., Leite, A.C.V.M., Lima, V.M.C., Dos Santos, M.O.S., Gurgel, I.G.D.

Citations: 0

Year: 2024

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Self-Reported Pain in Artisanal Fishermen from a Traditional Community in Todos-os-Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil

Authors: Müller, J.S., da Silva, E.M., Rego, R.F.

Citations: 6

Year: 2022

Assessing the implementation of the Surveillance and Health Care Protocol of former workers and the population exposed to lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in Santo Amaro, Bahia, Brazil

Authors: Machado, L.O.R., Rego, R.F., Silva, G.A., Müller, J.S., Falcão, I.R.

Citations: 1

Year: 2020

Erratum: The crude oil spill on the Brazilian coast in 2019: The question of public health emergency

Authors: Pena, P.G.L., Northcross, A.L., Lima, M.A.G., Rêgo, R.C.F.

Citations: 10

Year: 2020

Factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders in artisanal fisherwomen/shellfish gatherers in Saubara, Bahia, Brazil

Authors: Falcão, I.R., Rêgo, R.C.F., Couto, M.C.B.M., Viana, W.D.S., Lima, V.M.C.

Citations: 5

Year: 2019

Prevalence and work-related factors associated with lower back musculoskeletal disorders in female shellfish gatherers in Saubara, Bahia-Brazil

Authors: Couto, M.C.B.M., Falcão, I.R., Müller, J.D.S., Woods, C.G., Rego, R.F.

Citations: 15

Year: 2019

Artisanal fisherwomen/shellfish gatherers: Analyzing the impact of upper limb functioning and disability on health-related quality of life

Authors: Müller, J.S., Falcão, I.R., Couto, M.C.B.M., Woods, C.G., Rêgo, R.C.F.

Citations: 3

Year: 2017

Health-related quality of life among artisanal fisherwomen/shellfish gatherers: Lower than the general population

Authors: Dos Santos Müller, J., Falcão, I.R., Couto, M.C.B.M., Woods, C.G., Rêgo, R.F.

Citations: 15

Year: 2016

Prevalence of neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in artisan fisherwomen/shellfish gatherers in Saubara, Bahia, Brazil

Authors: Falcão, Falcão, L.R., Couto, M.C.B.M., Lima, V.M.C., Viana, W.S., Rêgo, R.C.F.

Citations: 13

Year: 2015

Factors associated with providing social security benefits for traumatic brain injury resulting from occupational accidents

Authors: de Miranda, D.B., Rego, R.F., Viola, D.N., Lima, V.M.C., Teixeira, E.B.

Citations: 1

Year: 2014

Conclusion

Given Rita de Cássia Franco Rêgo’s influential contributions to public health and environmental epidemiology, her role in advancing health interventions, and her dedication to teaching and mentoring, she stands out as an ideal candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Her research is not only academically rigorous but also socially impactful, addressing urgent global challenges such as environmental hazards, climate change, and public health disparities. Therefore, she is more than deserving of such recognition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jun cheng | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Manoj Sharma | Public Health | Excellence in Research

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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.

Profile

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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

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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

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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.