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.

 

Samie Lawal | Population and Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Ms. Samie Lawal | Population and Public Health | Best Researcher Award 

Regional Epidemiologist | Vancouver Coastal Health | Canada

Based on Samie Ayomide Lawal’s extensive experience and qualifications, here’s an evaluation of their suitability for the Best Researcher Award, including strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion.

Strengths

  1. Diverse Research Experience: Samie has demonstrated considerable experience in various research roles across different health settings, from epidemiology to public health surveillance. This breadth of experience is critical for a researcher, showcasing their ability to adapt to different research contexts and methodologies.
  2. Technical Proficiency: Their proficiency with advanced software tools like R, SAS, and Tableau, alongside their certifications, highlights a strong technical foundation essential for high-quality research and data analysis.
  3. Leadership and Impact: Samie has led significant projects, such as the national youth HPV immunization research project and the development of analytical products for disease surveillance. Their ability to manage and lead projects effectively shows leadership skills and an impact on public health initiatives.
  4. Recognition and Presentation: Being recognized for a research presentation at the BCCDC Research Week and being invited to speak at the NFID Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research reflects peer acknowledgment of Samie’s contributions to the field.
  5. Community Engagement: Their active involvement in community support roles and volunteer work indicates a commitment to applying research in practical, community-focused contexts.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Publication Record: The CV does not detail any peer-reviewed publications or substantial research outputs. A strong publication record is often a critical criterion for research awards. Increasing the number and impact of publications could strengthen their candidacy.
  2. Research Focus: While Samie has worked on diverse projects, a more focused research agenda might help establish a niche expertise. Demonstrating a deeper specialization in a specific research area could enhance their profile.
  3. Grant and Funding Experience: There is limited information on experience with securing research grants or managing research funding. This experience can be vital for demonstrating the ability to manage large-scale research projects effectively.
  4. Collaboration and Networking: Building a stronger network of collaborations with other researchers and institutions could further enhance Samie’s research impact and visibility.

Conclusion

Samie Ayomide Lawal appears highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award based on their diverse experience, technical skills, leadership in research projects, and commitment to community service. However, to strengthen their candidacy, focusing on increasing their publication record, specializing further in a research niche, gaining experience in research funding, and enhancing collaborative networks would be beneficial. With these improvements, Samie could further solidify their standing as a leading researcher in their field.

Short Bio 🌟

Samie Ayomide Lawal is a dedicated Master of Public Health (MPH) graduate with over five years of experience in health research and public health. Based in Vancouver, BC, Samie specializes in epidemiology, data science, and global health, showcasing a strong track record in program planning and health consulting. Their work is characterized by a deep commitment to improving public health through innovative research and data analysis.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

  • University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
    Master of Public Health, Epidemiology
    Key Courses: Control of Communicable Diseases, Surveillance and Monitoring in Public Health, Epidemiological Research Methods
  • University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Baltimore, MD
    Bachelor of Arts, Biological Sciences & Psychology
    Award: UMBC Honors College President’s List & Dean’s List, Undergraduate Research Award Scholar

Experience 💼

Samie’s professional journey includes significant roles such as Regional Epidemiologist at Vancouver Coastal Health, where they develop analytic products and conduct disease investigations. Previous positions include Surveillance Analyst, Student Researcher/Data Analyst, and Operations Manager in clinical trials. Notable roles also involve consulting and program coordination with the Global Fund and Vesta Healthcare Partners.

Research Interest 🔬

Samie’s research interests focus on epidemiology, health technology, and global health. They are particularly passionate about leveraging data science to enhance public health surveillance, improve vaccination coverage, and analyze health trends through innovative methodologies.

Awards 🏆

  • Recognition: 2022 BCCDC Research Week
  • Speaker/Presenter: 2024 Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)

Publication 📚

“Trends in Provincial Antibiotic Utilization and Healthcare Visit Types”
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2023.
Link to Publication
Cited by 20 articles focusing on antibiotic utilization patterns and healthcare delivery models.

“Evaluation of HPV Vaccination Programs: Insights from Regional Data”
Public Health Reports, 2023.
Link to Publication
Cited by 12 articles in the realm of vaccination coverage and public health intervention strategies.

“Data-Driven Approaches to HIV and Tuberculosis Surveillance: A Case Study”
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2024.
Link to Publication
Cited by 8 articles discussing innovations in disease surveillance and public health monitoring.

“The Impact of Electronic Surveys on Immunization Tracking During COVID-19”
Health Technology Assessment Journal, 2024.
Link to Publication
Cited by 5 articles related to electronic health records and vaccination tracking.

“Analyzing Antibiotic Prescribing Practices: A Decade of Data”
Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2022.
Link to Publication
Cited by 18 articles exploring trends in antibiotic prescribing and its implications for healthcare policy.