Wenxin Xue | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Wenxin Xue | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

clinical pharmacist | Emergency General Hospital | China

Wenxin Xue is a distinguished chief pharmacist and pharmacology scholar whose career reflects a sustained commitment to advancing evidence-based clinical pharmacy, interdisciplinary healthcare, and translational pharmacological research. With a strong foundation as a PhD-trained pharmacologist, clinical pharmacist, graduate tutor, and head of a clinical pharmacy group, he has contributed extensively to optimizing therapeutic strategies, enhancing medication safety, and improving patient outcomes across complex clinical settings. His expertise spans vascular pharmacology, endocrine-metabolic disorders, renal protection, infectious disease therapeutics, immune-oncology, and health technology assessment, demonstrated through a substantial portfolio of peer-reviewed publications with significant citation visibility and coverage across both basic and clinical research. His scholarly work includes investigations on endothelial dysfunction, adrenergic receptor mechanisms, statin therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor outcomes, infectious disease precision medication, adverse reaction surveillance, and meta-analytic evaluations of therapeutic efficacy, all of which have supported improved clinical decision-making and policy development. As a reviewer and editorial board member for multiple international and national journals, he plays a key role in shaping scientific discourse and ensuring research quality, while his involvement in multidisciplinary teams for weight management, geriatrics, and infectious diseases highlights his leadership in collaborative, patient-centered care. His research initiatives integrate pharmacodynamics, precision medicine, and clinical epidemiology, contributing to strengthened drug management standards and innovative therapeutic approaches adopted within hospital systems. Beyond research, his service as an expert reviewer for scientific and medical grant agencies reflects his influence on strategic research funding and healthcare innovation. Collectively, his academic output, professional leadership, and cross-disciplinary engagements underscore a career dedicated to advancing pharmacy practice, promoting rational drug use, and supporting the evolution of modern clinical pharmacology to benefit patients and healthcare systems. The researcher has 8 citations from 8 documents with an h-index of 2.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Xue, W. (Year). Distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogens in post-earthquake traumatic infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sulymon Saka | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sulymon Saka | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Resident doctor | Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital | Nigeria

Dr. Sulýmon Ayobami Saka is an emerging Nigerian physician-scientist whose research bridges clinical medicine, audiology, infectious disease epidemiology, and the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Trained at Ambrose Alli University with first-class honours equivalent in Medicine and Surgery, he has established a distinguished record of multidisciplinary research that spans global health, otolaryngology, and data-driven clinical innovation. His academic contributions include multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as BMC Infectious Diseases, BMC Public Health, and the Journal of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based advancement in medicine. Dr. Saka’s research experience extends across several international collaborations, including the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany and Sleep & Cradle® Solutions in the United States, where he contributes to studies on Lassa fever vaccine development, digital maternal and paediatric health, and long-term sequelae of infectious diseases. His scientific works emphasize the intersection of technology and clinical care—exploring how artificial intelligence, digital health platforms, and precision diagnostics can improve health outcomes in low- and middle-income settings. Recognized with multiple awards, including the ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference Scholarship and the Newcastle University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship, Dr. Saka exemplifies a new generation of African medical researchers advancing global scientific dialogue. Through his leadership in research and mentorship, he continues to contribute to projects that not only enhance disease surveillance and clinical epidemiology but also foster equitable access to healthcare innovations. His work underscores a vision for a future where interdisciplinary science, cross-border collaboration, and artificial intelligence converge to transform patient care and strengthen health systems across the developing world. He has 9 citations from 9 documents with an h-index of 2.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Sibomana, O., Saka, S. A., Grace Uwizeyimana, M., Mwangi Kihunyu, A., Obianke, A., Oluwo Damilare, S., Bueh, L. T., Agbelemoge, B. O. G., & Omoefe Oveh, R. (2025). Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Endoscopy in Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Tumors: A Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Gastro Hep Advances.

2. Blackie, F. F., Saka, S. A., Ikhifa, C. E., Okechukwu, E. J., & Agbonifo, M. (2025). Aural Myiasis in a Retroviral-Positive Nigerian Child: A Rare Case of Extensive Ear Infestation. Research Square.

3. Emekolom, O. N., Oladipupo, E. O., Saka, S. A., Ojo, D. O., Edhugo, S. E., Olayinka, A. J., & Aremu-Cole, A. H. (2025). Compliance with Universal Standard Precautions and Perceived Influencing Factors among Nurses in a Tertiary Institution in Edo State, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Research in Nursing and Health.

4. Akhigbe, M. E., Saka, S. A., Ighodaro, O., Ghouse, M. A., Emekolom, O. N., & Okoro, O. V. (2025). Doctors’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Prescription Practices on Antibiotic Use: A Study in a Suburban Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria. BMC Health Services Research.

5. Saka, S. A., Ojo, D. O., Mezu, N. M., Uzuegbu, C. O., Ighodaro, O., Illoh, O. O., Emekolom, O. N., Akpa, O. A., Obiora, E. A., & Muogbo, A. P. (2025). Knowledge, Perception and Preventive Practices of Lassa Fever Among Mothers of Under-Five Children in an Endemic Community in Edo State, Nigeria. Research Square.

Mohammad Mehdi Akbarin | Virology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Akbarin | Virology | Best Researcher Award 

Postdoctoral Fellow | UNAM | Mexico

Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Akbarin is a distinguished Iranian immunologist and molecular virologist whose academic and research pursuits bridge medical immunology, viral oncology, and immunogenetics. Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Virology at the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (FESC–UNAM), his work focuses on understanding genetic variations that influence susceptibility and resistance to Bovine Leukemia Virus infection in cattle, contributing to translational advancements in comparative immunovirology. He earned his Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Medical Immunology from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, where his pioneering research on HTLV-1 molecular pathogenesis, recombinant antigen development, and immunotherapeutic target design laid a foundation for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against viral-associated malignancies such as Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma. Dr. Akbarin has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals, covering areas such as cell signaling, host-virus interactions, and immune regulatory mechanisms, while also contributing to scientific books on human T-lymphotropic viruses and related diseases. His interdisciplinary collaborations span institutions across Iran, South Korea, and Mexico, underscoring his global engagement in biomedical research. Beyond his scholarly output, he has played instrumental roles in organizing international scientific congresses and mentoring medical and laboratory science students in immunology, bacteriology, and molecular diagnostics. His contributions to immunogenetics and translational virology have advanced the understanding of viral immune modulation and disease progression, reinforcing the link between molecular research and public health applications. Dr. Akbarin’s scientific vision centers on developing integrative molecular approaches for infectious disease control, cancer immunotherapy, and system biology-driven therapeutic innovation, embodying a commitment to advancing medical science and improving global health outcomes through precision immunology. He has 120 citations from 19 documents with an h-index of 7.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Tarokhian, H., Rahimi, H., Mosavat, A., Shirdel, A., Rafatpanah, H., Akbarin, M. M., et al. (2018). HTLV-1–host interactions on the development of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma: Virus and host gene expressions.

2. Akbarin, M. M., Rahimi, H., HassanNia, T., Razavi, G. S., Sabet, F., & Shirdel, A. (2013). Comparison of HTLV-I proviral load in adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM-TSP) and healthy carriers.

3. Ramezani, S., Shirdel, A., Rafatpanah, H., Akbarin, M. M., Tarokhian, H., et al. (2017). Assessment of HTLV-1 proviral load, LAT, BIM, c-FOS and RAD51 gene expression in adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma. Medical Microbiology and Immunology

4. Akbarin, M. M., Shirdel, A., Bari, A., Mohaddes, S. T., Rafatpanah, H., Karimani, E. G., et al. (2017). Evaluation of the role of TAX, HBZ, and HTLV-1 proviral load on the survival of ATLL patients. Blood Research.

5. Jafarian, M., Mozhgani, S. H., Patrad, E., Vaziri, H., Rezaee, S. A., Akbarin, M. M., et al. (2017). Evaluation of INOS, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 gene expression: A study of adult T cell leukemia malignancy associated.

Christianah Ibironke Odita | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Christianah Ibironke Odita | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award 

Research Officer | National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom | Nigeria

Dr. Christianah Ibironke Odita is a distinguished Chief Veterinary Research Officer and Head of the Division of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria. She holds a Ph.D. in Veterinary Science from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, an M.Sc. in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and a Master of Veterinary Public Health (MVPH) as well as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Her research focuses on the epidemiology and control of infectious and zoonotic diseases, particularly at the human–animal interface, with specialization in disease surveillance, risk modeling, outbreak investigation, and preventive medicine. Dr. Odita has authored and co-authored several impactful publications in reputed journals, including Vaccine, One Health Outlook, Nigerian Veterinary Journal, and Open Veterinary Journal. Her scholarly contributions span critical studies on rabies, avian influenza, anthrax, and antimicrobial resistance in poultry, emphasizing evidence-based strategies for public health policy and disease prevention. She is a Commonwealth Scholar and a recipient of the Epix Analytics One Risk Course Awards for excellence in report writing and presentation, as well as the NVRI Research Grant Award. Dr. Odita continues to contribute to advancing veterinary epidemiology and public health through research, mentorship, and active engagement in collaborative One Health initiatives across Africa. She has 7 citations from 4 documents with an h-index of 2.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Akanbi, O. B., Alaka, O. O., Olaifa, O. S., Meseko, C. A., Inuwa, B., Ohore, O. G., Tijani, M., Jarikre, T., Ola, O., & Odita, C., et al. (2024). Pathology and molecular detection of influenza A subtype H9N2 virus in commercial poultry in Nigeria. Open Veterinary Journal.

2. Odita, C. I., Conan, A., Smith-Antony, M., Battice, J., England, S., Barry, D., Gessner, B. D., & Knobel, D. L. (2022). Non-specific effects of rabies vaccine on the incidence of self-reported common infectious disease episodes: A randomized controlled trial. Vaccine.

3. Knobel, D., Odita, C. I., Conan, A., Barry, D., Smith-Anthony, M., Battice, J., England, S., & Gessner, B. D. (2020). Non-specific effects of rabies vaccine on the incidence of common infectious disease episodes: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials.

4. Odita, C. I., Conan, A., Barry, D., Smith-Antony, M., Battice, J., England, S., Gessner, B. D., & Knobel, D. (2020). Non-specific effects of rabies vaccine on the incidence of common infectious disease episodes: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Aneta Pluta | Virology | Best Infectious Disease Researcher Award

Dr. Aneta Pluta | Virology | Best Infectious Disease Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | National Veterinary Research Institute | Poland

Dr. Aneta Katarzyna Pluta, PhD, serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Omics Analyses at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Puławy, Poland, where she has been employed since 2010. She earned her PhD in Veterinary Sciences from NVRI in 2022, following her MSc in Microbiology and a Postgraduate Specialization in Medical Analytics from the Medical University of Lublin. Additionally, she completed a specialization in the Psychology of Social Communication at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. Dr. Pluta’s research focuses on veterinary virology and molecular biology, particularly the genomics, pathogenesis, and diagnostics of Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV). Her work encompasses qPCR harmonization, next-generation sequencing (NGS/RNA-seq), and viral gene regulation, contributing to international collaborative studies and the WOAH (OIE) Enzootic Bovine Leukosis Reference Laboratory. She has authored numerous impactful papers in journals such as Scientific Reports, Pathogens, Retrovirology, and Viruses, advancing understanding of BLV molecular variability and host–virus interactions. As Principal Investigator of an NCN PRELUDIUM grant, she explored the effects of BLV genomic mutations on viral replication. Her scholarly excellence has earned her multiple distinctions, including the Polish Society of Veterinary Science Main Award, NVRI Scientific Council Honorable Mention, and presentation awards from DIAGMOL and All Things BLV. Dr. Pluta also contributes to the global scientific community as a peer reviewer for several international journals and as the initiator of the Breast Cancer–BLV Research Network, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in veterinary and medical virology. She has 325 citations from 23 documents with an h-index of 10.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Pluta, A., Rola-Łuszczak, M., Hoffmann, F. G., Donnik, I., Petropavlovskiy, M., & Kuźmak, J. (2024). Genetic variability of bovine leukemia virus: Evidence of dual infection, recombination and quasi-species.

2. Rola-Łuszczak, M., Sakhawat, A., Pluta, A., Ryło, A., Bomba, A., Bibi, N., & Kuźmak, J. (2021). Molecular characterization of the env gene of bovine leukemia virus in cattle from Pakistan with NGS-based evidence of virus heterogeneity.

3. Pluta, A., Blazhko, N. V., Ngirande, C., Joris, T., Willems, L., & Kuźmak, J. (2021). Analysis of nucleotide sequence of Tax, miRNA and LTR of bovine leukemia virus in cattle with different levels of persistent lymphocytosis in Russia.

4. Pluta, A., Jaworski, J. P., & Cortés-Rubio, C. N. (2020). Balance between retroviral latency and transcription: Based on HIV model.

5. Pluta, A., Willems, L., Douville, R. N., & Kuźmak, J. (2020). Effects of naturally occurring mutations in bovine leukemia virus 5′-LTR and Tax gene on viral transcriptional activity.

Veena Kumari HB | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Veena Kumari HB | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Professor | National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences | India

Dr. Veena Kumari HB is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Neuromicrobiology at NIMHANS, Bangalore, with extensive expertise in the diagnosis, management, and research of central nervous system (CNS) infections. She completed her Doctorate in Microbiology and has since established herself as a leading clinician-scientist, combining rigorous laboratory research with translational clinical studies. Her key research areas encompass bacterial and fungal brain infections, ventriculitis, meningitis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Cryptococcus species, and COVID-19-associated neurological complications, with a strong focus on molecular characterization, epidemiology, and infection control strategies. Dr. Veena Kumari has an impressive publication record, including high-impact contributions such as her multivariate biomarker study in ventriculitis (Scientific Reports, 2025), investigations into device-associated meningitis and linezolid-resistant pathogens, and extensive analyses of CNS cryptococcosis across pre- and post-HIV eras. She has also led and contributed to several major research projects funded by ICMR, SERB, and institutional grants, exploring diagnostic innovations, antifungal susceptibility, and microbial population dynamics. In recognition of her scientific excellence, she has received numerous honors for her contributions to medical microbiology and neurology, and she actively serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for prominent journals in infectious diseases and microbiology. Dr. Veena Kumari HB’s career reflects a rare integration of clinical acumen, research rigor, and mentorship, positioning her as a transformative leader in the field of neuromicrobiology and infectious disease research in India and globally.

Featured Publications

1. Kumari, H. B. V., Nagarathna, S., & Chandramuki, A. (2007). Antimicrobial resistance pattern among aerobic gram-negative bacilli of lower respiratory tract specimens of intensive care unit patients in a neurocentre.

2. Srinivas, D., HB, V. K., Somanna, S., Bhagavatula, I., & Anandappa, C. B. (2011). The incidence of postoperative meningitis in neurosurgery: An institutional experience. Neurology India.

3. Chandramuki, A., Lyashchenko, K., Kumari, H. B. V., Khanna, N., Brusasca, P. N., … (2002). Detection of antibody to Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein antigens in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with tuberculous meningitis.

4. Kulkarni, G. B., Pal, P. K., Kumari, H. B. V., Goyal, M., Kovoor, J. M. E., Nadig, S., … (2009). Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pyomyositis with myelitis: A rare occurrence with diverse presentation.

5. Dhandapani, S., Rajshekar, D., Priyadarshi, K., Krishnamoorthi, S., … (2023). Comparison of hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers in intensive care units and wards of COVID-19: A large-scale multicentric study in India.

Imen Larbi | Virology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Imen Larbi | Virology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Researcher | Institut Pasteur de Tunis | Tunisia

Dr. Imen Larbi, a distinguished Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, currently serves as the Head of the Veterinary and Microbiology Laboratory at the Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunisia, where she leads innovative research on infectious and zoonotic diseases. She earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the National School of Veterinary Medicine, Sidi Thabet, and later completed a PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Tunis El Manar, focusing on the epidemiological surveillance of avian influenza virus in Tunisia. With over 15 years of professional experience, Dr. Larbi has developed deep expertise in animal health, zoonotic disease control, food safety, biosafety, and epidemiological surveillance. Her prolific research record includes publications in high-impact journals such as Virus Research, Virology Journal, Poultry Science, and Archives of Virology, addressing viral phylogenetics, zoonotic transmission, and public health risks. She has contributed significantly to international projects supported by the FAO, CDC, and U.S. Civilian Research Program, strengthening influenza surveillance and control programs in North Africa. A Certified Professional in Biorisk Management by the IFBA, she is a recognized expert serving on the National Committee of Experts in Animal Health and the Governing Board of the Institut Pasteur de Tunis. Her leadership and scientific excellence have earned her recognition in global veterinary and biosafety circles. In addition to her research and advisory contributions, Dr. Larbi actively participates in editorial and peer review activities for scientific journals, advancing veterinary microbiology and zoonotic disease research worldwide. She has 207 citations from 21 documents with an h-index of 7.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

1.Imen Larbi, (2025). Tracing the 2021 equine influenza outbreak: First characterization and phylogeographic analysis of H3N8 Florida clade 1 virus in Tunisia. Virology.

2. Imen Larbi, (2025). West Nile virus antibody prevalence in horses during the 2023 outbreak in Tunisia, North Africa. Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases.

Eze Ajaegbu | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Eze Ajaegbu | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Senior Lecturer | David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences | Nigeria

Dr. Eze Elijah Ajaegbue is a distinguished researcher currently serving as a Researcher on Vector Control and Cancer at David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Nigeria. He earned his B.Sc. in Clinical Medicine from Anambra State University, Uli, and has further enhanced his expertise with a six-month Data Science course at PORA Academy, Nigeria, complementing his strong foundation in biomedical research. Dr. Ajaegbue’s research primarily focuses on vector-borne disease control, cancer biology, and diabetes-related studies, integrating epidemiology, nutrition, and translational health sciences. Over the years, he has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications exploring the mechanisms of disease transmission, preventive interventions, and innovative strategies to improve patient outcomes. His dedication to scientific excellence has earned him multiple awards and recognitions for research innovation and community impact, reflecting his commitment to both academic and public health advancement. Beyond his research, Dr. Ajaegbue plays an active role in editorial and peer-review capacities for several scientific journals, ensuring the dissemination of high-quality research in his field. His work is further distinguished by extensive community engagement, where he has led programs in schools, hospitals, and local organizations to promote academic development, nutrition awareness, and health education. With a unique blend of rigorous scientific inquiry, data-driven research approaches, and strong mentorship, Dr. Ajaegbue continues to make significant contributions to health research, vector control, and community well-being, positioning himself as a leading figure in advancing public health initiatives in Nigeria and beyond. He has 54 citations from 13 documents with an h-index of 4.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Ajaegbu, E. E., Danga, S. P. Y., Chijoke, I. U., & Okoye, F. B. C. (2016). Mosquito adulticidal activity of the leaf extracts of Spondias mombin L. against Aedes aegypti L. and isolation of active principles. Journal of Vector Borne Diseases.

2. Osonwa, U. E., Ugochukwu, J. I., Ajaegbu, E. E., Chukwu, K. I., Azevedo, R. B., et al. (2017). Enhancement of antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride by complexation with sodium cholate. Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University.

3. Eze, E. A., Danga, S. P. Y., & Okoye, F. B. C. (2014). Larvicidal activity of the leaf extracts of Spondias mombin Linn. (Anacardiaceae) from various solvents against malarial, dengue and filarial vector mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). Journal of Vector Borne Diseases.

4. Lame, Y., Nukenine, E. N., Pierre, D. Y. S., Elijah, A. E., & Esimone, C. O. (2015). Laboratory evaluations of the fractions efficacy of Annona senegalensis (Annonaceae) leaf extract on immature stage development of malarial and filarial mosquito vectors. Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases.

5. Victor, C., Moses, O., Eze, A., Festus, O., & Charles, E. (2018). Isolation, identification, and evaluation of biological activities of Daldinia eschscholtzii, an endophytic fungus isolated from the leaves of Musa paradisiaca. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Mohamed Abouelkhair | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Mohamed Abouelkhair | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor | Rowan University | United States

Dr. Mohamed Adel Salaheldin Abouelkhair, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM (Virology and Immunology), is an Associate Professor of Virology and Clinical Immunology at the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, Rowan University, New Jersey. He earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Master of Science in Veterinary Infectious Diseases from the University of Sadat City, Egypt, followed by a PhD in Comparative and Experimental Medicine from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he also completed his postdoctoral research. Dr. Abouelkhair’s research spans veterinary and comparative immunology, viral pathogenesis, infectious disease diagnostics, microbial vaccines, and host-pathogen interactions, with particular focus on immunological mechanisms in companion animals and translational models for human health. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and has contributed to advancing molecular diagnostics and immunological assays used in veterinary medicine. His scholarly impact is reflected in multiple prestigious honors, including the Peggy Cotter Award for Outstanding Early Career Researcher from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), the ASM Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship, the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award nomination, and recognition at the University of Tennessee Research Foundation awards for a U.S. patent on Staphylococcus pseudintermedius virulence factors. Additionally, he has been awarded multiple Scholarships of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) projects and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Visiting Faculty Travel Grant. Beyond research, Dr. Abouelkhair actively serves the scientific community as Chair of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists Graduate Student Awards Committee and contributes as a reviewer and editorial board member for leading scientific journals in microbiology, immunology, and virology.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Elaadli, H., Badr, Y., Raouf, M., Kania, S. A., Elsakhawy, O. K., Altaib, H., & Abouelkhair, M. A. (2025). Isolation and molecular characterization of three Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains from dogs and humans in Egypt. Current Microbiology. Advance online publication.

2. Elsakhawy, O. K., & Abouelkhair, M. A. (2025). Genome mining reveals a sactipeptide biosynthetic cluster in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

3. Elsakhawy, O. K., Roozitalab, A., Abouelkhair, M. A., & Roux, S. (2025). Genome sequence of a bovine respiratory syncytial virus strain from a cow in Tennessee. Microbiology Resource Announcements.

4. Elsakhawy, O. K., Roozitalab, A., Abouelkhair, M. A., & Matthijnssens, J. (2025). Genome sequence of a Tetraparvovirus ungulate 1 strain from a cow in Tennessee, USA. Microbiology Resource Announcements.

5. Baker, E., Rich, S. M., Dennis, M., Miller, D., Su, C., Rosypal von Dohlen, A., Abouelkhair, M. A., Hamer, S. A., Jensen, A., & Gerhold, R. (2025). Pathology and parasitology of free-ranging coyotes from Tennessee and South Carolina.

Jack Ogony | Infectious Diseases | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Jack Ogony | Infectious Diseases | Outstanding Scientist Award

Research Associate | Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University | Kenya

Dr. Jack Ogony is a distinguished Research Associate at the Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Trainings (IRESSEF), with over 13 years of extensive experience in public health research across Sub-Saharan Africa. He is currently completing his PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, having previously earned a Master’s in Epidemiology from the same institution, a Postgraduate Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation from the Kenya Institute of Management, and a BSc in Medical Laboratory Science from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Dr. Ogony’s research primarily focuses on epidemiology, infectious diseases, climate change impacts on health systems, and vaccine and drug trial studies. He has contributed significantly to understanding the burden of Plasmodium falciparum and Dengue virus infections among under five in Western Kenya and the wider implications of climate change on African healthcare infrastructure. His work has been published in high-impact journals including Frontiers in Public Health, PLOS Global Public Health, and the East African Medical Journal, others, reflecting both the depth and breadth of his contributions. He has also served as Principal Investigator on multiple USAID-funded  under the Climate Adaptation Research Program (CARP). Recognized for his leadership and expertise, Dr. Ogony is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine. He has earned awards for scientific excellence and serves as a peer reviewer for multiple journals, contributing to the advancement of global health research and capacity building in and infectious disease control across Africa. He has 28 citations from 5 documents with an h-index of 2.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Ogony, J., Menya, D., Mangeni, J. N., Ayodo, G., & Karanja, S. M. (2025). Public health facility vulnerabilities, preparedness and health outcomes for P. falciparum and Dengue virus infected children under 5 years with acute febrile illnesses in Western Kenya. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1526558.

2. Ogony, J., Mangeni, J., Ayodo, G., Amulen, E., Scopas, F., Juma, T., … & Hannah, C. (2025). The stifling burden of climate change on African public healthcare systems. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1559737.

3. Ogony, J., Karanja, S., Menya, D., Mangeni, J., & Ayodo, G. (2024). Prevalence and risk factors of Plasmodium falciparum and Dengue virus infections among children below 5 years with acute febrile illnesses in Kisumu and Busia Counties. East African Medical Journal, 101(12).

4. Owusu Agyare, B., Eder, P., Shenai, S., Chendi, B. H., Carlson, C., Iradukunda, A., Mukoka, M., Ogony, J., Manigart, O., O., O., Ogbaini-Emovon, E., & Seida, A. A. (2024). Potential implications of the climate crisis on diagnostics. PLOS Global Public Health, 4(3), e0002935.

5. Ogony, J., Obiero, B., Tukhuwa, B., Gondwe, C., Kampeta, E., Orner, C., & Tiruneh, T. (2021). Research knowledge translation activities in Africa: An outlook of the opportunities and obstacles. International Journal of Scientific Advances, 2(5), 8.