Dr Francis ATEBA NDONGO | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award |

Dr. Francis ATEBA NDONGO | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award| 

Chantal Biya Foundation, Cameroon

Professional Profiles:

SCOPUS

ORCID

 👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Dr. Francis Ateba Ndongo is an accomplished epidemiologist and public health expert from Cameroon with over 19 years of experience in clinical research and care for HIV-infected and -exposed children and youth. Currently, he works as an epidemiologist in the Division of Operational Research in Health at Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health. His vast experience spans HIV prevention, healthcare policy, community health, and emergency response, making him a leader in public health in Cameroon and beyond. His professional contributions extend to various national and international projects, especially in resource-limited settings.

🎓 Educational Background:

Dr. Ateba Ndongo completed his Doctorate of State in Medicine at the University of Yaounde I, Cameroon, in 2003. To deepen his expertise in epidemiology and public health, he pursued advanced degrees in France, earning a Master I in Public Health Methods in 2011, followed by a Master II in Public Health with an option in Epidemiology in 2012 from the University of Paris Sud 11. He later obtained his PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Paris Saclay in 2017. His educational journey is marked by specialized training and certifications in comprehensive HIV care, underscoring his dedication to improving healthcare for vulnerable populations.

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Ateba Ndongo’s research primarily revolves around HIV/AIDS, particularly in treating HIV-infected children, adolescents, and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa. He has contributed to developing and implementing strategies for HIV prevention and care, including clinical protocols, community linkage strategies, and capacity-building efforts. His work also involves operational research in health, allowing him to tackle practical challenges in public health policy and implementation. Additionally, he has contributed to the COVID-19 response in Cameroon, managing initiatives to curb the virus’s spread.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Throughout his career, Dr. Ateba Ndongo has received recognition for his contributions to public health and epidemiology. His leadership roles in major health initiatives and participation in the National Ethical Committee for Human Research demonstrate his respected position within the health sector in Cameroon. While details on specific awards are not listed, his professional advancements and roles reflect his impact and dedication to improving public health outcomes.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Ateba Ndongo has served in various impactful roles over the years. He has coordinated HIV clinical care and research for the Chantal Biya Foundation, focusing on pediatric and adolescent HIV care. As a Clinical Officer for the CAMPHIA 2018 Project, he supported technical implementations for national HIV guidelines and policies. Since 2020, he has been a Senior Lecturer in Public Health at the University of Garoua. Notably, he coordinated the COVID-19 response for the Cameroonian Red Cross from 2020-2021, showcasing his capability in emergency health management. Currently, he is an epidemiologist at the Ministry of Public Health and a member of Cameroon’s National Ethical Committee for Human Research, providing oversight for human-centered clinical studies.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Title: Tuberculosis Diagnosis in HIV-Infected Children: Comparison of the 2012 and 2015 Clinical Case Definitions for Classification of Intrathoracic Tuberculosis Disease
Authors: Marcy, O., Goyet, S., Borand, L., Delacourt, C., Godreuil, S.
Citations: 1
Index: Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
Year of Publication: 2022
Volume and Issue: 11(3), pp. 108–114

Title: Access to the Management of HIV-Infected Children: Overview of the Healthcare Supply in Cameroon in 2014 | Accès à la prise en charge de l’infection VIH pédiatrique – État des lieux de l’offre des soins au Cameroun en 2014
Authors: Penda, C.I., Zoung Kanyi Bissek, A.-C., Téjiokem, M.C., Njock, L.R., Koki Ndombo, P.O.
Citations: 0
Index: Revue d’Epidemiologie et de Sante Publique
Year of Publication: 2020
Volume and Issue: 68(4), pp. 243–251

Title: Low Rate of Early Vertical Transmission of HIV Supports the Feasibility of Effective Implementation of the National PMTCT Guidelines in Routine Practice of Referral Hospitals in Cameroon
Authors: Penda, C.I., Tejiokem, M.C., Sofeu, C.L., Warszawski, J., Faye, A.
Citations: 3
Index: Paediatrics and International Child Health
Year of Publication: 2019
Volume and Issue: 39(3), pp. 208–215

Title: A Treatment-Decision Score for HIV-Infected Children with Suspected Tuberculosis
Authors: Marcy, O., Borand, L., Ung, V., Blanche, S., Delacourt, C.
Citations: 35
Index: Pediatrics
Year of Publication: 2019
Volume and Issue: 144(3), Article ID: 2018-2065

Title: Mortality and Its Determinants in Antiretroviral Treatment-Naive HIV-Infected Children with Suspected Tuberculosis: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Marcy, O., Tejiokem, M., Msellati, P., Godreuil, S., Fournier-Nicolle, I.
Citations: 20
Index: The Lancet HIV
Year of Publication: 2018
Volume and Issue: 5(2), pp. e87–e95

Conclusion:

Dr. Ateba Ndongo’s impressive career in HIV/AIDS clinical care, research, and health policy makes him a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award, particularly within public health and epidemiology. His hands-on experience in clinical settings, combined with his ethical oversight and recent COVID-19 response, demonstrate both dedication and versatility. Enhancing his publication volume and broadening his research scope could further reinforce his candidacy, positioning him as a distinguished researcher on a global scale.

Prof Maria Tseroni | Infectious Diseases | Best Research Article Award |

Prof Maria Tseroni | Infectious Diseases | Best Research Article Award

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens,Greece

Professional Profiles:

SCOPUS

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

 👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Professor Maria Tseroni, RN, MA, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specializing in infection prevention and control within the Faculty of Nursing. With over 12 years of clinical nursing experience, Maria has excelled in infection control and public health response, contributing to pivotal health initiatives at both the national and international levels, including significant roles within the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

🎓 Educational Background:

Maria holds a PhD in Public Health from the Department of Nursing at the Technological University of Cyprus. She also earned a Master of Art in Health and Social Care Management from London Metropolitan University. She completed the prestigious European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET) offered by the ECDC, which further honed her skills in epidemiology and public health.

🔍 Research Focus:

Maria’s research is centered on infection prevention and control, epidemiology, and public health response. Her work emphasizes the development and implementation of communicable disease surveillance systems, particularly in crisis settings. She has led projects on malaria and COVID-19, developing surveillance protocols and contributing to emergency preparedness across healthcare systems.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Maria has received multiple recognitions for her expertise and contributions to public health. Her involvement with the WHO and ECDC as a trusted advisor on infection control guidelines and surveillance frameworks underscores her significant impact. She has been invited as a guest speaker at numerous national and international conferences and has served on the scientific committees of major health events.

💼 Professional Experience:

Throughout her career, Maria has held key positions in public health and infection control. She has served as a Scientific Advisor to the National Public Health Organisation (NPHO) of Greece, a Seconded National Expert at the ECDC, and currently, she is an Assistant Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her roles have included leading Greece’s COVID-19 preparedness, directing malaria detection programs, and supporting infectious disease surveillance in the Western Balkans and Türkiye.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Autochthonous Plasmodium vivax malaria in Greece, 2011″
Authors: K. Danis, A. Baka, A. Lenglet, W. Van Bortel, I. Terzaki, M. Tseroni, M. Detsis, et al.
Cited by: 206
Published in: Eurosurveillance, Volume 16 (42)
Year: 2011

“Practice and clinical decision‐making autonomy among Hellenic critical care nurses”
Authors: E.D.E. Papathanassoglou, M. Tseroni, A. Karydaki, G. Vazaiou, J. Kassikou, et al.
Cited by: 145
Published in: Journal of Nursing Management, Volume 13 (2), pages 154-164
Year: 2005

“Malaria in Greece: historical and current reflections on a re-emerging vector-borne disease”
Authors: K. Danis, A. Lenglet, M. Tseroni, A. Baka, S. Tsiodras, S. Bonovas
Cited by: 99
Published in: Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, Volume 11 (1), pages 8-14
Year: 2013

“SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare personnel with high-risk occupational exposure: evaluation of 7-day exclusion from work policy”
Authors: H.C. Maltezou, X. Dedoukou, M. Tseroni, P. Tsonou, V. Raftopoulos, et al.
Cited by: 83
Published in: Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 71 (12), pages 3182-3187
Year: 2020

“Consecutive Serratia marcescens multiclone outbreaks in a neonatal intensive care unit”
Authors: H.C. Maltezou, K. Tryfinopoulou, P. Katerelos, L. Ftika, O. Pappa, M. Tseroni, et al.
Cited by: 60
Published in: American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 40 (7), pages 637-642
Year: 2012

Conclusion:

Assistant Professor Maria Tseroni is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Research Article Award. Her impactful research and substantial contributions to infection prevention, control, and public health surveillance make her an ideal candidate for the award. With her strong background in project management, collaboration with international health bodies, and applied infection control, her research has already had meaningful public health impacts both within Greece and internationally. Addressing the suggested improvements could further enhance her candidacy and future contributions to global health research.

Dr Vandana Mukherjee | Epidemiology | Excellence in Research Award |

Dr. Vandana Mukherjee | Epidemiology | Excellence in Research Award

IBM Research – Almaden, San Jose,United States

Professional Profiles:

SCOPUS

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

 👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Dr. Vandana Mukherjee is a seasoned Research Scientist and Senior Manager at IBM, based in San Jose, California. She specializes in advancing artificial intelligence and cognitive software with applications in healthcare, genomics, and knowledge curation. With over 15 years of research and leadership experience, Dr. Mukherjee has led major projects that bridge cutting-edge technology with practical applications, particularly in the realms of natural language processing and functional genomics. Known for her strategic acumen and dedication to innovation, she has been instrumental in IBM’s breakthroughs in AI for healthcare and semiconductor solutions.

🎓 Educational Background:

Dr. Mukherjee earned her Ph.D. and advanced degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her educational foundation has enabled her to excel in both academic and applied research, focusing on the intersection of engineering and artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges in technology and healthcare.

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Mukherjee’s current research centers on AI-driven healthcare solutions, focusing on the development of natural language processing models, knowledge curation, and genomic analytics. Her work contributes to a deeper understanding of diseases linked to genomics and microbial life through metagenomics. At IBM, she leads efforts to innovate multimodal models in text analytics and machine learning, enabling transformative solutions that pave the way for new products and partnerships.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Throughout her career, Dr. Mukherjee has received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Young Alumni award from the Georgia Institute of Technology and the YWCA Silicon Valley Tribute to Women Honoree. These honors reflect her impact as a leader in both the scientific and business communities.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Mukherjee has been with IBM for over a decade, where she has held various leadership roles. Currently, she serves as the Senior Research Manager in the AI and Healthcare division, focusing on genomic and epidemiology solutions. Previously, she led the IBM Watson Health Imaging project, where her strategic direction was integral to the success of initiatives like the Medical Sieve radiology challenge. Her experience also includes extensive work in semiconductor manufacturing and memory systems development, where she managed global engineering teams to drive advanced technology in IBM’s power and mainframe systems.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Title: Creation and validation of a chest X-ray dataset with eye-tracking and report dictation for AI development
Authors: A. Karargyris, S. Kashyap, I. Lourentzou, J.T. Wu, A. Sharma, M. Tong, V.V. Mukherjee, et al.
Journal: Scientific Data
Citations: 92
Year: 2021

Title: On the role of artificial intelligence in medical imaging of COVID-19
Authors: J. Born, D. Beymer, D. Rajan, A. Coy, V.V. Mukherjee, M. Manica, P. Prasanna, et al.
Journal: Patterns
Citations: 81
Year: 2021

Title: Supercritical extraction and HPLC analysis of taxol from Taxus brevifolia using nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide+ ethanol mixtures
Authors: V. Vandana, A.S. Teja, L.H. Zalkow
Journal: Fluid Phase Equilibria
Citations: 51
Year: 1996

Title: Convolutional autoencoder based model HistoCAE for segmentation of viable tumor regions in liver whole-slide images
Authors: M. Roy, J. Kong, S. Kashyap, V.P. Pastore, F. Wang, K.C.L. Wong, V. Mukherjee
Journal: Scientific Reports
Citations: 42
Year: 2021

Title: Vapor-liquid equilibria in the carbon dioxide+ 1-propanol system
Authors: V. Vandana, A.S. Teja
Journal: Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data
Citations: 37
Year: 1995

Conclusion:

Vandana Mukherjee’s extensive experience in semiconductor and cognitive software research, coupled with her leadership and innovative contributions, make her a strong candidate for a Research Excellence Award. To maximize her potential, a focus on academic publications and increased community engagement could further bolster her impressive profile.

Mrs Lerato Lucia Olifant | Public Health | Best Researcher Award |

Mrs. Lerato Lucia Olifant| Public Health | Best Researcher Award

University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Professional Profiles:

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

 👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Mrs. Lerato Lucia Olifant is an adaptable and driven health science researcher specializing in health promotion. With a strong foundation in community-based research, she has built a reputation for leveraging her skills in stakeholder engagement, data management, and leadership. As a second-year Ph.D. student, she focuses on HIV PrEP interventions, particularly among adolescent girls and young women. Mrs. Olifant’s career is rooted in her passion for improving community health and applying research-driven strategies to promote behavior change.

🎓 Educational Background:

2024 (Ongoing): Ph.D. in Public Health – University of Johannesburg

2021: Master of Health Sciences in Transdisciplinary Health Promotion – North-West University

2017: BA Honours in Psychology – North-West University

2016: BA in Health Sciences – North-West University

2006: Matric – Seiphemelo Secondary School

Mrs. Olifant’s educational background highlights a strong focus on health sciences and psychology, culminating in her current Ph.D. program, where she is dedicated to researching vital public health interventions.

🔍 Research Focus:

Mrs. Olifant’s research centers around HIV PrEP interventions aimed at adolescent girls and young women. She is deeply involved in exploring strategies to empower and protect vulnerable populations through health promotion. Her work focuses on designing interventions that bring about positive behavior change, utilizing a combination of fieldwork, community engagement, and evidence-based approaches to address pressing health challenges.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Black Women in Science (BWiS) Fellowship – 2023 Cohort: A prestigious fellowship supporting women in STEM fields, equipping them with skills to succeed in their studies and careers.

Best Innovative Group Project Award – 2023: Received through the Black Women in Science Program, funded by the Department of Science and Innovation, recognizing her team’s innovative approach to solving social and business challenges.

Featured in a Book by Prof Phaswana-Mafuya (2023): Mrs. Olifant’s mentor-mentee relationship was highlighted in a book on research mentorship, reflecting her significant contributions and mentorship in academia.

These honors underscore Mrs. Olifant’s contributions to scientific research and innovation, particularly in health-related fields.

💼 Professional Experience:

Research Intern – Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (June 2021 – May 2022): Conducted research, data gathering, and analysis, while fostering community engagement and stakeholder relationships.

Project Facilitator – Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (January 2020 – December 2020): Managed fieldwork operations, coordinated with community forums, and facilitated training for field workers on upcoming research projects.

NRF Intern – Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (April 2018 – March 2019): Gained hands-on experience in data collection, fieldwork, and community health promotion.

Her roles reflect extensive experience in research management, community engagement, and health promotion.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Title:
Using Mobile Phones for Collecting Health Information in Sub-Saharan Africa During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons from the World Development Indicators

Authors:
OJ Baruwa, H Asare, L Olifant, P Bester, IM Kruger, C Ricci

Citations:
BMJ Global Health 7 (Suppl 2)

Index:
BMJ Global Health

Year of Publication:
2022

Conclusion:

Lerato Lucia Olifant’s extensive research experience, leadership, and commitment to community health promotion make her a strong contender for a Best Researcher Award. Her achievements, particularly in the realm of public health and health promotion, show that she is well-regarded in her field. To further strengthen her case for such an award, she could focus on increasing her academic publications, expanding her research impact globally, and securing funding for her research projects. Overall, her combination of practical skills, academic excellence, and recognized achievements make her a solid candidate.

Dr DECHENG WANG | Bacterial infection | Best Researcher Award |

Dr. DECHENG WANG | Bacterial infection | Best Researcher Award.

CHINA THREE GORGES UNIVERSITY, China

Professional Profiles:

SCOPUS

 👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Dr. Decheng Wang is an accomplished veterinary pathologist and researcher, with a solid foundation in microbiology and immunology. He has contributed to diverse fields, including infectious diseases, tuberculosis, immune system modulation, and antimicrobial peptides. With experience in both academic and international research environments, Dr. Wang has consistently pushed the boundaries of medical and veterinary science through his leadership and collaboration in groundbreaking studies

🎓 Educational Background:

Dr. Wang earned his Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology in 2008 from China Agricultural University, Beijing, China. Prior to this, he completed his M.S. in Veterinary Pathology in 2005 from Yunnan Agricultural University and his B.A. in Veterinary Medicine in 1999 from Yangtze University. His academic journey has equipped him with a deep understanding of veterinary science, immunology, and microbiology

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Wang’s research primarily revolves around infectious diseases, immunology, and veterinary pathology. His work includes exploring macrophage modulation in mycobacterial infections, immune evasion, granuloma development, and the development of antimicrobial peptides to fight infectious diseases. He is particularly focused on tuberculosis and pathogen-induced immune responses, investigating how these mechanisms can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

While Dr. Wang’s CV does not list specific awards, his recognition as a corresponding author in multiple high-impact publications indicates his leadership in the research field. His appointment as a visiting scholar at the NIH’s Tuberculosis Research Section also reflects the value of his contributions to infectious disease research.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Wang has held various prestigious positions, including serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Purdue University (2015-2017, 2022-2023). He has also been a faculty member in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at China Three Gorges University and Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University. His international exposure includes a position as a Visiting Scholar at the National Institutes of Health, where he contributed to cutting-edge research on tuberculosis and immune responses.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Title: IQGAP1 domesticates macrophages to favor mycobacteria survival via modulating NF-κB signal and augmenting VEGF secretion
Authors: Wen, X., Li, D., Wang, H., Zhang, L., Wang, D.
Journal: International Immunopharmacology
Year: 2024
Index: 138, 112549
Citations: 0

Title: Dynamic Bromine Vacancy-Mediated Photocatalytic Three-Step Three-Electron Oxygen Reduction to Hydroxyl Radicals
Authors: Wen, N., Huang, Y., Yang, Y., Kong, X.Y., Ye, L.
Journal: ACS Catalysis
Year: 2024
Index: 14(15), pp. 11153–11163
Citations: 0

Title: Protective effects of rabbit sacculus-derived antimicrobial peptides on SPF chickens against infection with very virulent infectious bursal disease virus
Authors: Wang, D., Yu, P., She, R., Wang, K.
Journal: Poultry Science
Year: 2024
Index: 103(7), 103797
Citations: 0

Title: Mycobacterial CpsA activates type I IFN signaling in macrophages via cGAS-mediated pathway
Authors: Ding, Y., Tong, J., Luo, G., Yan, B., Gao, Q.
Journal: iScience
Year: 2024
Index: 27(5), 109807
Citations: 0

Title: IFT27 regulates the long-term maintenance of photoreceptor outer segments in zebrafish
Authors: Han, S., Hu, Y., Jia, D., Cai, Y., Ren, X.
Journal: Gene
Year: 2024
Index: 905, 148237
Citations: 0

Conclusion:

Dr. Decheng Wang’s extensive research in microbiology, immunology, and veterinary pathology, combined with his international research experience and leadership in publications, makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work on important topics like immune evasion and tuberculosis, as well as his ability to collaborate across disciplines, is commendable. However, to strengthen his candidacy, further recognition through awards, broader scientific outreach, and citation metrics would enhance the visibility of his impact.