Sylvia Kusemererwa | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sylvia Kusemererwa | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sylvia Kusemererwa, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Uganda

Dr. Sylvia Kusemererwa is a distinguished Scientist A, Project Leader, and Principal Investigator at MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. She holds an MBChB and MPH from Makerere University and has extensive experience in clinical research, epidemiology, and infectious disease management. Dr. Kusemererwa has led multiple clinical trials on HIV prevention, malaria vaccines, and COVID-19 research. She actively contributes to national health policies, serving as Chair of the Masaka Regional Referral Hospital Research Ethics Committee. Her work has significantly impacted public health in Uganda and beyond. 📍

Publication Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Kusemererwa earned her MBChB (2001) and MPH (2010) from Makerere University, equipping her with expertise in public health and clinical research. She pursued specialized training in project management (PRINCE2), global health leadership (Afya Bora Fellowship), and research ethics. She has completed advanced courses in statistics, epidemiology, and scientific manuscript writing. Her certifications include GCP from LSHTM and Citiprogram HSP. Her continuous learning reflects her dedication to high-quality clinical trials and ethical research governance. 📚

👩‍⚕️ Experience

Dr. Kusemererwa has held key positions, including Scientist A at MRC Uganda, Clinical Coordinator at TASO Mbale, and Medical Officer at Kampala Medical Chambers. She has been a Principal Investigator and Study Coordinator for numerous trials on HIV vaccines, COVID-19, and malaria. Her leadership in clinical research spans over two decades, significantly advancing Uganda’s infectious disease research landscape. She also mentors researchers and chairs ethics committees, ensuring adherence to international research standards. 🏥

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Kusemererwa has been recognized for her contributions to public health and research ethics. She is Chair of the Masaka Regional Referral Hospital Research Ethics Committee and a mentor in the MRC-CTU Mentorship Scheme. She has received fellowships in global health leadership and numerous accolades for her role in advancing vaccine research and ethical clinical trials in Uganda. Her commitment to scientific excellence has established her as a leader in biomedical research. 🌍

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Kusemererwa specializes in clinical trials for infectious diseases, focusing on HIV prevention, malaria vaccines, and emerging infections like COVID-19. She has led Phase 2 and 3 trials on HIV PrEP, vaccine efficacy, and maternal immunization. Her research emphasizes public health impact, implementation science, and ethical considerations in clinical studies. She collaborates globally to optimize vaccine deployment and improve healthcare interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. 🧪

Publication Top Notes

  • “Predictors of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among individuals in a HIV vaccine preparedness cohort in Masaka, Uganda” (2021)

  • “Assessing acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among participants in an HIV vaccine preparedness study in southwestern Uganda” (2022)

  • “Associations between intravaginal practices and incidence of sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis among women enrolled in the dapivirine vaginal ring trial (The Ring Study) in southwestern Uganda: a retrospective secondary analysis” (2024)

  • “Changes in self-reported risky sexual behaviour indicators among adults receiving regular risk reduction counselling and optional initiation of pre-exposure prophylaxis in an HIV vaccine preparedness study in Masaka, Uganda” (2023)

  • “Contraceptive Preference Among Women at Risk of HIV Acquisition in Southwestern Uganda” (2018)

 

 

Elham Hosseini | Nutritional Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Elham Hosseini | Nutritional Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Elham Hosseini, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Dr. Elham Hosseini holds a Ph.D. in Health Sciences from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Her research focuses on gestational diabetes, prediabetes, fasting diets, and nutrition interventions for chronic disease prevention. She has contributed significantly to journals like Journal of Nutrition, Nutrition Reviews, and International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health with several impactful publications. Dr. Hosseini has an extensive background in systematic reviews and meta-analyses on various health topics, including maternal health and diabetes. Her expertise also extends to nutritional science and its effects on metabolic diseases. 📚👩‍🔬

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Elham Hosseini completed her Bachelor’s in Food Science & Technology at Isfahan University of Technology, where she explored fermentation methods of citric acid using Aspergillus Niger under Prof. Mohammad Reza Shokrani. She then pursued a Master’s in Food Science and Nutrition at Ghent University, Belgium, with a thesis on the glycemic index and load as risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes in the Iranian population, supervised by Prof. Patrick Kolsteren. Dr. Hosseini earned her Ph.D. in Health Sciences from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, focusing on pregnancy outcomes of gestational diabetes with varying diagnostic approaches under Prof. Mohsen Janghorbani. 🎓💡

 

 

Work Experience

Dr. Elham Hosseini has extensive work experience across various sectors in food science and health research. Since 2018, she has focused on research in food, nutrition, and health sciences. Between 2014-2018, she was a Ph.D. student in Health Sciences, conducting research in the same field. Prior to that, Dr. Hosseini lectured on General Microbiology (2013-2014) and Fermentation Processes (2012-2013) at Azad University. She has also worked in food quality control, including positions in quality assurance for food products and scientific collaboration in microbial ecology at Ghent University. 🧪🍏

 

 

Research Focus

Assist. Prof. Dr. Elham Hosseini’s research centers around food science, nutrition, and health sciences, with a particular focus on gestational diabetes mellitus, microbial metabolites, and food quality control. She has contributed significantly to studies on antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori, pregnancy outcomes, and diabetes risk factors. Dr. Hosseini is also involved in systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning cardiovascular disease, fructose consumption, and dietary glycemic indices. Her work spans prebiotic carbohydrates, bioactive molecules, and the impact of fasting diets on metabolic conditions. 🧬🍽️📊

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Propionate as a health-promoting microbial metabolite in the human gut – Cited by: 629 – Year: 2011 🍽️🦠
  • Helicobacter pylori in Iran: A systematic review on the antibiotic resistance – Cited by: 122 – Year: 2015 🦠💊
  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of age at menarche and risk of type 2 diabetes – Cited by: 114 – Year: 2014 📊👩‍🔬
  • Helicobacter pylori in Iran: A systematic review on the association of genotypes and gastroduodenal diseases – Cited by: 94 – Year: 2012 🦠💡
  • Comparison of risk factors and pregnancy outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed during early and late pregnancy – Cited by: 53 – Year: 2018 🤰🍏
  • Incidence, risk factors, and pregnancy outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus using one-step versus two-step diagnostic approaches – Cited by: 34 – Year: 2018 🩺👶
  • Systematic review and meta‐analysis of diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus with one‐step or two‐step approaches – Cited by: 31 – Year: 2018 👶💉
  • Recent advances in oral delivery of bioactive molecules: Focus on prebiotic carbohydrates as vehicle matrices – Cited by: 16 – Year: 2022 💊🍏
  • The relationship between major food sources of fructose and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality – Cited by: 15 – Year: 2023 🍏💔
  • Maternal circulating leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukine-6 in association with gestational diabetes mellitus – Cited by: 12 – Year: 2023 🤰🧬
  • Leisure-time and occupational physical activity and risk of cardiovascular disease incidence – Cited by: 10 – Year: 2024 🏃‍♀️❤️
  • The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D in the Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery – Cited by: 9 – Year: 2022 🏥💊
  • Fasting diets: what are the impacts on eating behaviors, sleep, mood, and well-being? – Cited by: 7 – Year: 2024 🍽️💤
  • Dietary Advanced Glycation End Products and Risk of Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality – Cited by: 2 – Year: 2023 🍎⚰️
  • The effects of fasting diets on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – Cited by: 2 – Year: 2022 🥗🩺

 

 

Rutu Rathod | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rutu Rathod | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rutu Rathod, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, United States

🎓 Dr. Rutu A. Rathod, PhD, MPH, MBBS is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and a member of the Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences Program at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. She earned her PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Memphis, MPH from Texas A&M University, and MBBS from Sumandeep Vidyapeeth University, India. Dr. Rathod specializes in cancer epidemiology, DNA methylation, and health disparities. With numerous publications, honors, and funded research projects, she is advancing the understanding of social determinants of health and their impact on chronic diseases. 📊🌎

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Journey 🎓

Dr. Rutu Rathod is a dedicated public health professional with a strong academic foundation. She earned her Ph.D. in Epidemiology in 2021 from the University of Memphis, specializing in Biostatistics and Environmental Health Sciences. Prior to this, she completed her Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology in 2018 at Texas A&M University, gaining expertise in epidemiological research and biostatistical methods. Dr. Rathod began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree in 2015 from Sumandeep Vidyapeeth University, India, laying the groundwork for her career in healthcare and research. 🌍📊🔬

 

Professional Experiences

Dr. Rutu Rathod is an accomplished epidemiologist with diverse professional experiences. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor (Tenure-track) at the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and as a member of the Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences Program at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Her prior roles include Graduate Research Assistantships, focusing on DNA methylation, asthma, obesity, and prenatal alcohol exposure, as well as clinical roles as a physician and intern in India. 🧬🩺📚

 

Honors and Awards

Dr. Rutu Rathod has received numerous accolades for her contributions to public health and academic research. She earned the prestigious Gold Medallion as a Public Health Scholar at Texas A&M University in 2018. At the University of Memphis, she was recognized with the Student Accomplishment Award (2021) and multiple travel awards (2019-2020). Dr. Rathod also secured second place at the 32nd Annual Student Research Forum (2020) in Life and Health Sciences and received the School of Public Health Student Achievement Award. Her dedication to research and excellence is further highlighted by awards from the Department of Neuroscience. 🎓🏆📊

 

Research Focus

Dr. Rutu Rathod’s research centers on the intersection of epigenetics and respiratory health. Her work explores how DNA methylation mediates the impact of early-life BMI trajectories on asthma and lung function in adulthood. She investigates sex-specific associations between asthma and epigenetic changes, the role of methylation in coronavirus-related gene expression, and chronic disease risk factors like myocardial infarction. Dr. Rathod contributes significantly to understanding gene-environment interactions and their effects on respiratory conditions, with a focus on using epigenetic markers for disease prediction and prevention. Her research bridges epidemiology and molecular biology. 📊🩺📖

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Sex‐specific associations of asthma acquisition with changes in DNA methylation during adolescence (29 citations, 2021) 📄🧬
  • BMI trajectory in childhood is associated with asthma incidence at young adulthood mediated by DNA methylation (18 citations, 2021) 📊🌬️
  • Methylation of host genes associated with coronavirus infection from birth to 26 years (9 citations, 2021) 🦠🧬
  • Association of childhood BMI trajectory with post-adolescent and adult lung function mediated by pre-adolescent DNA methylation (7 citations, 2022) 📈🌬️
  • Association of asthma and rhinitis with epigenetics of coronavirus-related genes (5 citations, 2021) 🤧🧬
  • BMI trajectory in childhood is associated with asthma incidence at young adulthood mediated by DNA methylation (1 citation, 2021) 📊🩺
  • Epidemiological Studies on Risk Factors of Chronic Diseases (No citations, 2021) 📘📊
  • Risk factors of myocardial infarction at later age in healthy middle-aged men (No citations, 2020) 🫀📊
  • The Association of Asthma Acquisition with DNA Methylation Changes During Adolescence Is Gender-Specific (No citations, 2020) 🧬👩‍⚕️
  • Association of BMI Trajectory in Earlier Childhood with Lung Function in Adulthood Mediated by DNA Methylation (No citations, 2020) 📈🌬️
  • BMI Trajectory in Childhood Associated with Asthma at Young Adulthood Mediated by DNA Methylation (No citations, 2019) 🧬📊

 

Ayşegül Ilgaz | Public Health Nursing| Best Researcher Award

Ayşegül Ilgaz | Public Health Nursing| Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. AYŞEGÜL ILGAZ, Akdeniz University/Faculty of Nursing, Turkey.

Assoc. Prof. Ayşegül Ilgaz is a distinguished academic in Public Health Nursing at Akdeniz University, Turkey. With a rich educational background, including a Doctorate from Akdeniz University, she has dedicated her career to enhancing healthcare practices, particularly for vulnerable populations. Her research focuses on integrative nursing interventions and health promotion strategies, making significant contributions to public health. Prof. Ilgaz has published numerous articles in reputable journals and is committed to teaching and mentoring nursing students. Her work has earned her recognition within the academic community, further solidifying her role as a leader in her field. 📚👩‍⚕️

Publication profile

Googlesholar

Education and Experience

  • Doctorate in Public Health Nursing, Akdeniz University (2019) 🎓
  • Postgraduate in Public Health Nursing, Akdeniz University (2015) 🎓
  • Postgraduate in Public Health, Pamukkale University (2013) 🎓
  • Undergraduate in Nursing, Kütahya Dumlupınar University (2010) 🎓
  • Assistant Professor, Akdeniz University, Department of Nursing (2020 – Present) 👩‍🏫
  • Research Assistant (PhD), Akdeniz University, Department of Nursing (2019 – 2020) 🔍
  • Research Assistant, Akdeniz University, Department of Nursing (2013 – 2019) 🔍

Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Ayşegül Ilgaz stands out as an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her extensive contributions to the field of Public Health Nursing, particularly in addressing critical health issues such as loneliness among older women and improving health literacy across diverse socioeconomic groups. With a solid academic background, including multiple postgraduate degrees in Public Health Nursing, and a wealth of experience in research and teaching, she has made significant strides in the field, reflecting her commitment to advancing health outcomes in various populations. Her innovative approach to nursing education, as demonstrated through her research on the flipped classroom model and the integration of the Omaha System, positions her as a leader in contemporary nursing practices.

Professional Development

Assoc. Prof. Ayşegül Ilgaz continuously engages in professional development to enhance her expertise in public health and nursing. She has participated in numerous workshops and training programs focusing on innovative nursing practices, health promotion, and integrative care models. Her commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in her research, which aims to improve healthcare outcomes for diverse populations. Additionally, she collaborates with local and international institutions to share knowledge and best practices in public health nursing. Her dedication to education and research strengthens her role in shaping future healthcare professionals. 🌍🩺✨

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Ayşegül Ilgaz’s research primarily concentrates on public health nursing, emphasizing health promotion and integrative care. She investigates various aspects of healthcare, including colorectal cancer risk factors, health literacy, and interventions for older adults experiencing loneliness. Prof. Ilgaz aims to enhance nursing practices by utilizing frameworks like the Omaha System to address the unique needs of vulnerable populations. Her contributions significantly impact the nursing field, aiming to improve health outcomes through evidence-based practices. She is dedicated to advancing knowledge in public health and nursing, ensuring that research translates into practical applications. 📊❤️👩‍🔬

Awards and Honors

  • Best Researcher Award, Akdeniz University (2021) 🏆
  • Recognition for Excellence in Teaching, Akdeniz University (2020) 👩‍🏫
  • Best Poster Presentation at the National Public Health Conference (2019) 📜
  • Young Researcher Award, Turkish Nursing Association (2018) 🎖️
Publication Top Notes

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Ayşegül Ilgaz’s dedication to research and education in Public Health Nursing, alongside her innovative approaches to solving pressing health issues, makes her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also has practical implications for improving health and wellbeing in communities. Recognizing her achievements would not only honor her contributions but also inspire further advancements in nursing and public health.

Masuma Mishu Mishu | Public Health Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Masuma Mishu Mishu | Public Health Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Masuma Mishu Mishu, University College London, United Kingdom

Dr. Masuma Mishu: A Strong Contender for the Best Researcher Award

Publication profile

Scopus

Orcid

Education and Qualifications

Dr. Masuma Mishu earned her PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health (Dental Public Health group) from University College London in 2017, with research focused on the association of dental caries with height and weight in Bangladeshi children. She also holds a Master’s in Dental Public Health from the same institution, awarded with Merit, and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Dhaka Dental College Hospital, where she graduated with first position.

Professional Career

Since July 2022, Dr. Mishu has been a Lecturer in Public Health at University College London and a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the University of York’s Department of Health Science. Her roles involve teaching, curriculum development, and leading modules in Public Health. She also conducts public health research, leads two research projects as Principal Investigator (PI), and serves as a co-investigator on several others.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Mishu has received notable recognition, including a nomination for the UCL Provost’s Award for Best Student’s Public Engagement Project in 2016 and being a finalist in the UCL-UCLU Three Minute Thesis Competition in 2015. She also received an award from UCL’s R=T team for her contributions to the Research=Teaching book as part of the UCL Connected Curriculum Project.

Conclusion

Dr. Masuma Mishu’s extensive academic background, significant contributions to public health research, and active involvement in teaching and curriculum development make her an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her achievements and ongoing research reflect a strong commitment to advancing the field of public health.

 

Publication Top Notes

  • “Developing a Consensus Statement to Target Oral Health Inequalities in People With Severe Mental Illness”
    Health Expectations, 2024-08
    DOI: 10.1111/hex.14163
  • “The Effect of Adult Smoking Behavior on Children’s Exposure to Secondhand Smoke. An Analysis Based on Salivary Cotinine Levels Among Children in Dhaka and Karachi”
    Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 2024-06-19
    DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntae130
  • “Cross-culturally adapted psychological interventions for the treatment of depression and/or anxiety among young people: A scoping review”
    PLOS ONE, 2023-10-25
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290653
  • “Children Learning About Secondhand Smoke (CLASS III): a protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial of a school-based smoke-free intervention in Bangladesh and Pakistan”
    BMJ Open, 2023-07
    DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068620
  • “The global impact of tobacco control policies on smokeless tobacco use: a systematic review”
    The Lancet Global Health, 2023-06
    DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00205-X
  • “Co-creation of online learning in the Master of Public Health programme: perspectives from academics, learning designers and learning technologists”
    2023-04-19
    Source: University College London
  • “Letters to the Editor”
    Dental Update, 2023-03-01
    DOI: 10.12968/denu.2023.50.3.222
  • “The role of oral health‐related quality of life in the association between dental caries and height, weight and BMI among children in Bangladesh”
    Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 2022-12
    DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12707
  • “Exploring the contextual factors, behaviour change techniques, barriers and facilitators of interventions to improve oral health in people with severe mental illness: A qualitative study”
    Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2022-10-11
    DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.971328
  • “A Qualitative Study Exploring the Barriers and Facilitators for Maintaining Oral Health and Using Dental Service in People with Severe Mental Illness: Perspectives from Service Users and Service Providers”
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022-04
    DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074344