Victor Wallis | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Victor Wallis | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Berklee College of Music | United States

Prof. Victor Wallis, from Berklee College of Music, Boston, United States, is a distinguished researcher specializing in social theory, political economy, and public health. His work critically examines capitalism, socialism, and policy formation, addressing contemporary societal challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 on governance and social structures. With 72 scholarly publications, including open-access articles such as Covid-19 in the History of Capitalism and The Impact of Censorship on COVID-19 Policy Formation in the United States, alongside book chapters in respected outlets like Monthly Review and Socialism and Democracy, Prof. Victor Wallis demonstrates a strong and diverse research portfolio. His scholarship has been cited 203 times across 163 documents, with an h-index of 8, reflecting significant influence and academic recognition. Collaborating with 14 co-authors, his contributions bridge rigorous academic inquiry and social critique, highlighting his relevance and impact in contemporary research, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Wallis, V. (2025). Covid-19 in the history of capitalism. Capitalism Nature Socialism.

  • Wallis, V. (n.d.). Limits to growth

  • Wallis, V. (n.d.). Katsiaficas, George

  • Wallis, V. (n.d.). Monthly Review

  • Wallis, V. (n.d.). Zeitlin, Maurice

  • Wallis, V. (n.d.). Socialism and Democracy

  • Wallis, V. (n.d.). The Impact of Censorship on COVID-19 Policy Formation in the United States

 

Kidanu Hurisa Chachu | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kidanu Hurisa Chachu | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kidanu Hurisa Chachu,Network of Networks of HIV Positives in Ethiopia (NEP+), Ethiopia

Dr. Kidanu Hurisa Chachu is a seasoned Senior Public Health Specialist with over 16 years of extensive experience in the field. With a PhD in Public Health and advanced degrees in the same discipline, he has demonstrated leadership in managing national programs in HIV, TB, immunization, and environmental health. Currently serving as the Program Director at NEP+, he oversees strategic implementation across 300+ health facilities, coordinating community-based HIV care and psychosocial support. Previously, he served as a Technical Officer at UNDP, where he strengthened health and environment programs at the national level. His core strengths include project coordination, M&E, stakeholder engagement, data management, and advocacy. Dr. Kidanu is multilingual, fluent in English, Afan Oromo, and Amharic. His career is marked by data-driven decision-making, community impact, and successful partnerships with international donors, such as the Global Fund, UNAIDS, and PEPFAR.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

πŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Kidanu holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health from the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he is finalizing his doctoral research. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Haramaya University in Ethiopia, completed in 2008. Driven by a passion for community health, he further pursued his Master’s degree in General Public Health from Wollega University, graduating in 2016. Throughout his academic path, Dr. Kidanu has focused on strengthening health systems, improving disease surveillance, and addressing public health challenges in resource-limited settings. His studies emphasize a strong foundation in research, statistical analysis, and results-based management, all of which are evident in his professional approach. His academic background has been essential to his leadership roles and to his ability to drive impactful, evidence-based public health interventions.

πŸ’Ό Experience

Dr. Kidanu currently leads NEP+ as Program Director, overseeing HIV response strategies across Ethiopia. He manages over 600 adherence supporters and leads national initiatives like Community-Led Monitoring (CLM), economic empowerment, and mother support groups. Prior to NEP+, he served as Technical Officer at UNDP (2021–2024), providing strategic and technical guidance on health and environment programs. There, he collaborated with the Ministry of Health and Environmental Protection Authority to improve project outcomes, mobilize resources, and manage donor-funded initiatives. His earlier experience spans clinical practice, research, and M&E roles that focused on HIV, TB, immunization, and environmental health. Dr. Kidanu’s hands-on experience in fieldwork, stakeholder engagement, and donor coordination reflects his dedication to delivering sustainable public health outcomes and system strengthening across Ethiopia.

πŸ… Awards and Honors

While specific awards are not explicitly listed, Dr. Kidanu’s career achievements reflect recognition at both national and international levels. At NEP+, he led the successful scale-up of key initiatives including Community-Led Monitoring and economic empowerment programs for PLHIV, achievements often recognized by partner institutions and donors. His leadership has enhanced Ethiopia’s HIV treatment adherence and digital M&E systems. At UNDP, his work contributed to policy development and was praised for aligning with SDG targets and donor expectations, particularly in collaboration with the EU and MoH. His consistent success in grant writing, program reporting, and stakeholder coordination underscores a highly commendable career. His track record suggests recognition through internal promotions, project expansions, and trusted leadership in donor-funded programs, affirming his status as a key figure in Ethiopia’s public health sector.

πŸ”¬ Research Focus

Dr. Kidanu’s research focus centers on health systems strengthening, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and community-led HIV interventions. His doctoral work at UNISA contributes to the evidence base for improving adherence support, stigma reduction, and access to treatment in Ethiopia. His academic and field research explore the intersections of public health, environmental factors, and chronic disease management. He emphasizes participatory approaches, particularly Community-Led Monitoring (CLM), to generate real-time data and inform policy. Additionally, he’s contributed to studies involving maternal and child health, digital health systems, and the socio-economic empowerment of PLHIV. His evidence-driven strategies are reflected in national programs that integrate research findings into scalable interventions. His work contributes to global dialogues on sustainable HIV responses and health equity in low-resource settings.

Publication Top Notes

πŸ“˜ Prevalence and Factors Associated with Current Cigarette Smoking among Ethiopian University Students: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis – Journal of Addiction – Cited by: 21 – Year: 2020 πŸ”πŸš¬πŸ“Š
πŸ“˜ Strategies for strengthening same-day ART initiation, tracing people living with HIV lost to follow-up and viral load monitoring mechanisms in Ethiopia – HIV Medicine – Cited by: 0 – Year: 2025 πŸ§¬πŸ“ˆπŸ‘₯
πŸ“˜ Viral suppression among patients in HIV/AIDS care at healthcare facilities in Ethiopia: Same-day antiretroviral initiation – PLOS ONE – Cited by: 0 – Year: 2025 πŸ’ŠπŸ“‰πŸ₯
πŸ“˜ Retention of patients in HIV/AIDS care at the healthcare facility level in Ethiopia: Same-day antiretroviral initiation status – Unspecified Journal – Cited by: 0 – Year: 2024 πŸ₯πŸ”„πŸ§ͺ
πŸ“˜ Same-day antiretroviral therapy initiation and its association with viral suppression and retention in HIV care in Ethiopia – University of South Africa (Thesis) – Cited by: 0 – Year: 2024 πŸŽ“πŸ“šπŸ“‰
πŸ“˜ Strategies for strengthening same-day ART initiation, tracing people living with HIV lost to follow-up and viral load monitoring mechanisms in Ethiopia – HIV Medicine (duplicate) – Cited by: 0 – Year: 2025 πŸ”πŸ“ŠπŸ§¬

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. πŸ“

Publication Profile

Orcid

πŸŽ“ 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. πŸ“š

πŸ‘©β€βš•οΈ 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. πŸ₯

πŸ† 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. 🌍

πŸ”¬ 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. πŸ§ͺ

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)

 

 

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

πŸŽ“ 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. πŸ“ŠπŸŒŽ

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Journey πŸŽ“

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. πŸŒπŸ“ŠπŸ”¬

 

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. πŸ§¬πŸ©ΊπŸ“š

 

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. πŸŽ“πŸ†πŸ“Š

 

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. πŸ“ŠπŸ©ΊπŸ“–

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Sex‐specific associations of asthma acquisition with changes in DNA methylation during adolescence (29 citations, 2021) πŸ“„πŸ§¬
  • BMI trajectory in childhood is associated with asthma incidence at young adulthood mediated by DNA methylation (18 citations, 2021) πŸ“ŠπŸŒ¬οΈ
  • 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) πŸ“ˆπŸŒ¬οΈ
  • 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) πŸ“ŠπŸ©Ί
  • Epidemiological Studies on Risk Factors of Chronic Diseases (No citations, 2021) πŸ“˜πŸ“Š
  • Risk factors of myocardial infarction at later age in healthy middle-aged men (No citations, 2020) πŸ«€πŸ“Š
  • The Association of Asthma Acquisition with DNA Methylation Changes During Adolescence Is Gender-Specific (No citations, 2020) πŸ§¬πŸ‘©β€βš•οΈ
  • Association of BMI Trajectory in Earlier Childhood with Lung Function in Adulthood Mediated by DNA Methylation (No citations, 2020) πŸ“ˆπŸŒ¬οΈ
  • BMI Trajectory in Childhood Associated with Asthma at Young Adulthood Mediated by DNA Methylation (No citations, 2019) πŸ§¬πŸ“Š

 

Mohammadreza Chashmyazdan | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammadreza Chashmyazdan | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammadreza Chashmyazdan, Khoy Faculty of Medical Sciences, Iran

Dr. Mohammadreza Chashmyazdan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Iran. With a Ph.D. in Medical Library & Information Science from Kerman University of Medical Sciences (2022), his expertise spans health informatics, systematic reviews, and research data management. He has authored numerous impactful publications, including works on medical education trends, earthquake preparedness, and knowledge-based economies. Dr. Chashmyazdan’s interdisciplinary research emphasizes improving health systems through effective information management. Previously, he served as a librarian at Urmia University of Medical Sciences, showcasing his commitment to advancing academic scholarship. βœοΈπŸ“–πŸŒ

 

Publication Profile

Scopus

Educational Journey πŸŽ“πŸ“˜πŸŒŸ

Dr. Mohammadreza Chashmyazdan has a solid academic foundation in Medical Library & Information Science. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Iran (2008–2012), showcasing his early dedication to the field. He further pursued a Master’s degree at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (2012–2015), where he honed his expertise in medical informatics and data management. Dr. Chashmyazdan completed his Ph.D. at Kerman University of Medical Sciences (2017–2022), focusing on advanced research methodologies and systematic reviews. This academic journey reflects his commitment to advancing healthcare information systems and academic scholarship. πŸ“–βœ¨πŸŒ

 

Professional Experience πŸ’ΌπŸ“šβœ¨

Dr. Mohammadreza Chashmyazdan brings a wealth of experience in academia and library sciences. Since 2023, he has been serving as a faculty member at Khoy University of Medical Sciences, where he contributes to teaching and research in the medical sciences field. Prior to this role, he worked as a librarian at Urmia University of Medical Sciences (2021–2022), gaining valuable expertise in managing academic resources and supporting scholarly activities. His professional journey highlights his dedication to education, research, and knowledge dissemination in the healthcare and academic sectors. πŸŒŸπŸ“–πŸŽ“

 

Research Focus Areas πŸ”¬πŸ“šπŸŒ

Dr. Mohammadreza Chashmyazdan’s research spans diverse areas, including medical library and information science, systematic reviews, and health policy analysis. He explores topics like knowledge-based economies, research data management frameworks, and future trends in medical education. Additionally, his work addresses public health performance measurement, earthquake preparedness, and national health research systems. Dr. Chashmyazdan has contributed significantly to scientometrics, emphasizing scientific production trends and their alignment with health policies. His expertise bridges medical informatics, social sciences, and systematic evidence-based analyses, fostering innovation and informed decision-making in healthcare and academia. πŸŒŸπŸ©ΊπŸ“–

 

Publication Top Notes Β 

  • Future Requirements and Challenges of Universities and Higher Education Institutions in the Knowledge-Based Economy: Literature Reviews (2024) – Cited by: 0 πŸŒπŸ“–
  • Global, Regional, and National Burden of Allergic Disorders and Their Risk Factors in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990–2019 (2023) – Cited by: 96 πŸŒπŸ“Š
  • The Effect of Evening Primrose Oil on Cervical Ripening and Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2023) – Cited by: 0 πŸŒΊπŸ“ˆ
  • Research Data Management Frameworks: A Systematic Literature Review (2023) – Cited by: 1 πŸ’ΎπŸ“š
  • What Do Future Trends in Medical Education Mean to the Scientific Development of Iran’s Health System? (2023) – Cited by: 0 πŸ₯πŸ“˜
  • Factors Related to Earthquake Preparedness of Households Based on Social-Cognitive Theory Constructs: A Systematic Review (2023) – Cited by: 5 🏠🌏
  • Policy and Stewardship Landscape of a National Health Research System in a Developing Country: A Qualitative Study (2022) – Cited by: 3 πŸ©ΊπŸ“‘
  • Comparing Scientific Production of Prioritized Health Areas in Iran’s Comprehensive Scientific Map: A Scientometric Study (2020) – Cited by: 1 πŸ”¬πŸ“Š
  • Frameworks of Performance Measurement in Public Health and Primary Care: A Scoping Review and Meta-Synthesis (2020) – Cited by: 10 πŸ“πŸ“–
  • Scientific Productions in Obstetrics and Gynecology Pre- and Post-Health Reform Plan: A Scientometric Study (2019) – Cited by: 2 πŸ‘ΆπŸ“œ

 

 

 

 

Jim Hartman | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jim Hartman | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jim Hartman, United States

Jim Hartman, a retired Public Health Sanitarian, holds a Master’s in Preventive Medicine and a Bachelor’s in Microbiology from The Ohio State University πŸŽ“. With expertise in foodborne illness epidemiology, mold inspections, and childhood lead poisoning prevention, he has made significant contributions to public health. Jim is a Registered Sanitarian (Ohio R.S. # 1372) and an active member of NEHA and IAFP 🀝. His research includes predictive models for food safety and surveillance systems, with publications in Food Protection Trends πŸ“š. Jim’s dedication to health and safety underscores his impactful career in environmental health.

 

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education and Affiliations πŸŽ“πŸ€

Jim Hartman earned a Master of Science in Preventive Medicine from The Ohio State University, specializing in epidemiology and public health 🌟. His coursework included biostatistics, environmental health, and health economics, with a thesis using predictive modeling to identify food service code violations linked to foodborne illness 🍴. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, focusing on food microbiology 🧫. An active member of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) and the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) 🌍, Jim stays engaged in professional development. Additionally, he is a dedicated Masters swimmer, showcasing his commitment to wellness πŸŠβ€β™‚οΈ.

 

 

Skills and Qualifications πŸ› οΈ

Jim Hartman possesses extensive expertise in public health, with a deep understanding of Ohio and Columbus public health sanitary regulations πŸ™οΈ. As a Registered Sanitarian (Ohio R.S. # 1372), he has demonstrated proficiency in ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. His qualifications reflect a strong commitment to public health and environmental safety, contributing to his impactful career in areas such as food facility inspections, mold assessments, and childhood lead poisoning prevention. Jim’s skills underscore his ability to address complex public health challenges effectively, making him a respected professional in the field of environmental health 🌍.

 

Employment History πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’Ό

Jim Hartman served as a Public Health Sanitarian at Columbus Public Health (formerly the Columbus Health Department) before retiring 🌟. His most recent role focused on the Healthy Homes Program, where he conducted inspections related to childhood lead poisoning, asthma control, and mold hazards 🏠. Previously, he spent many years ensuring public safety through facility inspections and critical control point evaluations of food service operations, grocery stores, and bakeries πŸ›’πŸž. Jim’s dedication to public health and environmental safety has left a lasting impact on the community, showcasing his commitment to improving health standards and living conditions 🌍.

 

Research Focus

Jim Hartman’s research focuses on food safety, public health, and epidemiology. His notable work, Predictive Models for Food Code Violations, published in Food Protection Trends (2020), highlights his expertise in using data-driven approaches to enhance food safety protocols πŸ“Š. By developing models to predict food code violations, his research addresses critical gaps in preventing foodborne illnesses 🦠. This aligns with his broader interests in environmental health and public health regulations. Jim’s contributions showcase his dedication to improving food safety standards and ensuring public health through innovative and practical solutions 🚦.

 

Publication Top Notes Β 

πŸ“„ “Predictive Models for Food Code Violations”Food Protection Trends, 2020 πŸ—“οΈ | Authored by Jim Hartman ✍️