Melkamu Dagnew | Infectious Diseases | Editorial Board Member

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Mr. Melkamu Dagnew | Infectious Diseases | Editorial Board Member

Lecurer | Bahir Dar University| Ethiopia

Melkamu Andargie is a dedicated scholar in plant pathology and plant disease management whose work reflects a strong commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural systems and improving crop resilience through scientific innovation. With a research background rooted in rigorous academic training at Bahir Dar University, he has contributed to a diverse portfolio of studies spanning plant–microbe interactions, disease epidemiology, biocontrol strategies, and the broader ecological dimensions of agricultural health. His publications demonstrate a wide-ranging expertise, from exploring the ethnobiological importance of animals in traditional medicine to investigating physiological interventions such as gibberellic acid seed priming for enhancing germination and early growth under salinity stress. He has also collaborated extensively on multidisciplinary assessments of environmental contaminants, including heavy metal accumulation in aquatic ecosystems, reflecting his broader interest in agroecological safety and public health. In the field of crop protection, his reviews and field-based research provide critical insights into the occurrence, distribution, and management of major cereal diseases, particularly rice and finger millet pathologies that threaten food security in vulnerable regions. His recent work highlights the potential of microbial biocontrol agents in managing destructive fungal diseases, underscoring his commitment to eco-friendly, scalable solutions for smallholder farming communities. Through active collaboration with national and international researchers across plant sciences, crop protection, microbiology, and environmental studies, he has built a research profile that contributes meaningfully to global scientific discourse. His scholarship has gained steady recognition through citations and readership across respected journals, reflecting both academic impact and practical relevance. Overall, Melkamu Andargie’s research advances evidence-based, sustainable approaches to plant health, while supporting agricultural resilience, environmental stewardship, and improved livelihoods for farming communities. He has 114 citations from 8 documents with an h-index of 4.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus 

Featured Publications

1. Kendie, F. A., Mekuriaw, S. A., & Dagnew, M. A. (2018). Ethnozoological study of traditional medicinal appreciation of animals and their products among the indigenous people of Metema Woreda, North-Western Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine.

2. Tsegay, B. A., & Andargie, M. (2018). Seed priming with Gibberellic Acid (GA₃) alleviates salinity induced inhibition of germination and seedling growth of Zea mays L. and Pisum sativum var. abyssinicum A. Braun. Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology.

3. Kindie, M., Andargie, M., Hilluf, W., & Amare, M. (2020). Assessment on level of selected heavy metals in Nile tilapia and Barbus fish species and water samples from the southern parts of Lake Tana, Ethiopia. Scientific African.

4. Andargie, M., Abera, M., Tesfaye, A., & Demis, E. (2024). Occurrence, distribution, and management experiences of rice (Oryza sativa L.) major diseases and pests in Ethiopia: A review. Cogent Food & Agriculture.

5. Andargie, M., Abera, M., Alemu, T., & Bekele, B. (2024). The potential of bacterial biocontrols in managing finger millet blast disease and promoting growth: A review. The Microbe.

Edward Egwuaba | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Edward Egwuaba | Public Health | Best Researcher Award 

Research Scholar | Ojukwu University | Nigeria

Dr. Edward Ukwubile Egwuaba is a distinguished scholar and medical sociologist whose academic and research career reflects a deep commitment to advancing knowledge in health systems, social behavior, and public health equity. As a faculty member in the Department of Sociology at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, he has developed extensive expertise in medical sociology, health-seeking behavior, reproductive health, substance use, and the sociocultural dimensions of healthcare delivery. His prolific research output spans numerous peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, addressing critical issues such as maternal and child health, gender-based violence, psychosocial rehabilitation of displaced populations, and the intersection of health and social inequality in developing societies. Through his collaborative research with scholars across Nigeria and beyond, Dr. Egwuaba has contributed significantly to multidisciplinary discourses on public health, development, and social change, fostering a better understanding of the behavioral and cultural determinants of health outcomes. His studies often integrate empirical sociological insights with applied health strategies, emphasizing the importance of sociocultural innovation in strengthening healthcare systems and achieving sustainable health equity. His contributions extend to several national and international conferences where he has presented groundbreaking papers on public health challenges, social behavior, and nation-building. Dr. Egwuaba’s scholarly influence continues to grow through his active participation in academic associations such as the International Sociological Association, the South African Sociological Association, and the Nigerian Sociological Society, where he promotes the integration of sociological perspectives into global health policy and practice. His research impact, marked by wide readership and scholarly citations, demonstrates his enduring contribution to the global discourse on health, social justice, and sustainable human development.

Profiles: Google Scholar |  ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Yılmazer, M., Altındiş, M., Cevrioğlu, S., Fenkci, V., Aktepe, O., & Sırthan, E. (2004). Afyon Bölgesinde yaşayan gebe kadınlarda toksoplazma, sitomegalovirus, rubella, hepatit B, hepatit C seropozitiflik oranları. Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Kocatepe Tıp Dergisi.

2. Oğurlu, M., Sen, S., Polatli, M., Sırthan, E., Gürsoy, F., & Cildağ, O. (2007). The effect of spinal anesthesia on pulmonary function tests in old patients. Tuberkuloz ve Toraks.

3. Afsin, E., Yaksi, O., Onal, A., & Bacaksiz, E. (2022). Tracheal schwannoma mimicking asthma. International Journal of Neuroscience.

4. Afşin, E., & Demirkol, M. E. (2022). Post-COVID pulmonary function test evaluation. Turkish Thoracic Journal.

5. Afşin, E., & Cosgun, Z. (2021). A rare cough complication: Internal oblique muscle hematoma. Radiology Case Reports.

Rebecca Muhunuza Nalule | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rebecca Muhunuza Nalule | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Senior Lecturer | Busitema University | Uganda

Dr. Rebecca Muhumuza Nalule is an accomplished Ugandan academic and senior lecturer in Mathematics with a distinguished career dedicated to advancing applied statistics, stochastic processes, and mathematical modeling in research and education. Her scholarly contributions span areas of Bayesian inference, spatio-temporal analysis, and meta-analytic methodologies, reflecting a deep commitment to using mathematical frameworks to interpret complex data structures and support evidence-based decision-making across multidisciplinary domains. She has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals, often collaborating with renowned statisticians and researchers from global institutions such as Örebro University in Sweden and Makerere University, Uganda. Her academic journey demonstrates a continuous pursuit of excellence, integrating mathematical rigor with practical applications that inform both the scientific community and policy-oriented research. Dr. Nalule has actively participated in international conferences and workshops across Europe and Africa, enhancing collaborative research networks and contributing to the global discourse on the role of mathematics in societal development. Beyond research, she has shown strong leadership in advancing women’s participation in science through her roles in regional and international organizations such as the Uganda Women Mathematicians and the Eastern Africa Network for Women in Basic Sciences. Her teaching portfolio encompasses undergraduate and postgraduate mathematics, emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, and research-driven pedagogy. Through her mentorship and outreach, Dr. Nalule continues to inspire a new generation of scientists and educators. Her work bridges theory and application, reflecting an enduring vision of mathematics as a transformative tool for innovation, problem-solving, and sustainable development within academia and society at large.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Skiadas, C. H., & Skiadas, C. (2020). Demography of population health, aging and health expenditures. Springer International Publishing.

2. Batiibwe, M. S. K., Nannyonga, B. K., Taliba, C., Nalule, R., & Puglia, C. (2020). Investigating math self-efficacy and math anxiety regarding gender, A-level math entry grade and mathematics achievement. Journal of Education and Practice

3. Bodnar, O., Muhumuza, R. N., & Possolo, A. (2020). Bayesian inference for heterogeneity in meta-analysis. Metrologia

4. Mbabazi, F. K., Osman, S., Kweyunga, E. H., Abubakar, M., Keikara, M. A., & others. (2023). An optimal control for Ebola virus disease with a convex incidence rate: Imputing from the outbreak in Uganda. Qeios.

5. Muhumuza, A. K., Mbabazi, F. K., Nalule, R. M., Mwasa, A., & others. (n.d.). Enhancing research output in higher institutions of learning: A case study of Busitema University research model. The Uganda Higher Education Review.

Sulymon Saka | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Rastegar Hoseini | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Rastegar Hoseini | Public Health | Best Researcher Award 

 Physiology | Razi University | Iran

Dr. Rastegar Hosseini is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Sport Physiology, with a specialized focus on Sports Nutrition. Serving as a faculty member at the Faculty of Sport Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, he has established a strong reputation for his work at the intersection of nutrition, exercise physiology, and athletic performance. His scholarly contributions reflect a commitment to advancing knowledge in exercise metabolism, dietary strategies, and physiological adaptations to training. Through extensive peer-reviewed publications in internationally indexed journals, Dr. Hosseini has contributed significantly to understanding the complex biochemical and nutritional determinants of performance and recovery in athletes. His research emphasizes the translation of laboratory findings into evidence-based nutritional protocols that enhance performance outcomes, promote metabolic health, and support sustainable athletic development. In addition to his academic output, he has been actively involved in national collaborations with sports federations, wellness centers, and interdisciplinary health networks, where his expertise has informed training methodologies and dietary planning. As a mentor and educator, Dr. Hosseini continues to guide postgraduate research projects that explore innovative nutritional interventions and metabolic adaptations in sport and exercise science. His work embodies a balanced integration of scientific rigor, practical application, and educational leadership, contributing meaningfully to both the academic community and the broader field of applied sports science. Through his collaborations with research groups across Iranian universities and active participation in national health and performance initiatives, he has reinforced the importance of science-driven approaches in optimizing human performance and well-being. Dr. Hosseini’s professional affiliations with leading sport physiology and nutrition societies further underscore his dedication to research excellence, academic integrity, and the advancement of knowledge that benefits both elite athletes and the general population through improved understanding of nutrition and exercise physiology. He has 417 citations from 52 documents with an h-index of 12.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Vitamin D and exercise improve VEGF-B production and IGF-1 levels in diabetic rats: Insights into the role of miR-1 suppression. (2025).

2. The role of the SIRT1 and mTOR pathways in exercise-induced β-cell senescence reduction in type 2 diabetes mellitus. (2025).

3. Kynurenine pathway modulation by exercise in multiple sclerosis: Implications for neuroprotection and inflammation. (2025).

4. Combined effects of sodium alginate supplementation with HIIT and MICT on CCK and PYY levels in men with metabolic syndrome. (2025). 

5. Demographic, cultural, and health correlates of physical activity and sports participation among adults in Kermanshah province, Iran. (2025).

Mohammad Mehdi Akbarin | Virology | Best Researcher Award

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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

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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

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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.

Mohamed Abouelkhair | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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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.