Ofon Elvis Amih | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ofon Elvis Amih | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

University of Buea | Cameroon

Author Profile

Scopus

Biography of Dr. Ofon Elvis Amih 🌍🧬

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Dr. Ofon Elvis Amih’s academic journey is rooted in his commitment to biochemistry, starting with his undergraduate studies at the University of Dschang, Cameroon. From 2006 to 2010, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a specialty in Clinical Biochemistry. His passion for this field led him to continue his studies at the same institution, where he earned a Master of Science in Biochemistry between 2010 and 2013, further specializing in Clinical Biochemistry. In 2014, Dr. Amih embarked on his doctoral studies, culminating in a PhD in Biochemistry with a specialty in Clinical Biochemistry from the University of Dschang in 2019. His doctoral research solidified his expertise in biochemistry and set the stage for his future contributions to the field.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS AND TEACHING 📚

Dr. Amih’s career in academia began at the University of Dschang, where he served as a Graduate Teaching Monitor from 2014 to 2021. In this role, he assisted in tutorials, practical lessons, and exam invigilation. His teaching career advanced further when he joined the University of Buea as an Assistant Lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences in October 2021. His work at the University of Buea involves mentoring students and imparting valuable knowledge in the field of biochemistry. In addition to teaching, Dr. Amih engaged in postdoctoral research with the TrypanoGEN+ Consortium from 2019 to 2022, where he worked on groundbreaking research related to genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Furthermore, he became a Bioinformatics Fellow with H3Abionet/H3Africa, contributing to the intersection of bioinformatics and biochemistry through collaborative projects across Africa.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON INFECTIOUS DISEASES🔬

Dr. Amih's research is deeply focused on the genetic markers associated with Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT). His manuscript, currently in press, titled "A Genome-wide association study reveals novel genetic markers associated with Human African Trypanosomiasis," marks a significant contribution to understanding this tropical disease. His research work bridges biochemistry and bioinformatics, with an emphasis on using advanced genomic tools to address pressing health issues in Africa.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌟

Dr. Amih has had a considerable influence in his field, particularly through his involvement in internationally recognized initiatives like the TrypanoGEN+ Consortium and H3Abionet/H3Africa. His contributions extend beyond research, as he is also shaping future generations of scientists and biochemists through his academic roles. His work has impacted the global scientific community, with his insights contributing to scientific journals and conferences worldwide. He has actively participated in numerous workshops and conferences, from local events in Cameroon to international collaborations, such as the H3ABioNet Online ‘Introduction to Bioinformatics’ training course in South Africa.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS🏅

Dr. Amih’s academic impact is further validated by his involvement in journal review activities for reputable publications such as Plos Computational Biology and the Journal of Bioscience and Medicine. His own manuscripts, particularly the upcoming publication on genetic markers for Human African Trypanosomiasis, are anticipated to contribute valuable citations in the field of clinical biochemistry and tropical disease research.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🔮

As Dr. Amih continues his academic and research endeavors, his legacy is likely to be defined by his contributions to both biochemistry and bioinformatics. His ongoing role at the University of Buea, coupled with his research collaborations across Africa, ensures that his work will leave a lasting impact on the scientific community, particularly in the areas of neglected tropical diseases and genetic research. Looking ahead, Dr. Amih is poised to expand his contributions through more collaborative research projects, potentially leading future generations of scientists and continuing to address critical health challenges in Africa. His deep expertise in both biochemistry and bioinformatics uniquely positions him as a leader in these intertwined disciplines.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 📑

"High Levels of Genetic Diversity within Nilo-Saharan Populations: Implications for Human Adaptation" 

  • Authors: Mulindwa, J., Noyes, H., Ilboudo, H., Ahouty, B., & Kabore, J.
  • Journal: Human Genetics
  • Year: 2020

"Copy number variation in human genomes from three major ethno-linguistic groups in Africa" 

  • Authors: Nyangiri, O.A. , Noyes, H. , Mulindwa, J. ,Hertz-Fowler, C. , Matovu, E.
  • Journal: Genomics
  • Year: 2020

"Molecular identification of different trypanosome species in tsetse flies caught in the wildlife reserve of Santchou in the western region of Cameroon"

  • Authors: Kamdem, C.N. , Tiofack, A.A.Z. , Mewamba, E.M. , Gomseu, E.B.D. , Simo, G.
  • Journal: Parasitology Research
  • Year: 2020

"Association between polymorphisms of IL4, IL13, IL10, STAT6 and IFNG genes, cytokines and immunoglobulin E levels with high burden of Schistosoma mansoni in children from schistosomiasis endemic areas of Cameroon"

  • Authors: Mewamba, E.M. , Noyes, H. , Tiofack, A.A.Z. , MacLeod, A. , Simo, G.
  • Journal: Genetics and Evolution
  • Year: 2023

"Evaluation of ITS1 rDNA primers for the detection and identification of African trypanosomes in mammalian hosts and tsetse flies."

  • Authors: Ofon, E.A. , Metiadjoue, M.C.C. , Kante, S.T. ,Fogue, S.P. , Simo, G.
  • Journal: Acta Tropica
  • Year: 2024

Paritha Arumugam | Gene Therapy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Paritha Arumugam | Gene Therapy | Best Researcher Award

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center | United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

Scopus

Orcid ID

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Paritha Arumugam's academic journey began at the University of Madras, Bharathi Women's College, where she earned her B.Sc. in Biochemistry in 1991. She continued her education at the University of Madras, Guindy Campus, obtaining her M.Sc. in Biochemistry in 1993, M.Phil. in Biochemistry in 1994, and Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 1998 under the mentorship of Shyamala Devi, C.S. Her academic excellence was recognized with numerous awards, including the Gold Medal for securing the first rank in her M.Sc. program and various other prestigious prizes from the University of Madras.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Arumugam's professional career is marked by significant roles in both academic and research settings. She served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) from 2004 to 2006, under the guidance of Dr. Punam Malik in the Division of Hematology-Oncology. She later earned an M.S. in Drug Development from the University of Cincinnati in 2011, where she was advised by Kevin L. Skare. Her academic appointments at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) have been pivotal. She progressed from Research Instructor in Pediatrics (2015-2019) to her current position as an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at the Translational Pulmonary Science Center, Division of Pulmonary Biology, beginning in October 2019.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON GENE THERAPY

Dr. Arumugam's research has significantly advanced the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology, with a particular focus on translational pulmonary science. Her work on developing a novel cell transplantation therapy, specifically Pulmonary Macrophage Transplantation, earned her a plenary talk at the NHLBI Celebration of 15 Years of Basic and Translational Progenitor Cell Research in 2023. Her research has garnered numerous awards, including the Excellence in Hemoglobinopathy Research Award from the National Institutes of Health and multiple abstract and travel awards from the American Society of Hematology.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Arumugam's impact extends beyond her direct research contributions. Her role in advancing clinical practices is underscored by her licensing and certification in Good Clinical Practice for clinical trials involving drugs and devices. Her expertise in conducting investigator-initiated studies according to FDA regulations and GCP has positioned her as a leader in the field, capable of managing investigational agents and overseeing the ethical conduct of clinical trials.

ACADEMIC CITES

Dr. Arumugam's academic excellence has been recognized with several citations and awards throughout her career. Notably, she has been a recipient of the Cincinnati Children’s Innovation Excellence Award in 2023 and the NHLBI Celebration of 15 Years of Basic and Translational Progenitor Cell Research Poster Award. Her scholarly contributions are also highlighted by her selection as a Translational Sickle Scholar by the National Institutes of Health.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Arumugam's legacy is defined by her dedication to advancing medical science and improving clinical practices. Her pioneering research on pulmonary macrophage transplantation and her contributions to hemoglobinopathy research underscore her commitment to translational science. Looking forward, Dr. Arumugam aims to continue her impactful research, mentor the next generation of scientists, and contribute to significant advancements in pediatric pulmonary biology and therapeutic developments.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Neutrophil extracellular traps activate IL-8 and IL-1 expression in human bronchial epithelia 2020(52)

FOXM1 nuclear transcription factor translocates into mitochondria and inhibits oxidative phosphorylation 2020(28)

Thrombin-PAR1 signaling in pancreatic cancer promotes an immunosuppressive microenvironment 2021(27)

Role of GM-CSF in regulating metabolism and mitochondrial functions critical to macrophage proliferation 2022(26)

A murine model of hereditary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis caused by homozygous Csf2ra gene disruption 2022(8)