Kenji Ota

Kenji Ota is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. He holds an MD from Kyushu University (2012) and a PhD in Biomedical Science from Nagasaki University (2021). His research focuses on biomarkers, emerging infectious diseases, and immunological responses to SARS-CoV-2, with notable contributions to vaccine efficacy studies and diagnostic test development. Ota leads the Iwasaki Lab, focusing on translational research in viral immunology and public health.

Recent work includes evaluating antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 infectiousness detection, analyzing serological responses to vaccine boosters, and developing rapid PCR systems for saliva-based diagnostics. His studies on MRSA molecular epidemiology and antibiotic efficacy in animal models demonstrate interdisciplinary research strengths.

Publications span high-impact journals like PLoS One, Vaccine X, and Microbiol Spectr, with a focus on bridging basic science and clinical applications. Current projects emphasize SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and diagnostic innovation in global health contexts.