Kunle Kassim

Dr. Kunle Kassim is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Microbiology in the College of Medicine at Howard University, Washington, D.C. His academic roles include teaching and research in microbial pathogenesis, drug discovery, and global health. He holds a PhD and MPH from the University of Minnesota and Johns Hopkins University, respectively.

Education:

• PhD in Microbiology, University of Minnesota, 1975
• MPH in Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 1980

Research Focus: Dr. Kassim’s work spans microbial pathogenesis, antimicrobial drug development, and epidemiology. He has conducted field and laboratory research on malaria, schistosomiasis, and maternal breast milk immunology, often collaborating with institutions like Obafemi Awolowo University (Nigeria) and Howard University’s Pharmacology Department. His research has been supported by NIH, WHO, and USAID grants.

Awards:

• Two Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Teaching Awards
• Multiple Teacher of the Year Awards from Howard’s College of Medicine Student Council
• Mentoring Awards from the American Heart Association and NIH Summer Research Programs

Advising & Grants: Trained numerous PhD students and contributed to Howard’s global health curriculum. Co-founded the Howard University summer training program in tropical disease research across Africa. Developed a Global Health course addressing disease outbreak control, water sanitation, and vaccine distribution strategies.

Labs & Collaborations: Collaborations include projects with Nigerian universities and Howard’s Pharmacology Department. Research has focused on diagnostics for urinary schistosomiasis, malaria’s impact on pregnancy, and bioactive plant extracts against cancer and malaria.