Julia Cummiskey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of the History of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. Her research focuses on the history of global health, biomedicine in Africa, epidemics, and public health campaigns. She is particularly interested in the intersections of global health practices with local contexts in East Africa. Dr. Cummiskey’s work combines archival research, oral histories, and collaborative projects with researchers in Africa. Her current project, Selling Health , examines the evolution of health communication strategies in East Africa from the 20th to 21st centuries, exploring how health-related products and behaviors were marketed through campaigns, commercial promotions, and informal channels. This work bridges African history, business history, and the history of medicine. Her research outputs include scholarly articles on topics such as AIDS research in Uganda, tuberculosis control in Baltimore, and colonial-era experimental fields in Bwamba, Uganda. She has also contributed to public health reporting through the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report . Dr. Cummiskey teaches courses on the history of science and medicine, including Health & Healing in Africa . She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and the decolonization of global health narratives in her academic work.
Dr. Naveen K. Vaidya is a full Professor at San Diego State University (SDSU) in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics . He received his PhD and M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics from York University, Canada , and M.Sc., B.Sc., and B.Ed. from Tribhuvan University, Nepal . His postdoctoral research was conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Western University, Canada . Research Interests : Dr. Vaidya specializes in applied mathematics and mathematical biology , focusing on modeling infectious diseases such as HIV, SARS-CoV-2, dengue, malaria, and tuberculosis. His work spans within-host and between-host dynamics, integrating differential equations , dynamical systems , optimal control , and biostatistics . Recent projects explore climate impacts on disease spread and machine learning in public health analytics. Scientific Awards : He has received prestigious honors, including the University of Missouri Faculty Scholars (2015/2016) Susan Mann Dissertation Award (2008) NSERC Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories (2008/2009) Travel Support Awards from NSF and MBI (2018) Simons Foundation Collaboration Grant (2020, declined due to NSF grants) Grants and Funding : Dr. Vaidya has secured multiple grants from the National Science Foundation (2016–2021; 2020–2023), Simons Foundation , International Mathematical Union , and SDSU Start-up Funds . He also organized the AMNS-2019 conference in Nepal and led workshops on collaborative research. Labs and Teams : As principal investigator of the SDSU-DiMoLab , he leads a multidisciplinary team studying COVID-19 , HIV , and other infectious diseases. The lab trains graduate and undergraduate students and collaborates internationally, particularly with Tribhuvan University, Nepal .
Professor Derrick Crook is a leading academic in medical microbiology at the Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford, while also serving as an Infectious Diseases Physician at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. He combines clinical practice with cutting-edge research on pathogen genomics and antimicrobial resistance. Education : Medicine (University of Witwatersrand); Diploma of Tropical Medicine (London); Internal Medicine Specialization (University of Virginia); Infectious Diseases Fellowship (Tufts New England Medical Center) His research focuses on translating whole pathogen sequencing into clinical practice, studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Escherichia coli , and Clostridium difficile . Key projects include the CRyPTIC program (20-country tuberculosis resistance analysis) and development of AI-powered rapid diagnostics. Recent publications demonstrate his team's leadership in using genomic data to predict drug resistance and analyze disease trends through electronic health records . The research emphasizes practical applications for infection control and antibiotic stewardship. Scientific Contributions : NIHR Health Protection Research Unit Global Pathogen Analysis System (GPAS) Mykrobe Predictor software development As co-director of Oxford Biomedical Research Infection Theme, he leads a multidisciplinary team working to modernize infection diagnostics and treatment approaches.
Shama D Ahuja is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and currently serves as Assistant Commissioner of the Bureau of Communicable Diseases at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Her research focuses on infectious disease transmission dynamics, molecular epidemiology, and public health interventions for vulnerable populations. She oversees surveillance and outbreak response for over 70 infectious diseases, with expertise in tuberculosis control and emerging threats like SARS-CoV-2. Dr. Ahuja holds a BS from Emory University, an MPH from Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health, and a PhD from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She has held leadership roles in organizations such as the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists and the Society for Epidemiology in Tuberculosis Control. Her work integrates epidemiological research with policy, emphasizing practical applications of molecular tools and surveillance data. Notable contributions include analyzing TB strain diversity in public housing and modeling future TB trends in NYC. Publications highlight her expertise in tuberculosis epidemiology, SARS-CoV-2 variant analysis, and vaccine effectiveness in long-term care facilities. She has co-led emergency responses for Superstorm Sandy, Ebola, and the recent pandemic.
Dr. Maru Castellanos Reynosa is a Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology & Communicable Disease Control at James Cook University (JCU), Australia. She holds a BSc in Chemical Biology (Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala), a Master’s in Medical Microbiology (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine), and a PhD in Epidemiology (University of Georgia). Her expertise spans infectious disease epidemiology, particularly tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV, with a focus on low-resource settings in Africa and Latin America. Research interests include: epidemiological study design, infectious disease transmission dynamics, and public health interventions. Her work emphasizes molecular epidemiology, co-infections, and climate impacts on pathogen spread. Key contributions include studies on TB social networks, HIV-TB co-infection outcomes, and malaria in pregnancy. Key Achievements: Recipient of the Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Program (2016) and Fulbright LASPAU Fellowship (2013) Teaching Excellence Award at JCU (2023) and Dissertation Completion Award (UGA, 2018) Over 35 peer-reviewed publications and 2 active research projects, including a capacity-building initiative for tropical disease control Professional Affiliations: Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, and Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).
Frederick R. Haselton is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering. His research focuses on developing low-cost, accessible diagnostic technologies for global health challenges, particularly in resource-constrained settings. He leads the Haselton Lab, a multidisciplinary team advancing innovations like Adaptive PCR, coffee ring-based diagnostics, and quantum dot imaging systems. Education : Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania; B.A. in Mathematics from Haverford College. Research Interests : Dr. Haselton’s work spans molecular diagnostics, nanotechnology, and global health. Key projects include: Adaptive PCR: A revolutionary PCR method using synthetic L-DNA for temperature-independent cycling, enabling point-of-care diagnostics. Coffee Ring Diagnostics: Leveraging evaporation phenomena to create simple malaria and tuberculosis tests requiring no electricity. Quantum Dot Imaging: Developing multispectral tools for retinal and cardiovascular disease monitoring. Global Health Collaborations: Leading LIGHT (Laboratories for Innovation in Global Health Technologies), a cross-disciplinary initiative addressing diagnostic needs in low-resource environments. Grants & Funding : Haselton has secured major grants from NIH, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and others for projects like tuberculosis detection via magnetic bead systems and mobile-connected diagnostic tests. Labs & Teams : The Haselton Lab collaborates with faculty across engineering, medicine, and chemistry. Current personnel include postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates working on projects ranging from HIV viral load monitoring to SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics.
Dr. Andrew Curtis is a Professor in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. He also holds a joint appointment in the Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on spatial epidemiology, context-driven spatial data collection, and spatial confidentiality, with methodological expertise in geospatial data collection and analysis. He previously directed the WHO Collaborating Center for Remote Sensing and Public Health and has advised numerous public health agencies internationally. His work addresses health disparities at neighborhood scales, disaster response, and spatial syndromic surveillance. Dr. Curtis has mentored 10 PhD graduates now working in academia and public health sectors globally. Education includes a PhD in Geography from SUNY Buffalo (1995), MA in Geography from SUNY Buffalo (1991), and a BA from Portsmouth Polytechnic (1987). He has taught courses in GIS for health, medical geography, and global health. His advisory roles include collaborations with the CDC, Red Cross, and public health departments in Ohio and internationally. His research has been applied to cholera outbreaks, opioid overdose patterns, and pandemic response strategies. He co-edited a special issue on health geography and serves on the editorial board of the Annals of the Association of American Geographers. Dr. Curtis' spatial video methodologies have enabled fine-scale mapping in informal settlements, disaster zones, and conflict-affected areas. His recent work includes geospatial support for Ohio hospitals during the pandemic and energy vulnerability analysis. He emphasizes participatory research and context-enriched data collection to bridge gaps between health research and actionable policy.
Mohsen Malekinejad is an Associate Professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine and serves as the director of the Center for Resilient Societies and Technology (CREST) . He is a core member of the RESILIENT network at the University of California system, focusing on pandemic intelligence and community resilience. His career spans 20 years of public health experience with expertise in evidence-based medicine, systematic reviews, and translating research into policy. Education: DrPH (UC Berkeley, 2008), MPH (UC Davis, 2003), MD (Tehran Azad University, 1999), Postdoctoral Studies (UCSF, 2009) Dr. Malekinejad's research addresses health disparities among marginalized populations globally, focusing on substance use disorders, HIV/HCV, and pandemic response strategies . His work includes methodological innovations for sampling hard-to-reach groups (e.g., homeless populations, drug users) and economic evaluations of public health interventions . Recent publications highlight systematic reviews on topics like COVID-19 exposure notification systems, TB testing cascades, and HIV risk behaviors . His methodological strengths include respondent-driven sampling, meta-analysis, and health equity frameworks. He has led major projects funded by NIH, CDC, and WHO, including the California Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Exposure Notification system implementation. Dr. Malekinejad also maintains an active role in graduate-level public health education and collaborates across disciplines to strengthen translational research.
Professor Anthony Coates is Professor of Medical Microbiology at St George’s, University of London, specializing in antibiotic development and tuberculosis research. He co-invented a platform technology for novel antimicrobial combinations and founded Helperby Therapeutics. His research examines dormant tuberculosis metabolism and antibiotic combinations against drug-resistant pathogens. He received £7M in grants from MRC, Wellcome Trust, and EU consortia including BacATTACK and PredictTB. He chairs the International Consortium for Trials of Chemotherapeutic Agents in Tuberculosis and serves on the GARDP Scientific Advisory Committee. His inventions are protected by 128 international patents.
Alexander W Kay, M.D., B.A., serves as Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine with specialized focus on Global Immigrant Health. Based full-time in Mbabane, eSwatini, he holds the position of Associate Director for the Global TB Program where he oversees clinical operations at the TB Centre of Excellence and directs clinical, translational, and operational research initiatives targeting pediatric tuberculosis and TB/HIV co-infection in high-burden settings. His academic foundation includes: BA from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States MD from University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, United States Residency at Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine, United States Fellowship at Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States Dr. Kay's research centers on advancing pediatric tuberculosis care through innovative diagnostics and implementation science. His current projects evaluate stool-based molecular assays for TB detection, investigate barriers to isoniazid preventive therapy uptake, and optimize active case-finding strategies. He maintains close collaboration with the eSwatini National TB Control Program to improve clinical management of children with complex TB and TB/HIV presentations, building on prior experience as a BIPAI physician in Lesotho. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in non-invasive diagnostic development—particularly stool-based molecular testing for pediatric and HIV-affected populations—and operational research addressing healthcare system challenges. His work spans diagnostic accuracy validation, cost-burden assessments, mathematical modeling of adolescent TB incidence, and implementation studies across Southern Africa, with concentrated efforts in eSwatini and Mozambique. Professional credentials include board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine and American Board of Pediatrics (Certificate of Knowledge), alongside active membership in the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and American Academy of Pediatrics' Pediatric Infectious Diseases section. As Associate Director of the Global TB Program, Dr. Kay leads research initiatives likely supported by institutional and global health grants, though specific funding sources aren't detailed. His role involves mentoring within the TB Centre of Excellence framework, but no formal student advisement is documented. He previously contributed to BIPAI's work in Lesotho and maintains this partnership in eSwatini. Operating at the TB Centre of Excellence—a dedicated pediatric referral facility for complicated TB cases—Dr. Kay collaborates with national programs to implement evidence-based practices. His team focuses on translating research into improved diagnostic algorithms and treatment protocols for children, with ongoing projects examining stool-based qPCR implementation, cost-reduction strategies, and HIV/TB integrated care models.
Salmaan A. Keshavjee, MD, PhD, ScM, serves as Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Center for Global Health Delivery. He concurrently holds appointments as Associate Professor of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Faculty Dean of Adams House at Harvard University. His leadership targets critical global health delivery challenges in regions including the Middle East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa through research, training, and policy engagement. Dr. Keshavjee's interdisciplinary foundation combines medical (MD), anthropological (PhD), and public health (ScM) training. This unique background informs his approach to health systems analysis and policy implementation across diverse cultural contexts. As a leading expert in drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment and the anthropology of health policy, his research examines the intersection of infectious disease control, social determinants of health, and structural barriers to care. Additional interests include mental health integration in TB programs, health economics, and digital health applications for disease screening. His fieldwork spans 16 years in Russia, Lesotho, and Pakistan, with extensive collaboration through Partners In Health. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus on tuberculosis prevention and treatment optimization, with growing attention to mental health comorbidities and artificial intelligence applications. His work addresses diverse populations including prisoners and household contacts across multiple continents, emphasizing regimen feasibility, health system barriers, and economic consequences of inadequate TB control. Key initiatives include the Zero TB Cities project aiming for tuberculosis elimination. Dr. Keshavjee has held influential policy roles including chair of the WHO/Stop TB Partnership’s Green Light Committee for MDR-TB Treatment (2007-2010) and co-authorship of U.S. Institute of Medicine policy papers, though no formal scientific awards are specified in source materials. Through the Center for Global Health Delivery, he mentors fellows in programs such as the Paul Farmer Global Surgery Research Fellowship and Global Mental Health Delivery Fellowship. These initiatives support implementation research in resource-limited settings through structured training and field placements. The Center operates six core programs—Infectious Disease, Mental Health, Noncommunicable Disease, Primary Care, Public Policy, and Surgery—developing evidence-based interventions through partnerships with institutions worldwide. Current priorities include scaling depression screening in TB care, optimizing preventive therapy regimens, and strengthening health systems in the Middle East and North Africa.
Bouke de Jong is a Professor and Unit Head of Mycobacteriology at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium. She holds a PhD and MD in Medicine, alongside an MSc in Epidemiology from the Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences and the University of Amsterdam. Her research focuses on molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium species, including tuberculosis (TB), Buruli Ulcer, and leprosy, emphasizing improved diagnostics, treatment optimization, and evaluating public health interventions to curb transmission. Supported by an ERC Starting Grant, she leads a team studying the impact of interventions on disease spread in endemic regions. Education and Academic Qualifications: PhD in Medicine, University of Amsterdam MD in Medicine MSc in Epidemiology, Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences Research Interests: Improved molecular diagnostics for TB, Buruli Ulcer, and leprosy Phylogeography and phylodynamics of Mycobacterium species Optimized treatment regimens for drug-resistant strains Public health strategies to reduce transmission Grant and Project Activity: Dr. de Jong oversees 82 active projects, including ERC-funded research on drug-resistant TB lineages and USAID-supported Tuberculosis Implementation Framework Agreements (TIFA DRC). Notable collaborations involve studies in The Gambia, Rwanda, Niger, the Comoros, and Cuba, addressing TB epidemiology, drug resistance, and clinical intervention efficacy. Scientific Contributions: Her work has advanced understanding of M. africanum, transmission dynamics of M. leprae, and the development of rapid diagnostic methods like ethanol-based RNA preservation and tongue swab culturing. She advocates for global health security funding and participates in clinical trials optimizing treatments for multidrug-resistant infections.
Adam Kleczkowski is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Strathclyde, where he holds the Global Talent Chair. He is actively involved in research, supervising PhD students, and contributing to public health policy, particularly in epidemiological modeling. University: University of Strathclyde School: Faculty of Science Department: Department of Mathematics and Statistics Position: Professor Email: a.kleczkowski@strath.ac.uk ORCID: 0000-0003-1384-4352 Twitter: @aklecz Education: Doctor of Science in Theoretical Physics, Jagiellonian University (1989) Master of Physics, Jagiellonian University (1984) Adam Kleczkowski's research focuses on mathematical biology, particularly in modeling infectious diseases in human, animal, and plant populations. His work integrates ecological modeling, bioeconomic analysis, and public health, with applications in food security, sustainability in aquaculture, and pollination services. He specializes in parameter estimation for epidemiological systems and develops models to inform disease control strategies. His recent contributions include modeling the spread of COVID-19 in Scottish care homes and analyzing the risks of measles outbreaks due to declining vaccination rates. His recent publications and blog posts reflect a strong trend in combining rigorous mathematical modeling with accessible science communication. He frequently writes for The Conversation and maintains two blogs—'Statistically (in)significant' in English and 'Pandemia 2021' in Polish—covering topics such as tuberculosis, immigration, aging populations, and election data. His scientific work is supported by major funders including NERC, MRC, BBSRC, Scottish Government, and Defra. Scientific Contributions and Outreach: Member, Science Advice and Response Team, Plant Health Centre (Scotland) Expert contributor to Scottish Government on Plant Health business case Contributor to Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland COVID-19 modeling Author of 14 articles in The Conversation (over 1.5 million reads) Regular science blogger and tweeter (@aklecz) He has led or participated in 24 research projects, including international collaborations such as a Memorandum of Understanding with ICRISAT. He has supervised multiple research students and projects, and his work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health, food security, and sustainable agriculture. He is also an Honorary Professor at the University of Stirling (2018–2020), reflecting his ongoing academic influence.
Henrice Altink is a Professor of Modern History and Co-Director of the Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre (IGDC) at the University of York. She holds a BA from Zwolle, MA from Nijmegen/Lancaster, and a PhD from Hull. Her research focuses on social inequalities in the Caribbean, particularly race, gender, and environmental vulnerability. Key works include Public Secrets: Race and Colour in Colonial and Independent Jamaica (2019) and studies on health policies in the British Caribbean. She has secured grants from the British Academy, GCRF, and Rockefeller Foundation. Education: BA (Zwolle) MA (Nijmegen/Lancaster) PhD (Hull) Affiliations: Co-Director, IGDC (2017–present) Former roles: Head of Department, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer Her research explores race/color discrimination in post-emancipation Jamaica, gender roles in Caribbean societies, and the intersection of social inequality with environmental risks. Recent projects include studies on artisanal gold mining in Ghana and disaster resilience in the Caribbean. She teaches modules on Caribbean history, decolonization, and Black radicalism. Altink advises on postgraduate research in Caribbean history, particularly decolonization and migration. She collaborates internationally, leveraging archives in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, and London. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to global development challenges, including health equity and urbanization.
Associate Professor Stephen Bell is a faculty member in the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences at the University of Adelaide, within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. He holds an academic rank of Associate Professor and leads research focused on enzyme catalysis, particularly cytochrome P450 enzymes. His work emphasizes biocatalysis applications in sustainable chemical synthesis and bioremediation, leveraging interdisciplinary methods from biochemistry, synthetic biology, and chemistry. Research Interests: Dr. Bell’s lab studies cytochrome P450 enzymes for their potential in oxidizing organic compounds, including steroids and terpenoids, with a focus on extremophile-derived enzymes for robust biocatalytic processes. Key areas include enzyme engineering, electron transfer partner identification, whole-cell oxidation systems, and structural studies via X-ray crystallography. Collaborative projects involve drug metabolism mechanisms, enzyme structure determination, and immobilization technologies for enhanced stability. Awards and Grants: His research has been supported by Australian Research Council grants, including Discovery Projects and a Future Fellowship. Notable achievements include founding the spin-out company Oxford Biotrans, which commercialized biocatalytic production of high-value compounds like flavor and fragrance ingredients. Teaching: He teaches inorganic, medicinal, and biological chemistry courses, covering reaction mechanisms, electron transfer processes, and transition metal chemistry. Supervision: Currently oversees 7-8 PhD students and has extensive experience mentoring Honours students. His group actively recruits candidates interested in enzyme engineering, biocatalysis, and synthetic biology. Labs and Teams: The lab focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to enzyme-based biocatalysis, with emphasis on scaling up reactions using fermentor technology and bioprocess engineering. Collaborations span structural biology, spectroscopy, and industrial partners for application development.
