Courtney M. Yuen is an Assistant Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital. She specializes in global health epidemiology, particularly focusing on childhood drug-resistant tuberculosis and its public health implications. Previously, she worked at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination. Her research emphasizes improving tuberculosis prevention and treatment strategies, including contact investigations and preventive therapy implementation. She collaborates with programs in Kenya and Peru to evaluate interventions aimed at reducing tuberculosis burden. Dr. Yuen’s work bridges clinical practice, epidemiological research, and global health policy. No specific scientific awards, grants, or advising records are disclosed in the provided text. Her ongoing projects include global health equity initiatives and tuberculosis case-finding strategies in resource-limited settings.
Emily Kendall, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is affiliated with the Center for Tuberculosis Research and is actively involved in clinical and epidemiological research focused on tuberculosis. Educational Background: B.A., Harvard University M.D., Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Residency, Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Fellowship, Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University PhD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2018) Her research integrates clinical data with mechanistic and computational modeling to address key challenges in tuberculosis transmission, diagnostics, and treatment optimization. She has contributed extensively to global health discussions through publications in high-impact journals such as The Lancet and Clinical Infectious Diseases . Her recent work emphasizes cost-effectiveness of pan-TB regimens, subclinical tuberculosis, and equity-centered approaches to TB elimination. Dr. Kendall's publications reflect a strong focus on modeling infectious disease dynamics, evaluating novel treatment strategies, and shaping public health policy. Her work frequently addresses the epidemiological and economic dimensions of tuberculosis control, with implications for global health policy and clinical practice. Scientific Contributions: Principal investigator for clinical trials in tuberculosis Contributor to WHO guidelines on TB treatment regimens Advocate for improved detection and care of subclinical and pediatric TB She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Kendall sees patients at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and is accepting new patients. Her research is supported by her role within the Center for Tuberculosis Research, where she leads modeling and epidemiological studies to inform public health priorities.
Narahara Chari Dingari is an Adjunct Professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), affiliated with the Data Science and Computer Science departments under the Graduate & Professional Studies division. His expertise spans biomedical engineering, optical sensing, and analytical chemistry. Education: PhD in Physics, University of Rhode Island (2007) Postdoc in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Harvard Medical School (2008) Postdoc in Applied Statistics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (2009) Research Interests: Dr. Dingari focuses on innovative spectroscopic techniques for medical diagnostics, including Raman spectroscopy for glycated analyte detection, non-invasive glucose monitoring, and cancer diagnosis. His work emphasizes portable diagnostic systems and label-free imaging methods. Key Article Trends: His publications from 2012–2018 highlight advancements in Raman spectroscopy applications for disease detection (e.g., diabetes, tuberculosis, breast cancer), algorithm development for lesion discrimination, and spectroscopic tools for environmental and industrial monitoring. Awards: 2011 Bioanalysis Young Investigator Award Advising & Grants: No formal advising or grant details are listed, though his research collaborations likely involve interdisciplinary teams in biomedical engineering and data science.
Professor Paul Langford is a Professor of Paediatric Infectious Diseases at the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London. His research focuses on respiratory and meningitis-causing pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and animal pathogens like Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP). Collaborations include work with the Royal Veterinary College London, University of Portsmouth, and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Centre. Key research areas include vaccine development, antimicrobial strategies, and understanding bacterial pathogenicity. Techniques employed include transposon-directed insertion site sequencing (TraDIS), sRNA inhibition studies, and genomic analysis of antibiotic resistance genes. His group investigates novel antimicrobial peptides and monoclonal antibodies for targeting pathogens like M. tuberculosis and Neisseria meningitidis. Research highlights include identifying APP genes essential for in vivo growth, developing CRISPR-based diagnostic platforms for Streptococcus suis, and creating biosafety-compliant tuberculosis infection models using Galleria mellonella. The team also explores phase-variable DNA methyltransferases in APP and biofilm formation dynamics. Collaborations span institutions globally, including the Animal and Plant Health Agency (UK), National University of Singapore, and University of Viçosa (Brazil). His work bridges veterinary and human medicine, addressing zoonotic pathogens and agricultural pathogen control strategies.
Dr. Brian Robertson is an Associate Professor in Systems Microbiology at the Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London. He is affiliated with the Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Section of Molecular Microbiology, Vaccine Research Network End-TB Tuberculosis, and Institute of Infection. His research focuses on Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis, vaccine development, and antimicrobial therapies, addressing the global burden of tuberculosis. Robertson’s work emphasizes improving diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines to meet the WHO End-TB strategy goals of reducing TB incidence and mortality by 2035. His research interests span microbiology, medical microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical sciences. He employs innovative models like Galleria mellonella and precision-cut lung slices to study host-pathogen interactions, drug efficacy, and vaccine candidates. Robertson’s team also explores molecular mechanisms of mycobacterial virulence, including lipid-mediated host protein inhibition and extracellular matrix degradation. Recent publications highlight advancements in BCG skin challenge models, antimicrobial peptide design, and the role of acidic microenvironments in TB progression. His work bridges fundamental research and translational medicine, aiming to combat drug resistance and optimize treatment strategies. Grants and collaborations likely support his research, though specific details are not detailed here. Robertson’s affiliations indicate strong institutional support for tackling tuberculosis through interdisciplinary approaches. His research aligns with global health priorities, emphasizing equitable access to effective treatments and preventive measures against TB.
Elizabeth Whittaker is a Professor of Practice in Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology at Imperial College London's Faculty of Medicine, with clinical roles as a Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases at St Mary's Hospital. She leads research and clinical initiatives in high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs), paediatric TB, and post-COVID-19 conditions. Key roles include National Clinical Lead for HCIDs in children (NHSE), Director of Research at West London Children's Healthcare (WLCH), and co-lead for HCID at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Affiliations: Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health (PaeCH), Vaccine Research Network, British Paediatric Allergy Infection and Immunity Group (BPAIIG), and PTBNET. Educations: MB BAO BCH (Trinity College Dublin, 2002), PhD in Immune responses to mycobacteria (Imperial College London, 2013), DTM&H (Gorgas Course, 2009). Her research focuses on infant immune development, TB susceptibility, and vaccine hesitancy, with emphasis on global collaboration. She leads projects like the Teen TB cohort study and contributes to WHO guidelines on paediatric TB. Her work addresses viral co-infections, genetic predisposition to severe infections, and long-term outcomes of emerging diseases like monkeypox and MIS-C. Publications highlight her expertise in post-COVID-19 syndrome, HCID management, and vaccination policy. Awards include the Bruno Orsi Medal for research excellence. She chairs national committees on TB, HCIDs, and vaccine hesitancy, advocating for integrated clinical-research pathways in child health. Grants & Funding: Wellcome Trust (PhD), multiple NHS research grants, and international collaborations through the IMPRINT and INVAR networks. Labs/Teams: Leads the Imperial College Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and collaborates with SATVI (South Africa) on TB research.
PhDr. Lukáš Kober PhD., MPH is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Catholic University in Ružomberok. He also serves as Director of the Slovak Chamber of Nurses and Midwives (SKSaPA) Office since 2020 and is a member of SKSaPA's Council and Presidium. His career spans nursing practice, academic roles, and public health advocacy. Education: Holds a PhD in Nursing, MPH in Public Health Management, and multiple specialized certifications from institutions like Trnava University and Slovak Medical University. Employment History: Over 15 years of experience including roles as Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at the National Institute of Tuberculosis (2004–2020), professional representative for Home Nursing Agencies, and lecturer in nursing education. Research interests focus on tuberculosis epidemiology, public health policy, infection control, and ethical aspects of nursing practice. He has led projects developing textbooks on infection prevention and rehabilitation procedures post-surgery. His work emphasizes healthcare workforce well-being and pandemic preparedness. Notable publications include studies on tuberculosis trends in Slovakia, nurse workload management during the pandemic, and ethical frameworks in palliative care. Awards include the prestigious 'White Heart' recognition for nursing excellence in 2016 and 2018. Current projects involve advancing nursing education standards and advocating for policies addressing healthcare worker mental health. He is actively involved in editorial roles for nursing journals and national health working groups.
Professor Gail Matthews is a leading Infectious Diseases Physician at The Kirby Institute , University of New South Wales, and Head of Infectious Diseases at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney . As a UNSW Scientia Fellow and NHMRC Career Development Fellow, her work focuses on HIV/viral hepatitis co-infection and long-term sequelae of COVID-19 . Research Interests : HIV, hepatitis B/C, antiviral resistance, clinical trials, immunology Awards : NHMRC Career Development Fellowships (Level 1, 2013; Level 2, 2019), UNSW Scientia Fellow (2019) Publications : Over 326 journal articles on topics including HCV reinfection , HIV/HBV coinfection , long-term SARS-CoV-2 outcomes , and infections in people who inject drugs . Email : gmatthews@kirby.unsw.edu.au
Dr. Win Min Han is an infectious disease researcher at the University of New South Wales' Kirby Institute, with additional affiliations as an Investigator with the AIDS Clinical Trial Group Network and Affiliated Researcher at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. He holds MD, MSc, and PhD qualifications with specialized training in clinical epidemiology and virology. His research focuses on HIV-related comorbidities in aging populations, viral hepatitis co-infections, and epidemiological patterns of infectious diseases in vulnerable groups. Primary interests include: Pathophysiology of aging with HIV Clinical trial design for co-infections Cancer epidemiology in immunocompromised patients Metabolic complications of long-term ART Public health interventions for key populations Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on longitudinal outcomes of HIV management, with recent work emphasizing geriatric syndromes, metabolic complications, and innovative treatment monitoring approaches. His 60+ publications demonstrate methodological expertise in cohort studies, clinical trials, and predictive modeling. Awards & Honors: 2024: IAS/ANRS Lange/van Tongeren Prize, CROI New Investigator Scholarship 2023: ACTG's International HIV Investigator Mentorship, CROI Scholarship 2021: APACC Young Investigator Scholarship 2020: AIDS 2020 International Scholarship 2019: Scientia PhD Scholarship (2019-2023) 2018: Multiple conference scholarships including CROI and International AIDS Conference 2017: Triple scholarships from International AIDS Society As an active member of the AIDS Clinical Trial Group Network, he contributes to multicenter studies on HIV comorbidities. His international collaborations span Thailand, Australia, and global research consortia.
Benjamin Hegarty is a Senior Research Fellow in the Asia and Pacific Health Program at the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, and a Research Affiliate at the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford. He holds a PhD from the Australian National University (ANU), an MA from Monash University, and a BA from Griffith University. His research bridges medical anthropology, transgender studies, and queer theory, focusing on health inequities and gender norms, particularly in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. He leads projects on transgender rights, HIV/AIDS policy, and the intersection of health and human rights for marginalized populations. Key research interests include the anthropology of technology, gender citizenship, and the globalization of transgender knowledge. Notable achievements include authoring The Made-Up State: Technology, Trans Femininity, and Citizenship in Indonesia (2022), which won the 2023 Anne Bolin and Gilbert Herdt Book Prize. He has also received the 2018 Australian Anthropological Society PhD Thesis Prize and ANU Gender Institute recognition. Current projects include a French Institutes for Advanced Studies Fellowship (2024–2025) exploring viral symbiosis and multispecies anthropology. Hegarty’s work appears in journals like Medical Anthropology , American Ethnologist , and Global Public Health . He is affiliated with initiatives such as the Australian Human Rights Institute and the Center for HIV AIDS Research at Atma Jaya Catholic University.
Dr. Howard Yim is a researcher at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), where he leads the Cancer Theme at the Microbiome Research Centre. His work focuses on the intersection of microbiome research and disease pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on gastrointestinal disorders and cancer. He maintains affiliations with multiple institutions, including serving as an Adjunct Research Fellow at Monash University. Dr. Yim completed his PhD in the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at The University of Hong Kong, where he identified viral and host proteins contributing to infectious diseases like AIDS and tuberculosis. His subsequent postdoctoral research at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, focused on inflammatory disorders including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). His research interests center on the role of microbiota in disease pathogenesis, particularly in colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and male infertility. Dr. Yim investigates how microbial communities interact with host immune systems through mechanisms involving cytokines, toll-like receptors, and cellular signaling pathways. His work spans from basic science of mucosal immunity to translational applications of microbiome manipulation for disease prevention and treatment. Analysis of Dr. Yim's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the microbiome's role in cancer development and treatment, particularly colorectal and pancreatic cancers, as well as male infertility. His research shows an evolving trajectory from basic immunology of infectious diseases to clinical applications of microbiome science, with increasing emphasis on therapeutic interventions and diagnostic applications of microbial analysis. The Milstein Travel Award, International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research, Bethesda MD, USA - 2012 Best Oral Presentation Award, the Hong Kong Society for Paediatric Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Hong Kong - 2008 Seymour and Vivian Milstein Student Research Travel Award, International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research, Bethesda MD, USA - 2006 Dr. Yim actively supervises ILP and Honors students, Higher Degree Research Students, and PhD students. His research is supported by multiple grants including a 2023 Cancer Australia grant titled 'A Novel Probiotic as a preventive strategy for Colorectal Neoplasia' where he serves as Chief Investigator. Previous funding includes NHMRC Early Career Fellowship (2013-2015), Ron Evans Cancer Research Fellowship (2012), and multiple Research Fund for the Control of Infectious Diseases grants from the HKSAR Government. As leader of the Cancer Theme at the UNSW Microbiome Research Centre, Dr. Yim directs research on developing next-generation probiotics against colon cancer, understanding the role of virome in colon cancer pathogenesis, and investigating the microbiome's role in male infertility and pancreatic cancer treatment. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications through collaboration with clinicians and industry partners.
Professor Guy Marks is a Conjoint Professor in the School of Clinical Medicine within the Faculty of Medicine & Health at the University of New South Wales. A distinguished respiratory physician, epidemiologist, and public health physician, he has led the Respiratory and Environmental Epidemiology group at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research since 1997. His work bridges clinical practice, epidemiological research, and public health policy with a focus on improving lung health globally. Professor Marks' educational background includes: Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (BMedSc MB BS) from the University of New South Wales PhD from the University of Sydney Membership in the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) Fellowship of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (FAFPHM) Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (FAHMS) Professor Marks' research program centers on lung health with specific emphasis on airways diseases, air pollution, and tuberculosis. His work spans epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and public health interventions aimed at improving respiratory health outcomes. He has a strong commitment to capacity building for lung health research, particularly in resource-limited settings. His research has significantly contributed to understanding the impact of environmental factors on respiratory diseases and developing effective strategies for tuberculosis control. Analysis of Professor Marks' recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a continued strong focus on tuberculosis epidemiology and control, air pollution health effects, and respiratory disease management. His work increasingly incorporates advanced methodologies including machine learning applications for tuberculosis detection, detailed air pollution modeling, and economic evaluations of public health interventions. Much of his research maintains a strong international perspective with significant collaborations across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Vietnam. Professor Marks is an active member of several professional societies: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand Australasian Epidemiological Association While specific details about his advising activities and grant funding are not provided in the available information, Professor Marks' extensive publication record and leadership of the Respiratory and Environmental Epidemiology group at the Woolcock Institute suggest substantial experience mentoring students and securing research funding. His work on tuberculosis prevention trials and air pollution health effects likely involves significant grant support. Professor Marks leads the Respiratory and Environmental Epidemiology group at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, which has been active since 1997. This research team focuses on population-level studies of respiratory diseases with particular expertise in tuberculosis epidemiology, air pollution health effects, and asthma/COPD management. The group maintains strong international collaborations, especially with researchers in Vietnam and other Asia-Pacific countries, reflecting Professor Marks' commitment to global lung health research and capacity building.
Professor Carl Feng is a faculty member at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the Central Clinical School and the Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases and Immunology). He is also a member of the Charles Perkins Centre. His research focuses on understanding host resistance mechanisms against respiratory pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Influenza A virus, with a particular emphasis on innate and adaptive immune responses. Key areas include cytokine biology, immune regulation, and granuloma formation in tuberculosis. Recent work includes studies on spatial features in tissue, host-pathogen interactions, and vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2. Research projects under Prof. Feng explore immune correlates of protection in human subjects through international collaborations, as well as the role of interferons and signaling pathways in pathogen control. His lab investigates both basic immunological mechanisms and translational applications, such as host-directed therapies for tuberculosis treatment. Prof. Feng has supervised students including Helen CHEN (Investigating microbial exposure in host defense), Pablo CRUZ GRANADOS (Menière's Disease immune landscapes), Lucia TANG (TB granuloma formation), and Wei XIAO (Immune landscapes of mycobacterial granulomas). He holds grants from bodies like the NHMRC and NIH, focusing on granuloma architecture, immune dynamics, and tuberculosis drug development. Key contributions include discoveries about Mycobacterium tuberculosis' evasion strategies, such as d-serine production under hypoxia, and the role of interferon gamma in SARS-CoV-2 control. His work bridges cellular immunology with clinical applications, aiming to translate mechanistic insights into therapies for infectious diseases.
Heather Feaga is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). She holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Microbiology from Penn State University, with postdoctoral research at Columbia University and teaching experience at CUNY/BMCC. Her research focuses on ribosome quality control mechanisms in bacteria, particularly Bacillus subtilis and pathogenic species like Bacillus anthracis. Key areas include ribosome stalling during developmental processes (sporulation/germination), translation stress responses, and antibiotic target identification. Her lab employs genetic screens, ribosome profiling, and biochemical approaches to study global translation control during spore development. Recent work highlights factors like YebC2, YfmR, and EF-P in resolving ribosome stalling and enhancing bacterial survival. Publications span topics from ribosome rescue pathways to antibiotic efficacy and bacterial pathogenesis mechanisms. Feaga’s research bridges fundamental microbiology with applied goals, aiming to identify novel antibiotic targets through understanding ribosome dynamics. Her work has been featured in journals like Molecular Cell, Journal of Bacteriology, and Scientific Reports, with ongoing studies on ribosome-associated quality control pathways and their evolutionary conservation.
Aro Velmet is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Southern California's Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, where he researches modern Europe, transnational history, imperialism, colonialism, science, technology, and medicine with emphasis on technological progress in statecraft and its unintended consequences. Education: Ph.D. History and French Studies, New York University, 2017 B.A. History, University of Pennsylvania, 2010 History and Political Science, University of Tartu, 2007 Velmet investigates how utopias of technological progress serve statecraft through political technologies deployed by experts and subalterns, focusing on French colonial governance and Baltic identity formation. His acclaimed book Pasteur's Empire examines microbiology's role in colonial administration across French Africa and Asia, revealing how African politicians, Vietnamese doctors, and international regulators shaped scientific applications. His work consistently bridges science, empire, and identity politics. His recent publications demonstrate a transnational methodology spanning Estonian post-Soviet transitions, French colonial science, and Baltic memory politics, with recurring themes of imperialism, technological governance, and identity construction. The scholarship shows particular strength in connecting scientific practices to broader political frameworks across diverse geographical contexts. Awards and Honors: Member, Estonian Young Academy of Sciences, 2021 – Honorable Mention, Alf Andrew Heggoy Prize for Best Book in French Colonial History, 2020-2021 Honorable Mention, Laurence Wylie Prize for French Cultural Studies, 2020-2021 European Commission Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowship, 2017 – 2019 Estonian Research Council, 2nd Prize, Best Dissertation in Humanities and Social Sciences, 2017-2018 Estonian Teacher’s Journal Annual Laureate, 2016-2017 Jerrold Seigel Fellowship in Intellectual History, 2016-2017 Josephine De Karman Fellowship, 2016-2017 Cultural Weekly Sirp Annual Laureate, 2014-2015 NYU Michel Beaujour Fellowship, 2014-2015 Society for Study of French History Best Article Prize, 2014-2015 Phi Beta Kappa, 2010-2011 Velmet has secured major research funding including a European Commission Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowship (2017-2019) and Josephine De Karman Fellowship (2016-2017), enabling extensive archival work on colonial science and European history. His visiting researcher position at the University of Tartu (2021-2023) further demonstrates institutional investment in his transnational scholarship.
