Dr. Ednah n. Ototo – Geography and Environmental Health – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ednah n. Ototo - Geography and Environmental Health - Best Researcher Award

University of Waterloo - Canada

Author Profile

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Early academic pursuits 🎓

Ednah n. Ototo embarked on her academic journey with a deep interest in parasitology, eventually earning a ph.d. in the field. she further expanded her expertise with certifications in implementation research for diseases of poverty and organizational development. her early academic training laid the foundation for a career that intersects health, climate change, and gender advocacy, aiming to uplift vulnerable communities. her commitment to research and learning has been the driving force behind her professional growth.

Professional endeavors 🏢

Ednah’s professional career spans over 12 years, during which she has worked with both local and international organizations. currently, she is serving as the women and water entrepreneurship network coordinator for the university of waterloo’s impower project. in this role, she focuses on co-creating a network that empowers women water vendors in kenya. she also holds the position of postdoctoral fellow at the same institution, where she designs and manages the women rise program, addressing the impact of covid-19 in kenya and uganda. her extensive experience in program management, proposal writing, and stakeholder engagement highlights her leadership in implementing meaningful interventions.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Ednah’s research focuses on areas crucial to sustainable development and public health, such as climate change adaptation, food security, water and sanitation, and disaster risk reduction. her expertise in monitoring and evaluation has been instrumental in shaping programs that enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations. Geography and Environmental Health she is passionate about integrating gender advocacy into her work, ensuring that women play a central role in climate resilience and community health solutions.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

Ednah has earned recognition for her significant contributions to various interdisciplinary projects, funded by prominent donors like usaid, dfid, idrc, and nih. her Geography and Environmental Health leadership in securing funding for health and environmental interventions has helped improve the livelihoods of crisis-affected populations in kenya and beyond. her innovative approaches to health, gender, and climate change have garnered the respect of colleagues and international organizations alike.

Impact and influence 🌱

Through her work, ednah has had a profound impact on the health and well-being of vulnerable communities. her research and program management have led to practical solutions in water, sanitation, and food security, directly benefiting populations affected by climate change and disasters. her ability to bridge the gap Geography and Environmental Health between research and real-world applications has made her a key figure in community health and climate resilience efforts.

Legacy and future contributions đź”®

Ednah’s legacy is defined by her commitment to empowering women and vulnerable communities through education, entrepreneurship, and health initiatives. her ongoing work with the university of waterloo on the women and water entrepreneurship network reflects her vision of sustainable, women-led solutions in water resource management. as she continues to lead impactful projects, her future contributions are poised to shape more inclusive and resilient societies.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Surveillance of malaria vector population density and biting behaviour in western Kenya
    Author: EN Ototo, JP Mbugi, CL Wanjala, G Zhou, AK Githeko
    Journal: Malaria Journal, 2015
  • Title: Forecasting the potential effects of climate change on malaria in the Lake Victoria basin using regionalized climate projections
    Author: EN Ototo, JO Ogutu, A Githeko, MY Said, L Kamau
    Journal: Acta Parasitologica, 2022
  • Title: Surveillance of vector populations and malaria transmission during the 2009/10 El Niño event in the western Kenya highlands: opportunities for early detection of outbreaks
    Author: EN Ototo, AK Githeko, CL Wanjala, TW Scott
    Journal: Parasites & Vectors, 2011
  • Title: Evaluation of universal coverage of insecticide-treated nets in western Kenya: field surveys
    Author: G Zhou, JS Li, EN Ototo, HE Atieli, AK Githeko, G Yan
    Journal: Malaria Journal, 2014
  • Title: Age-specific Plasmodium parasite profile in pre and post ITN intervention period at a highland site in western Kenya
    Author: EN Ototo, G Zhou, L Kamau, JP Mbugi, CL Wanjala
    Journal: Malaria Journal, 2017

Dr. Mahdi Shamali – Nursing and Health Professions – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mahdi Shamali - Nursing and Health Professions - Best Researcher Award

Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet - Denmark

Professional Profile 

SCOPUS

ORCID

Early Academic Pursuits

Mahdi Shamal's academic journey began with a robust foundation in nursing, earning both BSC and MSC degrees. His commitment to advancing healthcare led him to pursue a PhD in Health Sciences, where he developed a keen interest in clinical research and innovative healthcare solutions. His early academic endeavors were marked by rigorous research and a passion for improving patient outcomes, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to the field.

Professional Endeavors

Mahdi Shamal currently serves as a Consultant for Strategic Fundraising and Project Development for Research & Innovation in Healthcare at Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet. His professional journey is characterized by significant roles in multidisciplinary and international research environments. As a project manager for multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs), he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and project management skills. His teaching experience spans across nursing and medical students, where he has also organized workshops and presented at international conferences, sharing his expertise and insights with the global medical community.

Contributions and Research Focus

Shamal's research primarily focuses on the use of Virtual Reality in patient care, self-management in chronic diseases, and nursing care in critically ill patients. His contributions include significant advancements in dyadic data analysis methodology and the implementation of Virtual Reality solutions to address clinical setting Nursing and Health Professions challenges. Notable research projects include his postdoctoral work on the use of Virtual Reality during colonoscopies and international studies on readmission in heart failure and family experiences with heart failure. With 24 published articles, over 6500 citations, and an h-index of 12 on Google Scholar, Shamal's research has had a profound impact on the field of healthcare.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Mahdi Shamal has been recognized for his contributions to healthcare research. His publications in international peer-reviewed journals have garnered significant attention, reflected in his impressive citation indices. His collaborative work with prestigious institutions such as the Family Health in Europe – Research in Nursing (FAME-RN) network and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington underscores his influence and Nursing and Health Professions leadership in the field. These collaborations highlight his role in advancing global health initiatives and methodologies.

Impact and Influence

Shamal's research has significantly impacted patient care practices, particularly through his innovative use of Virtual Reality in clinical settings. His work on self-management in chronic diseases has provided new insights into the roles of family, nurses, and technology in patient care. His contributions to the methodology of dyadic data analysis have enhanced research techniques and outcomes in healthcare studies. Shamal's influence extends beyond academia, Nursing and Health Professions as his consultancy work and industry projects have facilitated the translation of research into practical applications, improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Mahdi Shamal is poised to continue his pioneering work in healthcare research and innovation. His commitment to advancing patient care through technological solutions and evidence-based practices ensures that his legacy will be one of significant contributions to both the academic and practical realms of healthcare. As he continues to explore new frontiers in Virtual Reality and chronic disease management, Shamal's future contributions are expected to drive further advancements in healthcare research, benefiting patients and healthcare providers worldwide.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Symptoms and signs as significant predictors of hospitalisation and mortality in patients with heart failure  2024

Nurses' attitudes towards family importance in nursing care across Europe  2023(7)

CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION AND VALIDATION OF THE PERSIAN VERSION OF THE FAMILY FUNCTIONING, 2023

The relationship of family functioning and family health with hospital readmission in patients with heart failure: 2023

Strategies and barriers of illness control after hospital readmission: perspectives of patients with chronic heart failure  2023