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

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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