Damilola Sherifat Shaba | Public Health | Outstanding Contribution Award

University of Illinois Springfield | United States

Damilola Sherifat Shaba is a dynamic and results-driven public health professional with extensive experience in health information management, data systems administration, and program development. Based in Springfield, Illinois, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership in designing and implementing digital health solutions that enhance efficiency, collaboration, and decision-making across public health sectors. With expertise in Microsoft SharePoint, Power Platform, Power BI, and Dynamics 365, Damilola has successfully led projects that bridge technology and healthcare operations. Her academic foundation includes a master’s degree in public health with a concentration in environmental health from the University of Illinois Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in health information management from Kwara State University. She has contributed to several impactful initiatives at institutions such as the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Federal Medical Center, improving workflow processes and public health outcomes. A passionate advocate for innovation in health informatics, her work has been recognized for advancing environmental health awareness and immunization programs. Damilola’s research contributions are supported by an h-index of 3, 5 scholarly documents, and over 40 citations, reflecting her growing influence in the fields of public health informatics and environmental health systems.

Featured Publications 

Ajayi, O. O., Wright-Ajayi, B., Mosaku, L. A., Davies, G. K., Moneke, K. C., et al. (2024). Application of satellite imagery for vector-borne disease monitoring in sub-Saharan Africa: An overview. GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 8(3), 400–411.

Davies, G. K., Davies, M. L. K., Adewusi, E., Moneke, K., Adeleke, O., Mosaku, L. A., et al. (2024). AI-enhanced culturally sensitive public health messaging: A scoping review. E-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks, 13(4), 45–66.

Ajayi, O. O., Wright-Ajayi, B., Mosaku, L. A., Davies, G. K., Moneke, K. C., et al. (2024). Enhancing infectious disease management in Nigeria: The role of artificial intelligence in diagnosis and treatment. Clinical Case Reports International, 8, 1670.

Shaba, D. (2025). Built environment, community design, and public health: Shaping healthier communities. APHA 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo.

Davies, G. K., & Amponsah, I. A. (2025). Impact of healthcare fraud on racial disparities in health outcomes in the United States. [Manuscript in preparation or conference paper, if applicable].

Dr. Nathalie Asherie – Medicine and Health Sciences – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nathalie Asherie - Medicine and Health Sciences - Best Researcher Award

Hadassah University Medical Center - Israel

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Nathalie Asherie began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology Engineering from ORT Braude College in Karmiel, Israel, graduating cum laude in 2000. She then pursued a Master’s degree in Microbiology at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, from 2002 to 2005. Her thesis focused on the involvement of the CD44 molecule in Type 1 diabetes of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. She continued her education at the same institution, earning a Ph.D. in Immunology, also with honors, and receiving the Excellence Prize for her Ph.D. thesis in 2012. Her doctoral research delved into the role of CD44 in Type 1 diabetes, identifying a redundant molecule, RHAMM, that supports the migration of inflammatory cells, and examining CD44’s role in β-cell demise.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Asherie's professional career began with a research associate position at Omrix Biopharmaceuticals, where she contributed to the development of life-saving products derived from human plasma. She then interned at Alomone Labs, focusing on polyclonal antibody design and production. Her extensive industry experience provided a solid foundation for her later roles in academia and clinical research.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Dr. Asherie's research focuses on finding applicative solutions to immune disorders, including autoimmunity, immune deficiency, and cancer. Her significant contributions include the optimization of anti-BCMA CAR-T cells, process development, Medicine and Health Sciences and CAR humanization. Her work on the anti-BCMA CAR-T based treatment for MM and AL is particularly noteworthy, having enrolled and treated nearly 80 patients. Her innovative research has been published extensively, highlighting her role in advancing cellular therapies and immunological treatments.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Asherie’s impact is evident in her numerous publications and the successful clinical trials she has led. Her work has garnered recognition in the scientific community, evidenced by awards such as the First Best Abstract Award at the 7th Congress on Controversies in Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies in 2022 and the Excellence Prize for her Ph.D. thesis. Her contributions to the field of immunology and cellular therapy have influenced current practices and opened new avenues for treatment.

ACADEMIC CITES

Dr. Asherie’s research has been widely cited in the scientific literature, reflecting her influence in the field. Key publications include her work on the anti-BCMA CAR-T cells published in Haematologica and the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Medicine and Health Sciences which have contributed significantly to the understanding and treatment of multiple myeloma and other immune-related disorders. Her research on the molecular mechanisms involving miR-103 in glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis of hemopoietic tumor cells has also been influential.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Asherie’s legacy is marked by her pioneering research and successful implementation of advanced cellular therapies. Her work on CAR-T cell therapy for cancer treatment represents a significant advancement in the field. Moving forward, she aims to continue her research in immunology, focusing on developing novel treatments for immune disorders and enhancing the efficacy of existing therapies. Her commitment to training new personnel and her ongoing contributions to clinical trials ensure that her impact will extend well into the future.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Development and Validation of a Prediction Model of Outcome After B-Cell Maturation Antigen-Directed   2024(1)

Clonal Myeloid Dysplasia Following CAR T-Cell Therapy: Chicken or the Egg?   2023(3)

Development and manufacturing of novel locally produced anti-BCMA CART cells for the treatment   2023(9)

Early lymphocyte collection for anti-CD19 CART production improves T-cell fitness in patients with relapsed/refractory  2023(4)

Feasibility of a Novel Academic BCMA-CART (HBI0101) for the Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory AL Amyloidosis   2022(11)