Damilola Sherifat Shaba | Public Health | Outstanding Contribution Award

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Ms. 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.

Profile: Google Scholar 

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

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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 🔮

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