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| Daniel Alejandro Buitrago Medina |
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Colombia |
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Universidad de Antioquia - Doctoral Program in Epidemiology 2nd year
Master's Degree in Public Health – Universidad de Antioquia
Specialist in Epidemiology – Universidad de Antioquia
Field Epidemiology Training Program Graduate – National Institute of Health, Colombia
Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine
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Supervisor:
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Dr. Eliana Martinez Herrera
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Project Title:
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Public Health Surveillance. Exploration of a machine learning model for predicting the risk of snake bites in Colombia in the context of climate variability.
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Description
of the Project: Tropical snake bites are often overlooked as a serious public health issue with high mortality rates and potentially debilitating after-effects. In Colombia, the impacts are mainly felt by rural and vulnerable communities. Epidemiological surveillance systems that rely on passive monitoring have significant limitations, including delayed reporting, which often results in a response that is reactive rather than proactive. A limited understanding exists regarding environmental factors such as climate fluctuations (ENSO, MJO) and climate change, which can serve as ecological drivers, thereby modifying the usual distribution of snakes and, as a result, human-snake interactions. This study aims to enhance public health monitoring by creating and evaluating a predictive and early warning system, thereby enabling a proactive response to potential threats. The main aim of this study was to create and develop a machine learning model to assess the epidemiological risk of snake accidents at a subnational level in Colombia by integrating data on climate variability, climate change, and epidemiological factors. This study utilizes an observational analytical approach with a focus on data science methodologies. Algorithms will be trained and compared using historical data and machine learning tools to identify key predictors and generate risk estimates.
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| Maryann Wendy Akumu Buyu |
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Kenya |
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MSc Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi
MSc Research Fellow, University of Manitoba
BSc in Biology, University of Nairobi
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Biological characterisation of universal influenza vaccine that confers broad protection against multiple avian influenza strains by ADCC mechanisms.
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Description
of the Project: Influenza A viruses cause seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics, with outcomes ranging from mild to severe disease and death. Avian influenza subtypes such as H5N1 and H7N9 pose a major public health concern due to their ability to cross to humans causing mild to severe respiratory illness, as well as mortality in some cases. Current influenza virus vaccines require yearly updates to match the circulating subtypes of influenza viruses. However, genetic recombination mechanisms lead to emergence of new strains that may not be adequately covered by these vaccines. To address this challenge, my research focuses on characterising the immune responses induced by a vaccine incorporating the highly conserved M2 protein of influenza, with the goal of conferring broad protection against multiple virus subtypes. This approach would present a key step towards developing a universal vaccine and strengthening pandemic preparedness. |
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| Laxmi Gurung |
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Lamjung, Nepal |
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University of Manitoba, PhD student in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
M.Sc. in Medical and Molecular Microbiology, Mahidol University, 2020
B.Sc. in Medical Microbiology, Pokhara University, 2016
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Assessing cell-mediated and humoral immune responses induced by novel VSV-based Influenza vaccines..
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Description
of the Project: My project is to study immune responses induce by novel rVSV-based Influenza vaccines. The main objective of the study is to characterise CD8 and CD4 T cells through multi-parameter flow cytometry analysis and to detect anti-Influenza antibodies after immunization in BALB/C mice. This study will help to understand phenotypes and functions of the Influenza specific T cells. Moreover, the humoral response will be useful to assess the ability of the novel vaccines to recognise different Influenza strains. |
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| Mylene Mana Hadidjatou |
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Kenya |
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University of Nairobi, MSc. Medical Microbiology
BSc. Biomedical Sciences
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Antigen-Specific Immune response.
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Description
of the Project: Our project focuses on studying antigen-specific T-cell responses to Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections in the rectal mucosa. We aim to investigate how HLA/MHC allele diversity, especially those common in Kenyan populations, shapes immune recognition of these pathogens. Using techniques such as MHC multimer assays, intracellular cytokine staining (ICS), flow cytometry, and TCR sequencing, we will map both the clonality and functional profiles of T-cell responses. The project will also explore how the microbiome context (e.g., Prevotella- vs. Bacteroides-dominant clusters) modulates these immune responses. Ultimately, this work will provide new insights into host-pathogen interactions at mucosal sites, supporting strategies for vaccine design and STI immunotherapies. |
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| Clarissa Klenke |
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Canada |
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PhD, University of Manitoba, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
B.Sc. (Chemistry), University of Manitoba
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Supervisor:
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Dr. Aida Sivro and Dr. Lyle McKinnon
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STI prevalence, molecular characteristics and infection dynamics among key and high-risk populations in sub-Saharan Africa..
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Description
of the Project: Throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment is primarily symptom based with no active testing or surveillance activities. As such the epidemiology STIs, especially in communities disproportionately affected by chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human papillomavirus (HPV), is not well known. This project will determine STI incidence, prevalence, circulating strain diversity, co-infection dynamics, and antimicrobial resistance patterns to inform treatment guidelines and prevention strategies. Chlamydia and gonorrhea samples will undergo genetic testing, including screening for resistant mutations, while co-infections of HPV and bacterial STIs will be evaluated to determine their role in viral load and infection persistence and transmission. Ultimately, this research will provide actionable evidence to improve STI treatment policies, strengthen HPV prevention programs, and advance sexual health outcomes in marginalized communities. |
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| Janet Kemunto Kombo |
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Nairobi, Kenya |
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Master of Science in Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi
BSc in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kenya Methodist University
Higher National Diploma, Medical Laboratory Technology (Microbiology option), Kenya Medical Training College
Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology, Technical University of Kenya
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Investigating the role Cervical Interleukin 17 cytokines in influencing HIV-1 Infection Outcomes.
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Description
of the Project: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 infection is still a major global health concern, with women and young girls in the sub-Saharan region disproportionately infected. Mucosal tissues are the primary sites for the natural transmission of HIV-1 and the major reservoir for its replication. It is therefore important to understand the initial interplay between HIV-1 and mucosal immune factors which will steer prevention and curative strategies. Interleukin (IL)-17A, C, E, and F cytokines have been seen to shape immune responses to microbial pathogens in the female genital tract by maintaining mucosal integrity and enhancement of other immune responses. However, their role in HIV-1 infection is not well known. |
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