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| Israel Abook |
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Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
University of Manitoba/UoN, BCDI Scholarship program
Bachelors of Science in Clinical Medicine and Surgery
Masters of Science in Tropical and Infectious Diseases
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Supervisor:
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Dr. Keith Fowke & Dr. Julie Lajoie
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Project Title:
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Assessing genital inflammation using acetylsalicylic acid as a means of reducing HIV Risk.
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Description
of the Project: My research project investigates whether low-dose aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) can reduce inflammation in the female genital tract (FGT) and consequently decrease the availability of HIV target cells. The study will assess whether ASA produces a dose-dependent reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-a, and selected chemokines involved in immune cell recruitment.
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| Matrona Mbendo Akiso |
| Home
Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
Ph.D in Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi
MSc in Biotechnology
BSc in Biochemistry
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Project Title:
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Assessing the correlation between HIV-1 viral trapping in cervicovaginal mucus and levels of anti-HIV-1 binding antibodies in paired cervicovaginal mucus and serum samples..
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Description
of the Project: The cervicovaginal mucosa acts as the first line of defence against HIV-1 during sexual exposure, functioning both as a physical barrier and an immunological shield. Enhancing this barrier’s efficacy is crucial and heavily relies on immune components, particularly antibodies present in cervicovaginal mucus (CVM). This project aims to assess the association between viral trapping ability of CVM and the levels of either systemic or mucosal anti-gp120 and anti-gp41 subunits with the expectation of identifying whether antibodies targeting specific regions of the HIV-1 envelope demonstrate greater efficiency in viral trapping within CVM. Furthermore, this project will determine if systemic antibody titres can serve as a reliable proxy for mucosal functional protection. These findings will provide critical insights into immune compartmentalization and inform the development of next-generation mucosal vaccines and microbicides tailored to enhance the “first line mucosal defence” in women. |
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| Regan Atuta |
| Home
Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
MSc. Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi
BSc. Medical Laboratory Sciences, Maseno University
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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The impact of menopause and HIV infection on the systemic and mucosal T cell phenotypes.
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Description
of the Project: While the population of women aging with HIV continues to grow, research has predominantly focused on the younger reproductive age group, leaving a critical knowledge gap on the interplay between menopause, HIV infection and immune function. This study investigates how transition into menopause and chronic HIV infection drives changes in the T cell phenotypes among women. This is a crucial step towards optimizing healthy aging, reducing HIV susceptibility and improving clinical outcomes in those aging with HIV. Using a multi-parameter flow cytometry, we are phenotyping systemic and mucosal T cells and measuring their activation, exhaustion, senescence and memory differentiation. |
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| Daniel Alejandro Buitrago Medina |
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Country: |
Colombia |
| Degree: |
PhD in Epidemiology, Universidad de Antioquia
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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Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
MSc Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi
MSc Research Fellow, University of Manitoba
BSc in Biology, University of Nairobi
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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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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| Chibuzor Emmanuel |
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Country: |
Nigeria |
| Degree: |
PhD in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases - University of Manitoba
Masters Degre in Biomedical Science – University of Chester, United Kingdom
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology – Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Nigeria.
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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The Impact of IL-23 inhibition on GI Tract & Systemic Th17 cell subsets, and the Gut Microbiome of IBD Patients.
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Description
of the Project: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract in which dysregulated immune responses contribute to ongoing intestinal inflammation. My PhD research investigates how inhibition of the IL-23 pathway affects Th17 cells, particularly whether treatment shifts these cells from a pathogenic inflammatory phenotype toward a more regulatory or non-pathogenic state. Using blood and intestinal biopsy samples from individuals with IBD, I am applying multiparameter flow cytometry and immunological assays to characterize Th17 phenotypes and compare responses across different treatment groups. I am also investigating microbiome-associated immune responses, including bacteria-specific CD4? T-cell responses, to better understand how microbial and immune factors interact in IBD. Ultimately, this work aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying response to IL-23-targeted therapies and identify immune features associated with treatment response. |
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| Julián Camilo Galvis Ayala |
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Country: |
Colombia |
| Degree: |
University of Antioquia (Medellín, Colombia) – Third-year PhD student in Epidemiology, National School of Public Health
MSc in Epidemiology, CES University, Medellín, Colombia
BSc in Microbiology and Bioanalysis, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Supervisor:
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Dr Astrid Vanessa Cienfuegos Gallet
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Project Title:
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Prediction of Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacterial Bloodstream Infections at Two Clinical Decision-Making Time Points: A Multicenter Study in the GERMEN Network, 2018–2026..
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Description
of the Project: Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat, and in bloodstream infections the timely administration of an active antibiotic is critical; however, definitive susceptibility results typically take 48–72 hours, leaving clinicians to rely on population-level cumulative antibiograms when selecting empirical therapy. This multicenter study will use routinely collected clinical, pharmacological, microbiological, and laboratory data from adults with monomicrobial bacteremia in eight high-complexity hospitals of the GERMEN surveillance network in the Aburrá Valley, Colombia, to estimate each patient's individual probability of resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics. Predictions will be generated at two clinical decision points – at blood-culture positivity and after bacterial genus and species identification – in order to quantify the incremental predictive value of organism identification. Penalized logistic regression, gradient boosting, and random forest models will undergo internal, temporal, and leave-one-hospital-out validation, with discrimination, calibration, and net clinical benefit assessed in an independent prospective 2026 cohort. The final models will be translated into an interpretable, SHAP-based clinical decision-support prototype, evaluated with physicians and antimicrobial stewardship teams, to support more precise empirical antibiotic selection and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in middle-income health systems. |
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| Laxmi Gurung |
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Country: |
Lamjung, Nepal |
| Degree: |
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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Supervisor:
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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 |
| Home
Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
University of Nairobi, MSc. Medical Microbiology
BSc. Biomedical Sciences
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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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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Country: |
Canada |
| Degree: |
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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Project Title:
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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 K. Kombo |
| Home
Country: |
Nairobi, Kenya |
| Degree: |
Visiting Student Researcher (BCDI Program), PhD Student (Immunology)
Master of Science in Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi
BSc (Medical Laboratory Sciences), Kenya Methodist University
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Characterizing the Immune Response to Emerging/Re-emerging Pathogens to Develop Novel Therapeutics.
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Description
of the Project: Pandemics constitute a major public health nuisance. Often, the pathogens responsible for these pandemics cause severe disease in humans, spread rapidly, and have poorly understood immune responses. Central to developing novel and effective therapies against emerging and re-emerging pathogens is the characterization of these pathogens and the identification of critical immune cell subsets responsible for the response to them, to facilitate therapeutic discovery. Our project aims to isolate pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and MPXV, assess and characterize the immune response to infection with a specific focus on DC populations and their role in the identification and development of novel therapeutics. |
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| Faith Jepkemoi Kurgat |
| Home
Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
University of Nairobi, Msc Medical Microbiology
Bsc. Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, University of Nairobi
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Supervisor:
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Dr. Julie Lajoie and Dr. Kenneth Omollo
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Project Title:
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Impact of DMPA use on T cell immune response in a cohort of FSWs attending the SWOP Clinics from Nairobi, Kenya.
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Description
of the Project: This project aims to assess the impact of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) use on T-cell activation, exhaustion, and immune regulation in the peripheral blood and female genital tract of HIV-negative female sex workers attending SWOP clinics in Nairobi, Kenya. The study will compare DMPA users with women using non-hormonal contraceptive methods, focusing on CD4+ T-cell activation and exhaustion markers, HIV co-receptor CCR5 expression, and the balance between Th17 and regulatory T cells (Treg). Using a prospective longitudinal design, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cervical mononuclear cells (CMCs) will be collected and analyzed using spectral flow cytometry. The study will characterize changes in T-cell phenotypes over time and determine whether these changes differ between the peripheral blood and female genital tract. Findings will contribute to understanding the immunological effects of DMPA use and its potential implications for HIV susceptibility among female sex workers. |
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| Olivia Lovett |
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Country: |
Canada |
| Degree: |
PhD student, University of Manitoba, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
B.Sc. (Microbiology), University of Manitoba
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Supervisor:
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Dr. Catherine Card and Dr. Lyle McKinnon
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Project Title:
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Immunological Outcomes and HIV Reservoir Dynamics among People Who Use Methamphetamine and People With HCV/HIV Coinfections.
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Description
of the Project: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) have a higher percentage of activated CD4+ T-cells, compared to PLHIV alone. Since activated CD4+ T-cells are preferentially infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HCV-specific cells may serve as a target for infection. My project aims to evaluate the contribution of HIV and HCV-specific cells to the HIV reservoir and the effect of HIV and HCV treatment on the HIV reservoir. Using fluorescence activated cell sorting and droplet digital PCR, we will measure the HIV reservoir in pathogen-specific cells compared to bulk CD4+ T-cells. Understanding the contribution of HIV and HCV-specific cells to the HIV reservoir is important, as these cells may be important targets for HIV cure strategies. |
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| Miguel Angel Mazariego Longoria |
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Country: |
Mexico |
| Degree: |
PhD student - Ecology and Sustainable Development, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) Tapachula Unit, Tapachula, Chiapas (Mexico)
MSc. Epidemiology – University of Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Antioquia (Colombia)
BSc. Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biology – Autonomous University of Chiapas (UNACH), Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Tapachula, Chiapas (Mexico)
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Supervisor:
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Dr. Ariane Liliane Jeanne Dor Roques
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Project Title:
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Pre-implementation evaluation of the Sterile Insect Technique for Aedes aegypti control in a rural community of Tapachula, Chiapas (Mexico): an Implementation Research assessment of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility.
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Description
of the Project: Dengue remains an important public health concern in southern Mexico, particularly in rural communities where social, environmental, and health-system conditions can influence vector control. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is an innovative strategy for the suppression of Aedes aegypti populations, but its potential implementation requires consideration of the perspectives and conditions of the actors involved. This doctoral study will evaluate the pre-implementation of SIT in a rural community in Tapachula, Chiapas, focusing on acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility from an implementation research perspective. The study will explore the perspectives of community members, health and vector-control personnel, decision-makers, technical personnel, and researchers, with particular attention to experiences, expectations, uncertainties, and conditions that may influence implementation. The findings will provide evidence to inform future implementation strategies that are contextually appropriate and responsive to the perspectives of the actors involved. |
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| Quinton Murdock |
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Country: |
Canada |
| Degree: |
University of Manitoba, Master’s Program, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
B.Sc. in Microbiology, University of Manitoba, 2025
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Multiplex ddPCR quantification of HPV viral load for cervical cancer risk stratification.
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Description
of the Project: Persistent high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection is the main cause of cervical cancer, but most HPV infections clear on their own, and current screening cannot reliably identify which will progress. This project develops a multiplex droplet digital PCR assay targeting the L1, E2, and E6/E7 regions of the HPV genome to detect and quantify viral load. The assay will be applied to longitudinal samples from an hrHPV-positive cohort in Nairobi, Kenya, to examine how viral load changes over time and relates to infection persistence. Ultimately, this work aims to improve cervical cancer risk stratification and inform screening strategies in high-burden, resource-limited settings. |
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| Lydia Anyango Ochieng |
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Country: |
Nairobi, Kenya |
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Visiting Student Researcher (BCDI Program), MSc in Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi
BSc in Cell & Molecular Biology, Kenyatta University
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Multi-omic characterization of cationic antimicrobial adapt Klebsiella pneumoniae to identify biocide and antibiotic cross-resistance mechanisms.
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Description
of the Project: My project investigates how prolonged exposure to cationic antimicrobial agents (CAs), including benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, and colistin, drives antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and adaptation in Klebsiella pneumoniae. The main objective is to identify genetic mutations and changes in gene expression and protein abundance associated with CA adaptation using whole-genome sequencing, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Archived isolates collected at different stages of adaptation will be analyzed to determine when genetic changes occur and how they influence resistance-related pathways. This study will help identify potential biomarkers of biocide resistance and antibiotic cross-resistance, improve our understanding of how prolonged exposure to commonly used antiseptics and disinfectants may contribute to AMR and inform future surveillance efforts. |
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| Vera Morangi Onwonga |
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Country: |
Nairobi, Kenya |
| Degree: |
The University Of Nairobi, Doctor Of Philosophy In Medical Microbiology
Master of Science in Medical Microbiology
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
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Supervisor:
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Dr Julie Lajoie and Dr Kenneth Omollo
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Project Title:
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Assessing the Impact of Topical Estrogen Cream on Inflammation and Immune Control of High-Risk HPV in the Genital Tract of Female Sex Workers.
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Description
of the Project: Declining estrogen and progesterone levels in aging women alter their immune function and contribute to increased inflammation. Inflammation has been linked to poor immune control and persistent HPV infection, which can progress to cervical cancer. My study aims to determine whether hormone replacement will decrease markers of inflammation in the female genital tract and enhance NK cell activity to improve immune control of HPV. We will evaluate inflammation by measuring pro-inflammatory cytokines in the female genital tract, assess viral immune control through HPV viral load, and perform multiparameter flow cytometry to phenotype NK cells and measure their activation. |
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| Fred Owino |
| Home
Country: |
Kenya |
| Degree: |
University of Manitoba, PhD, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
MSc; Molecular Medicine: Jomo Kenya University of Agriculture and Technology
BSc - Science laboratory technology: The Technical University of Kenya
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Spatial Transcriptomic Analysis of Gene Expressions in HPV-infected Cervicovaginal Biopsies.
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Description
of the Project: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, yet the immune responses that determine whether HPV is cleared, persists, or progresses to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) remains fairly understood. This study seeks to define how spatially organized host immune responses within cervical tissue where the viral burden is greatest influence HPV clearance, persistence and disease progression. The rationale is that T cells often cluster inversely with areas of high HPV replication and show signs of functional impairment where HPV replication is high, particularly in HPV persistence. Therefore, understanding the spatial relationship between viral activity, immune-cell populations and responses, and tissue pathology may reveal mechanisms of immune control or dysfunction that can be probed for therapeutic purposes |
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| Mayra Alejandra Quiroga Robayo |
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Country: |
Colombia |
| Degree: |
Doctoral Program in Veterinary Sciences 5th year - Universidad de Antioquia
Master's Degree in Veterinary Sciences – Universidad de Antioquia
Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine – Universidad de Antioquia
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Supervisor:
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Dr. Nathalia María del Pilar Correa Valencia, MV, Esp., MSc, DSc.
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Project Title:
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Syndromic surveillance system in animal health: proposal of a model for slaughterhouses in Colombia, based on big data.
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Description
of the Project: The project aims to design and implement a big data–based Animal Health Syndromic Surveillance System (AHSyS) that leverages data generated by animal slaughterhouses in Colombia to strengthen animal health surveillance.
The methodology comprises four components: strategic, operational, support, and evaluation processes, integrating automated predictive algorithms to detect anomalies, generate alerts, and analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of syndromes.
The expected outcome is a sustainable model that facilitates the early detection of emerging diseases, timely decision-making, and interinstitutional coordination, aligned with the EcoHealth and One Health approaches, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and Colombia’s national production priorities.
Ultimately, this initiative seeks to recognize and dignify the role of veterinary meat inspectors by transforming their technical observations into valuable epidemiological information that promotes animal health and welfare, strengthens food sovereignty, and improves producers’ profitability.
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| Yury Johana Silva Lopez |
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Country: |
Colombia |
| Degree: |
University of Antioquia, PhD Program in Epidemiology, Medellín, Colombia
Master’s degree in Epidemiology
Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Recurrence of Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Colombia, 2022–2025: Individual Characteristics and Municipal Transmission Risk.
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Description
of the Project: Recurrent Plasmodium vivax malaria poses a challenge to malaria control and elimination, yet its frequency and distribution across population groups and municipalities in Colombia remain insufficiently characterized. This study aims to assess the association of sociodemographic and treatment-related characteristics with malaria recurrence, accounting for differences in municipal transmission risk. A retrospective cohort will be assembled using records from Colombia’s Public Health Surveillance System for 2022–2025, with each individual followed for 180 days after the index episode. Survival and count regression models, incorporating multilevel approaches where appropriate, will assess time to first recurrence, the number of recurrent episodes, and intervals between episodes. The findings will provide a national baseline to strengthen surveillance, guide targeted interventions, and support future evaluations of radical cure strategies in Colombia. |
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| Melika Verdipanah |
| Home
Country: |
Iran |
| Degree: |
University of Manitoba — PhD in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
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Supervisor:
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Project Title:
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Mechanisms of Inflammation Regulation by Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) in Mice and Humans and Their Impact on Genital Infection Outcomes.
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Description
of the Project: My PhD research explores the immune phenotypes and regulatory mechanisms that shape inflammation in the female genital tract. I am particularly interested in regulatory T cells (Tregs) and how IL-2-mediated expansion influences their phenotype, function, and interactions with other immune cells. Using mouse models, human cervical tissues, flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, and Xenium spatial transcriptomics, I investigate Treg heterogeneity, tissue localization, and immune-cell interactions during inflammation and infection. I also examine how these regulatory pathways influence responses to genital infections such as HSV-2. Ultimately, my goal is to better understand the immune phenotypes and mechanisms that maintain mucosal immune balance and influence susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. |
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