Dismas Oketch | Public Health | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Dismas Oketch | Public Health | Excellence in Research Award

PhD Research Fellow at University of Nairobi, Kenya

Dr. Dismas Oketch is a distinguished medical epidemiologist and One Health researcher with extensive expertise in infectious disease control, clinical trials, and global health leadership, holding a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Moi University, Kenya (2004), a Master of Science in Clinical Trials from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London (2011), a Fellowship in Advanced Science on Vaccines from the University of São Paulo, Brazil (2018), and currently completing a PhD in Infectious Diseases at the University of Nairobi (2025) with sponsorship from Washington State University. His doctoral research, titled “Molecular characterization of Brucella spp. and transmission dynamics of brucellosis among humans and livestock in Kenya,” applies a One Health approach to improve prevention and control strategies for brucellosis. Dr. Oketch has served as an Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nairobi since 2023 and is an active member of the Kenya National Brucellosis Technical Working Group. He previously held the role of Research Officer and Programs Coordinator at the International Emerging Infections Program, Kenya Medical Research Institute–Center for Global Health Research in Kisumu, where he contributed significantly to national and regional infectious disease initiatives. In recognition of his early career impact, he was awarded the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Early Career Grant (NIHR24008) in 2024. His research leadership includes pivotal roles in major international studies such as the Partners PrEP study as Safety Monitor, HPV and p16INK4a ELISA cervical cancer screening studies as Coordinator, Antibody Mediated HIV Prevention (HPTN 081) and Long-Acting Cabotegravir Injection for HIV Prevention (HPTN 084) as Principal Investigator, and the DTRA Brucellosis and MERS-CoV study as Coordinator. Dr. Oketch actively engages in global scientific discourse, participating in forums such as the 10th International Conference on Infectious Disease Dynamics in San Diego, serving as a One Health Early Career Champion within the University of Helsinki–University of Nairobi collaboration, and contributing to the Kenya Medical Research Institute Annual Scientific and Health Conference in 2025. With strong training in global health leadership, public health research, and good clinical practice, he consistently builds high-performing, ethically grounded research teams. Driven by scientific rigor and strategic vision, Dr. Oketch aspires to be a global leader in One Health, vaccine development, and immunotherapy, committed to advancing global health security, equity, and sustainable social development while inspiring future generations to embrace scientific innovation, cultural understanding, and best practice.

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Dr. Jad El Masri | Medical Research | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Jad El Masri | Medical Research | Young Scientist Award

American University of Beirut, Lebanon.

Dr. Jad El Masri is a postdoctoral research fellow at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. With a strong background in clinical research, pathology, and neuroscience, he has contributed significantly to oncology, epidemiology, and neurosurgery. Holding an MD and multiple master’s degrees, he is set to complete his PhD in Clinical Research and Pathology in 2025. With over 45 completed research projects and 43 publications, Dr. El Masri has been recognized for his work in cancer biomarkers, epidemiological risk factors, and computational biology.

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🎓 Education

Dr. Jad El Masri has a diverse academic background spanning clinical research, pathology, neuroscience, and medical sciences. He is currently completing his PhD in Clinical Research & Pathology at Université Paris-Est (2022–2025) while holding multiple master’s degrees in Human Morphology, Clinical Investigation, and Neuroscience from leading institutions, including the American University of Beirut and Lebanese University. In addition, he earned his Medical Degree (MD) from Lebanese University (2018–2024) and holds a Biochemistry License Degree (2017–2020). His academic journey began with a French Baccalaureate in Science from Rawdat Fayhaa Secondary School (2001–2016).

💼 Experience

Dr. Jad El Masri is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard (2025–Present) and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (2024–Present), where he focuses on oncology and computational biology. His clinical experience includes multiple internships across hospitals in Lebanon and Germany (2022–2024), gaining hands-on expertise in various medical disciplines. Additionally, he completed elective neurosurgery rotations at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) and Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, further strengthening his specialization in neurosurgery and brain cancer research.

🔬 Research Interests

Oncology – Brain cancer, genetic biomarkers, metastasis

Epidemiology – Risk factors, diet effects, environmental exposure

Neurosurgery – Computational biology, single-cell DNA sequencing

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

Young Scientist Award – Recognized for contributions to neuroscience research

Editorial Board Member – Journal of Public Health Research

Professional Memberships – European Stroke Organization, Congress of Neurological Surgeons

📚 Selected Publications

1️⃣ Social media medical misinformation: Impact on mental health and vaccination decision among university students
📖 Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971-), 192(1), 291-301 (2023)
📄 DOI | Cited by: 34

2️⃣ Menstrual abnormalities post-COVID vaccination: A cross-sectional study on adult Lebanese women
📖 Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971-), 192(3), 1163-1170 (2023)
📄 DOI | Cited by: 27

3️⃣ Contribution of Arab world in transplant research: A PubMed-based bibliometric analysis
📖 Transplant Immunology, 101432 (2021)
📄 DOI | Cited by: 23

4️⃣ Cancer research activity in the Arab world: A 15-year bibliometric analysis
📖 Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association, 97(1), 26 (2022)
📄 DOI | Cited by: 22

5️⃣ Contribution of Arab countries to familial Mediterranean fever research: A PubMed-based bibliometric analysis
📖 Rheumatology International, 42(1), 95-100 (2022)
📄 DOI | Cited by: 22