Michel Manika Muteya | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Michel Manika Muteya | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Michel Manika Muteya, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Dr. Michel Manika Muteya is a seasoned Congolese physician, specializing in Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, and Emergency Medicine. Born in Lubumbashi on September 5, 1972, he has dedicated over two decades to both clinical excellence and academic research. As Head of the Anaesthesiology-Intensive Care Department at the University Teaching Hospital of Lubumbashi since 2013, Dr. Muteya is recognized for advancing critical care practices in resource-limited settings. His scientific contributions, spanning over 20 peer-reviewed publications, tackle pressing health issues like sepsis, tuberculosis, transfusion medicine, and maternal care. A married father of five, he balances his demanding career with strong family values. With a collaborative spirit and global engagements, he contributes to large-scale studies including the ASOS-2 Lancet Trial, reflecting his impact in African surgical safety. His leadership and evidence-based approach make him a top contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Michel Muteya Manika received his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree after completing an intensive medical program that included a year-long rotating internship (2003–2004) at Sendwe Hospital in Lubumbashi, covering internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and gynecology. He further honed his skills through a professionalization internship in General Medicine at the Ruashi Military Hospital (HMR) from November 2004 to May 2005. His specialization journey led him into the field of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, where he developed key competencies in transfusion medicine, disaster medicine, and emergency response. In parallel, he has continually upgraded his academic profile by engaging in international conferences, research collaborations, and multi-country studies. His educational path reflects a strong clinical foundation coupled with academic curiosity, enabling him to bridge practical medicine with impactful research in sub-Saharan Africa.

Experience:

Dr. Michel Manika Muteya has served as the Head of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care at the University Teaching Hospital of Lubumbashi since 2013. His leadership has driven improved patient outcomes and department-wide protocols, especially for sepsis, trauma, obstetric emergencies, and postoperative care. His hands-on training began with internships in internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and gynecology, followed by a professionalization period at a military hospital. With more than 20 years of clinical and academic experience, Dr. Muteya has also contributed to policy and training reforms in anesthesia education, collaborating with international teams in Rwanda and beyond. He’s a mentor, educator, and published researcher, involved in critical studies related to infectious diseases, HIV, malaria, and emergency care readiness. His commitment to healthcare in resource-limited environments underlines his passion for equitable, safe, and effective care, making his career a beacon of medical excellence in Central Africa.

Research Focus:

Dr. Michel Muteya Manika’s research primarily focuses on critical care medicine in low-resource settings, with specific interests in sepsis management, transfusion medicine, anesthetic safety, and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. He investigates both the clinical and epidemiological aspects of disease patterns in the Democratic Republic of Congo, often exploring how infrastructure limitations affect care outcomes. His work extends to maternal and pediatric emergencies, post-operative surveillance, and clinical education reform, including developing curricula for anesthesiology clerkships in Africa. He collaborates widely across disciplines and borders, contributing to high-impact journals like The Lancet Global Health, BMC Health Services Research, and Pan African Medical Journal. A champion of evidence-based practice, Dr. Muteya seeks to align global standards with local realities, enhancing emergency response systems and training the next generation of African clinicians. His applied, context-specific research offers real-world solutions to systemic healthcare challenges.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1.  Prognosis of Tetanus Patients in ICU – Sendwe Hospital, Lubumbashi

  2.  Epidermoid Carcinoma of the Vulva in Twin Pregnancy – Case Report

  3.  Tuberculosis Revealed by Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a Child

  4.  Anemias in Pediatric Emergencies – 632 Cases Study

  5.  Peripheral Lymphadenopathy: Tertiary Center Study

  6.  Cytopathological Profile of Lymphadenopathies – 13 Cases

  7.  Malaria/HIV Coinfection Profile in Lubumbashi Adults

  8.  Seroprevalence of Blood Donors – University Clinics of Lubumbashi

  9.  Tuberculosis Profile in Lubumbashi Health Zone

  10.  Anesthesia Practices in Lubumbashi – Patient and Surgery Types

Conclusion:

Dr. Michel Manika Muteya is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. He combines clinical leadership, regional relevance, and consistent academic output in fields critical to healthcare improvement in Africa. His research addresses real-world health crises—sepsis, HIV, TB, surgical safety—through practical, evidence-based approaches. With a balance of hands-on expertise and scholarly excellence, he represents the ideal candidate whose work has both academic rigor and societal impact. Minor expansions in global visibility and technological integration would elevate his already impressive career to even greater heights.

Gary Chan | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Gary Chan | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gary Chan , SUNY Upstate Medical University , United States

Dr. Gary Ching-Tao Chan is a distinguished professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY. He completed his Ph.D. in Immunology at the University of Alberta, Canada, under the supervision of Dr. Larry J. Guilbert. Dr. Chan’s research expertise lies in viral immunology, particularly in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and dengue virus (DENV). He has a robust research portfolio with numerous contributions to the field, focusing on viral-host interactions and immune modulation. His work has led to groundbreaking discoveries in HCMV pathogenesis, including viral modulation of autophagy and cell signaling pathways. Dr. Chan has held academic appointments at prestigious institutions, including Louisiana State University Health Science Center, where he contributed significantly to advancing viral immunology. His commitment to research excellence is reflected in his impactful publications and active grant support.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Prolific Research Contributions: Dr. Gary Chan has made significant contributions to the field of microbiology, particularly in the understanding of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and its complex interactions with the immune system. His work has been consistently published in top-tier peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Virology, Antiviral Research, and mBio, highlighting his influence in virology.

  2. Innovative and High-Impact Research: Dr. Chan’s research addresses fundamental aspects of viral pathogenesis, focusing on viral-host interactions, immune modulation, and viral replication. His innovative exploration into the molecular mechanisms of HCMV, such as the modulation of mTORC1 and the role of host transcription factors like HSF1, is groundbreaking and provides valuable insights for potential therapeutic strategies. His studies have also demonstrated significant contributions in understanding how viruses, including HCMV and Dengue virus, alter host cell signaling pathways, making his work crucial in antiviral research.

  3. Successful Grant Support: Dr. Chan has received substantial funding for his research, including multiple NIH R01 grants. His current projects, such as targeting the nuclear HSF1 for anti-HCMV strategies, are promising avenues for the development of novel antiviral therapies, further solidifying his standing as a leading researcher in his field.

  4. Recognition by Peers and Journals: His work has been widely recognized by peers in the field, as evidenced by the Journal of Virology Editor’s Pick in 2024 and the Journal of Virology Spotlight Article of Significant Interest in 2020. These accolades underline the impact and relevance of his research.

  5. Mentorship and Academic Leadership: As a Professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Dr. Chan contributes significantly to the academic and professional development of students and colleagues alike. His role in shaping the next generation of researchers, combined with his leadership in the field, highlights his commitment to advancing science.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Impact Across Other Virus Families: While Dr. Chan’s research on HCMV is groundbreaking, exploring the broader spectrum of viral infections, including RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2, could expand his impact across viral disease research. By diversifying his focus, he could address other significant public health threats, further enhancing the breadth of his research.

  2. Increased Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Although Dr. Chan has successfully collaborated with various experts in the field of virology, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers from fields such as bioinformatics, computational biology, and structural biology could accelerate the development of novel antiviral therapies and improve the understanding of viral mechanisms.

  3. Public Engagement and Communication: Dr. Chan’s impactful research is highly technical, and while it has contributed to the scientific community, increased efforts in communicating his findings to the broader public could help in promoting awareness of viral infections and their treatment. Public engagement through media, outreach programs, or collaborative projects with health organizations could amplify his work’s societal impact.

Education:

Dr. Gary Chan earned his Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, from 1999 to 2005. His doctoral research focused on “Human cytomegalovirus-induced trophoblast apoptosis,” under the mentorship of Dr. Larry J. Guilbert in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Following his Ph.D., Dr. Chan pursued postdoctoral training at Louisiana State University Health Science Center (2006–2011) in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Yurochko, his postdoctoral research expanded his expertise in virology and immune modulation. Dr. Chan’s extensive academic background, coupled with his training in cutting-edge viral immunology, has laid the foundation for his pioneering work on viral-host interactions, particularly with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), contributing to novel therapeutic strategies.

Experience:

Dr. Gary Chan is a Professor at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at SUNY Upstate Medical University, a role he has held since 2023. Prior to this, he was an Associate Professor at the same department from 2018 to 2023. Dr. Chan has a wealth of experience in virology and immunology, with a focus on human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and dengue virus (DENV). He has been instrumental in advancing research on the molecular mechanisms of viral infections and their impact on the host immune system. Dr. Chan’s academic journey includes several years of postdoctoral training at Louisiana State University, where he contributed to significant findings in viral replication and immune responses. With a comprehensive background in molecular virology, cell biology, and immunology, Dr. Chan is recognized for his expertise in viral pathogenesis and therapeutic research.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Gary Chan has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions for his research excellence. In 2024, his publication, Human cytomegalovirus modulates mTORC1 to redirect protein translation within quiescently infected monocytes, was selected as an Editor’s Pick by the Journal of Virology. Additionally, his article on HCMV-induced autophagy preventing necroptosis of infected monocytes was featured as a Spotlight Article of Significant Interest in 2020. His innovative research has earned him continuous recognition within the virology community, including numerous peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Chan’s research contributions have also attracted substantial NIH grant support, including an R01 from the NIAID, to explore novel anti-HCMV strategies targeting nuclear HSF1. His scholarly achievements, including the successful funding of multi-year research projects, underscore his dedication to advancing our understanding of viral diseases and their immune modulation.

Research Focus:

Dr. Gary Chan’s research primarily focuses on viral immunology, specifically human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and dengue virus (DENV). His work explores how these viruses manipulate host cellular processes, such as signaling pathways and immune responses, to promote viral replication and persistence. One of his major research areas is investigating the interactions between HCMV and monocytes, particularly how the virus modulates autophagy and apoptosis to avoid immune detection and promote its survival. Additionally, Dr. Chan’s research delves into the role of host transcription factors, such as HSF1, in regulating viral replication. His innovative work also involves creating bioswitches through protein and DNA engineering to combat HCMV. Through these projects, Dr. Chan aims to identify novel therapeutic targets to limit viral infections and improve antiviral strategies. His work is pivotal in advancing the understanding of how viral infections impact the host immune system and contribute to disease pathogenesis.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Targeting HSF1 prevents HCMV replication 🦠

  2. DENV infection induces differential immunotranscriptomic profiles 🦟

  3. B cell receptor enhancement of dengue virus infection 🧬

  4. Virion-associated US28 modulates Akt activity in monocytes 💉

  5. The harms of promoting the leak lab hypothesis for SARS-CoV-2 🧫

  6. HCMV modulates mTORC1 in infected monocytes 💪

  7. Virology – The path forward 🔬

  8. Inhibition of SIRT2 promotes HCMV-infected monocyte death ⚔️

  9. Virology under the Microscope – A call for rational discourse 📚

  10. Modulation of host cell signaling in HCMV latency 🧪

Conclusion:

Dr. Gary Ching-Tao Chan is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to the field of virology, particularly in the area of human cytomegalovirus and its interaction with the immune system. His innovative research has shaped the understanding of viral pathogenesis, leading to potential therapeutic breakthroughs. With significant funding, prestigious recognition, and a strong academic presence, Dr. Chan continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. While there are opportunities for expansion into other viral research areas and greater public outreach, his accomplishments make him a leading figure in microbiology and an excellent candidate for this award.