Haydee Dabritz | Infant botulism | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Ms. Haydee Dabritz | Infant botulism | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Haydee Dabritz, Calif Dept of Public Health, Infant Botulism Treatment & Prevention Program, United States

Dr. Haydee A. Dabritz is a dedicated epidemiologist specializing in infectious diseases, with a focus on zoonotic pathogens and public health. She currently serves as a Molecular Epidemiology Project Specialist in the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program at the California Department of Public Health. Her career spans both field and laboratory research, encompassing studies on Toxoplasma gondii transmission through domestic and wild animals and its impact on marine and human health. Her collaborative work has contributed significantly to understanding environmental contamination and zoonotic transmission routes. Dr. Dabritz has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, presented at international conferences, and has been recognized with multiple fellowships and research awards. Passionate about One Health, she seamlessly integrates epidemiology, microbiology, and wildlife ecology in her work, bridging the gap between human, animal, and environmental health. Her contributions make her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Interdisciplinary Expertise: Dr. Dabritz’s background spans microbiology, epidemiology, veterinary science, and environmental health. Her work reflects a strong One Health approach.

  2. Robust Research Portfolio: She has published extensively in high-impact journals on Toxoplasma gondii, zoonotic diseases, and more recently, infant botulism.

  3. Real-World Impact: Her research has implications for wildlife conservation, water quality, zoonotic transmission, and infant health, demonstrating both academic rigor and public health relevance.

  4. Collaborative and Global Perspective: Dr. Dabritz has worked with multidisciplinary teams, contributed to international research efforts, and presented her findings globally (e.g., ICOPA in Scotland).

  5. Governmental and Surveillance Experience: Her role at the California Department of Public Health reflects an active contribution to ongoing epidemiologic surveillance and response, particularly regarding infant botulism.

  6. Recognition by Peers: Fellowships (Morris Animal Foundation, Cal-EIS) and awards (Best Poster at Anaerobe Conference) showcase peer recognition of her scientific excellence.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Public Science Communication: While Dr. Dabritz excels academically, expanding her public outreach (e.g., through media, public policy briefs, or webinars) could amplify the impact of her research.

  2. Leadership in Multi-Center Studies: Leading large-scale, multi-institutional studies or securing major research grants could further solidify her status as a principal investigator on a national or international level.

  3. Mentorship and Teaching: Additional information on mentoring young researchers or teaching would enhance the picture of her academic leadership.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Dabritz earned her Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of California, Davis in 2006, concentrating on infectious diseases. Her dissertation focused on the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in cats and rodents around the Morro Bay area of California—an innovative study bridging environmental science, veterinary medicine, and human health. This work laid the foundation for her future research in zoonotic diseases and environmental contamination. She previously completed her undergraduate education with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, in 2002. Her academic background combines a robust understanding of microbial science with advanced epidemiological methodologies, which she has applied to both wildlife and human health concerns. Dr. Dabritz’s education has uniquely positioned her to address complex public health issues through an interdisciplinary lens, blending fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and epidemiologic modeling to answer pressing infectious disease questions.

🧪 Experience:

Since February 2021, Dr. Dabritz has served as a Molecular Epidemiology Project Specialist at the California Department of Public Health, focusing on infant botulism. Her work includes patient recruitment for a twin study, manuscript preparation, surveillance, and database management. She has extensive experience in interviewing case parents and supporting national and international surveillance efforts. Previously, she held the Cal-EIS fellowship at Yolo County, where she strengthened her expertise in applied epidemiology. Her prior work includes extensive research on Toxoplasma gondii in coastal California, where she led field studies on free-roaming cats and wild rodents, and contributed to the understanding of environmental transmission pathways. Dr. Dabritz’s career combines hands-on field research, laboratory analysis, public health surveillance, and epidemiologic investigation, showcasing a rare combination of technical knowledge and practical implementation in real-world public health settings.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Dabritz has received multiple prestigious honors throughout her academic and professional career. In 2005, she was named a Morris Animal Foundation Fellow for her work on zoonotic diseases. In 2006, she was selected for the Cal-EIS Fellowship at Yolo County, one of California’s most competitive applied epidemiology training programs. Her impactful poster presentation at the 2012 Anaerobe Conference in San Francisco earned her the award for Best Poster, recognizing her communication skills and excellence in scientific research. These accolades reflect her deep commitment to public health, scientific innovation, and interdisciplinary research. Dr. Dabritz’s consistent recognition by peers and professional bodies affirms her status as a leading epidemiologist with notable contributions to both the scientific community and public health infrastructure. Her ability to produce relevant, evidence-based insights in the field of infectious disease epidemiology makes her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Dabritz’s research primarily focuses on infectious disease epidemiology, with a strong emphasis on zoonotic diseases and environmental transmission pathways. Her early work centered on Toxoplasma gondii in domestic and wild animals, investigating how terrestrial contamination affects marine ecosystems and public health. More recently, her research has shifted to infant botulism, where she plays a critical role in understanding disease incidence, fecal excretion duration, and familial patterns through twin studies. Her contributions extend across molecular diagnostics, surveillance systems, and environmental risk assessments. By leveraging One Health principles, she addresses the intersections of animal, human, and environmental health, working to inform public health policy and disease prevention strategies. Dr. Dabritz integrates robust field data with laboratory and statistical analysis to investigate disease dynamics, improve outbreak response, and guide evidence-based interventions, making her research both globally relevant and locally impactful.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📘 Transmission of Toxoplasma: clues from sea otters as sentinels – Int J Epidemiol, 2005

  2. 🐱 Outdoor fecal deposition by cats and public attitudes – JAVMA, 2006

  3. 🧪 Evaluation of two Toxoplasma gondii serologic tests in cats – J Parasitol, 2007

  4. 🐭 Ectoparasite diversity and vector-borne disease in rodents – J Med Entomol, 2007

  5. 🧬 Experimental infection of Peromyscus californicus with T. gondii – J Parasitol, 2007

  6. 🦭 Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in elephant seals – Public Health Rep, 2008

  7. 🧫 Detection of T. gondii oocysts in cat feces and environmental burden – JAVMA, 2007

  8. 🐀 Risk factors for T. gondii in wild rodents in California – J Parasitol, 2008

  9. 🐚 Type X T. gondii in wild mussel and terrestrial mammals – Int J Parasitol, 2008

  10. 🦝 Prevalence of parasitic infections in opossums – J Parasitol, 2008

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Haydee A. Dabritz is a highly qualified, deeply committed researcher whose contributions to the fields of infectious disease epidemiology, zoonotic transmission, and infant health are both extensive and impactful. Her ability to translate scientific inquiry into actionable public health practices, combined with her publication record and recognized expertise, makes her an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work exemplifies excellence in interdisciplinary research and public health relevance, aligning perfectly with the goals of this prestigious honor.

Eman El-Wakil | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eman El-Wakil | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eman El-Wakil , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Egypt

Dr. Eman Sayed Shabrawy El-Wakil is an Associate Professor and Consultant of Medical Parasitology at the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Egypt. Born on November 21, 1985, she has been deeply engaged in research and diagnostics of parasitic diseases, particularly focusing on molecular characterization, novel therapeutics, and gut microbiota-parasite interaction. With multiple peer-reviewed publications, she contributes to advancing parasitological science both in Egypt and internationally. She earned her M.D. in Medical Parasitology from Cairo University, and her scholarly reputation is supported by memberships and indexed profiles on ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ORCID. Dr. El-Wakil’s work has received notable accolades, including the prestigious TBRI award for the best doctoral research. She is also a reviewer for multiple journals and collaborates on multidisciplinary research tackling emerging parasitic threats. Her vision integrates research, education, and public health improvement through evidence-based parasitology.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Eman Sayed Shabrawy El-Wakil stands out as a prominent figure in Medical Parasitology, with an impressive track record in research, publication, and applied therapeutics. Her strengths include:

  • Robust Research Output: With over 12 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals between 2023–2025, her work addresses critical parasitic diseases like Cryptosporidiosis, Trichinellosis, Toxoplasmosis, and Entamoeba infections.

  • Innovative Methodologies: She has pioneered green synthesis, nanoparticle-based therapies, in silico modeling, and immunomodulatory strategies, showcasing her multidimensional expertise.

  • Academic Leadership: As an Associate Professor and Consultant at TBRI, she contributes to teaching, mentoring, and national public health research priorities.

  • International Recognition: Indexed in Scopus, Google Scholar, ORCID, and Web of Science, and recipient of the TBRI Award for the best doctoral research in 2021.

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engaged in research across nanomedicine, pharmacology, microbiota-parasite interactions, and immunotherapy.

🔍 Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. El-Wakil’s profile is distinguished, some areas can be enhanced to strengthen her global impact:

  • Increased Global Engagement: Participation in more international collaborative projects, conferences, and consortia would amplify the reach of her research.

  • Grant Acquisition: Pursuing competitive research funding (e.g., WHO, NIH, EU Horizon) would facilitate larger-scale studies and clinical applications.

  • Patents and Translational Outputs: Exploring patenting opportunities for her innovative therapeutic agents could position her as a translational research leader.

🎓 Education:

Dr. El-Wakil earned her Master’s (M.Sc.) in Medical Parasitology with Excellent distinction in May 2015, and her Doctorate (M.D.) in Medical Parasitology in May 2018 from the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. Her educational path is marked by excellence in theoretical and applied parasitology, encompassing key disciplines like Molecular Parasitology, Immunology, and Medical Parasitology. Her M.D. thesis, titled “Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Free-Living Amoebae from Water Sources in Egypt”, reflected her early interest in environmental parasitology and public health. The academic structure of her doctoral program integrated critical courses in host-parasite interactions and advanced diagnostic techniques, equipping her with both field and laboratory expertise. Her education established a strong foundation for a career defined by innovation, critical thinking, and translational research in parasitic diseases.

💼 Experience:

Currently serving as an Associate Professor and Consultant at TBRI’s Parasitology Department, Dr. El-Wakil brings over a decade of expertise in diagnostics, molecular biology, and experimental parasitology. She operates within the Immunology and Drug Evaluation Division, where she contributes to therapeutic investigations and drug repurposing studies targeting helminths and protozoa. Her consultancy role extends to research mentorship, scientific reviews, and diagnostic innovations for parasitic infections in Egypt. She also works closely with governmental and academic institutions under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Her leadership roles in various inter-institutional projects have propelled the institute’s visibility in parasitology. She also manages collaborations involving nanotechnology, bioinformatics, and herbal medicine as potential parasitic treatments. Dr. El-Wakil exemplifies a blend of academic rigor and applied science, aligning her role with national health priorities and global research trends.

🏅 Honors and Awards:

Dr. El-Wakil was honored with the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute Award in 2021 for the best research derived from a doctoral dissertation—an acknowledgment of her innovation in parasitological research. This award recognized her pioneering work on free-living amoebae and her methodological precision. In addition to institutional awards, her research has been showcased in multiple open-access international journals, and she frequently receives commendations for excellence in experimental design and publication impact. Her work on novel anti-parasitic agents and immunotherapeutic approaches has attracted attention in scientific forums. She has also contributed to multi-author reviews on global health topics such as SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, highlighting her versatility as a researcher. Her awards reflect both her depth of knowledge and the real-world applicability of her research in enhancing public health outcomes.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. El-Wakil’s research concentrates on the epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies for parasitic infections. Her work integrates natural product pharmacology, nanotechnology-based delivery systems, and immune modulation therapies. Her investigations cover a broad spectrum of parasites, from protozoa like Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba, to helminths such as Trichinella spiralis. Recent research includes green synthesis of nanoparticles, bioinformatics-based molecular docking, and gut microbiota-parasite interactions. A recurring theme in her research is the repurposing of existing drugs for parasitic treatment, evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. She also explores the interplay between host immunity and parasitic infection using molecular signaling pathways such as P2X7 receptors. Her focus on translational parasitology bridges basic research and therapeutic innovation, providing insights into both endemic and emerging infections in Egypt and beyond.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🍊 Green Synthesis of Chitosan/Silver Nanoparticles Using Citrus paradisi Extract and Its Potential Anti-Cryptosporidiosis Effect

  2. 🧬 Microbiota-Parasite Interaction: Implication of Secretory Immunoglobulin A and P2X7 Receptor Signaling

  3. 🌿 Repurposing Drugs to Treat Trichinellosis: In Vitro Analysis of Nifedipine and Chrysanthemum coronarium Extract

  4. 🧪 Prevalence and Molecular Identification of Entamoeba Species Complex in Egyptians

  5. 📊 Mapping Gut Parasitism Patterns in a Cohort of Egyptians

  6. 🍃 Annona Muricata Leaf as an Anti-Cryptosporidial Agent: In Silico and In Vivo Study

  7. 🌼 Prophylactic and Therapeutic Effects of Kaempferol on Experimental Trichinella Spiralis

  8. 💊 Surfactant Vesicles for Enhanced Antitoxoplasmic Effect of Norfloxacin

  9. 🧾 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines from A to Z: A Review of the Current Challenges

  10. 💉 Albendazole and Berberine Nanoparticles in Experimental Trichinellosis

  11. 🌿 Therapeutic Efficacy of Silymarin on Intestinal and Muscular Phases of Trichinellosis

  12. 🧫 Trichinella spiralis Antigens for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Immunotherapeutic and Prophylactic Potential

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Eman S. El-Wakil demonstrates excellence in research productivity, scientific innovation, and professional engagement. Her contributions to parasitology—especially in the field of therapeutic innovation using natural compounds and nanoparticles—mark her as an emerging leader in her field. Given her academic rigor, publication record, and commitment to tackling parasitic diseases of global health concern, she is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.