Monthly Archives: March 2023

My Contribution to Science

Managing Global Health Research Projects: Challenges and Solutions for Improving Health Outcomes Worldwide

Global health research projects are vital in addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes worldwide. I have firsthand experience managing budgets and projects in a global health setting as a project manager and team leader. In this article, I will share my experiences and provide tips on how to manage budgets and projects effectively.

As a Fogarty Global Health Fellow in rural Ghana, I worked on a five-year Global Health research project between Ghana and the US, studying the role of exosomal microRNA in malaria and sickle cell disease. This experience provided me with a wealth of knowledge and experience in public health and epidemiology, which can be applied to other global health issues such as endometriosis, Buruli ulcer, hookworms, and COVID-19.

Managing a global health research project involves a range of responsibilities, from securing funding to coordinating research activities, managing budgets, and leading a team of researchers. One of the biggest challenges in managing a global health research project is budget management. Budgets are often limited, and it can be challenging to manage funds effectively while ensuring that the project stays on track.

To manage budgets effectively, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the project’s goals, objectives, and timelines. This understanding can help project managers identify potential budget constraints and allocate resources accordingly. It is also important to establish a system for tracking expenses and to monitor the budget regularly to ensure that the project stays within budget.

In addition to budget management, managing a global health research project also involves coordinating research activities and leading a team of researchers. Effective communication is critical in this regard, and it is essential to establish clear lines of communication between team members and stakeholders. It is also important to establish clear roles and responsibilities for team members and to provide regular feedback to ensure that everyone is working towards the project’s goals and objectives.

In my experience, one of the most significant challenges in managing a global health research project is coordinating research activities across different countries and cultures. This challenge can be overcome by building strong relationships with local partners and stakeholders and by establishing a collaborative and inclusive research environment.

As a project manager and team leader, it is essential to be adaptable, flexible, and responsive to changing circumstances. In the context of global health research, this often means being prepared to respond to emerging health crises such as COVID-19. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of global health research and has underscored the need for collaboration and innovation in addressing global health challenges.

Managing a global health research project involves a range of responsibilities, from securing funding to coordinating research activities and managing budgets. To manage budgets effectively, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the project’s goals, objectives, and timelines and to establish clear lines of communication between team members and stakeholders. By working collaboratively and remaining adaptable and responsive to changing circumstances, we can make significant strides in improving global health outcomes and addressing health disparities worldwide.

The diseases:

Global health is a field that aims to improve health and achieve equity in health for all people worldwide. It involves addressing health issues that affect populations across borders and continents, and it requires collaboration between different countries and organizations. One of the main challenges in global health is tackling diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries. I have been involved in these particular diseases over the last 10 years or research:

Malaria is a parasitic disease that is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, but it also affects other parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019, and the disease resulted in 409,000 deaths. Malaria is preventable and treatable, but it remains a major public health challenge due to various factors such as resistance to antimalarial drugs and insecticides, inadequate funding, and weak health systems.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. It is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, but it also affects people of African descent and other populations around the world. SCD can cause severe pain, infections, and organ damage, and it can lead to premature death. According to the WHO, about 300,000 children are born with SCD each year, and the disease affects millions of people worldwide. There is currently no cure for SCD, but research is ongoing to improve treatment and find a cure.

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and other symptoms. It affects an estimated 176 million people worldwide, and it can have a significant impact on quality of life and fertility. Despite being a common condition, there is still a lack of awareness and understanding of endometriosis, and research is needed to improve diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Buruli ulcer is a neglected tropical disease caused by a bacterium that affects the skin and soft tissues. It is prevalent in West and Central Africa, but it also affects other parts of the world. Buruli ulcer can cause disfigurement, disability, and social stigma, and it can have a significant impact on the lives of affected individuals and their families. There is currently no vaccine for Buruli ulcer, and research is needed to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Hookworms are parasitic worms that live in the small intestine and can cause anemia, malnutrition, and impaired cognitive development in children. They are prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, and they affect millions of people worldwide. Hookworms can be prevented through measures such as improved sanitation and hygiene, but research is needed to develop effective and affordable treatments.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that emerged in late 2019 and has since become a global pandemic. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on public health, economies, and social systems around the world, and it has exposed inequalities and vulnerabilities in health systems and societies. Research is crucial to better understand the virus, develop effective treatments and vaccines, and address the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.

Global health research plays a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by diseases such as Malaria, sickle cell disease, endometriosis, Buruli ulcer, hookworms, and COVID-19. By investing in research, we can improve our understanding of these diseases, develop effective interventions, and ultimately improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations around the world.

Me, from Tunis, to Tokyo, to Accra, to Atlanta: A Career in Molecular Genetics and Global Health

My journey in molecular genetics and global health began in Tunisia, where I received my undergraduate degree in biological sciences. During my studies, I developed a keen interest in human genetics, and I pursued this passion by earning a Ph.D. in molecular genetics from the University of Tokyo.

After completing my doctoral studies, I had the opportunity to work on a human genetic epidemiology study of muscular dystrophy, collaborating with research centers in Tunisia, Japan, and France. This research led to several publications in high impact factor journals and provided me with invaluable experience in conducting global health research.

Following this project, I moved to the United States and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine, where I studied cancer and cell-cell interactions. In 2007, I joined Morehouse School of Medicine for a second postdoctoral position, where I focused on the epidemiology of malaria resistance and sickle cell disease, along with other neglected tropical diseases. This research eventually led to me being awarded a Fogarty Global Health Fellowship in 2014.

Through the fellowship, I collaborated with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research at the University of Ghana on an epidemiological analysis of malaria resistance and sickle cell disease. The experience was transformative, and I became dedicated to improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

In 2016, I was awarded a Career Development Grant from the National Institute of Health’s Fogarty International Center for a five-year global health research project between Ghana and the US. The project aims to study the role of exosomal microRNA in malaria and sickle cell disease, and I am currently overseeing its execution as an Assistant Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine’s Physiology Department.

My current role has three primary components. The first is a global public health component, which involves managing a collaboration with the University of Ghana and the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to establish a cohort sample and data collection program from patients with malaria and sickle cell disease, as well as controls. I have been living between Ghana and the US since 2014, overseeing the project, which has already collected well over a thousand samples.

The second component of my role focuses on basic research, studying the effects of targeted microRNAs on inflammation and angiogenesis in patients with endometriosis and uterine fibroids. I also focus on identifying molecular mechanisms that mediate interactions between hemoglobinopathies and protection against malaria using genomic technologies. I supervise and mentor a team of graduate students and research associates on different projects and write grant proposals, while overseeing international collaborations.

The third component of my role is teaching and mentoring. I teach graduate and medical students courses that include Biochemistry, Protein biosynthesis, Human Genetics, Malaria Genomics, and Skeletal Muscle Physiology. I also serve as a thesis advisor and mentor for different grad students in Public Health and Biomedical Science.

My career in molecular genetics and global health has taken me from Tunisia to Tokyo to Accra to Atlanta. My education, certifications, and experiences have allowed me to conduct research on different diseases, and to teach and mentor the next generation of global health researchers. Through my work, I hope to contribute to the development of new therapies and interventions that improve health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

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Exosomal MicroRNAs and Endometriosis: Investigating Potential Treatments

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it, causing inflammation, pain, and infertility. It affects millions of women worldwide, and current treatments are limited in their effectiveness and often associated with significant side effects.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential of exosomes, small vesicles secreted by cells, as a novel therapeutic approach for endometriosis. Exosomes contain a variety of molecules, including microRNAs, which can be taken up by target cells and modulate their functions.

As a researcher in molecular genetics and global health, I have been investigating the effects of targeted exosomal microRNAs on angiogenesis and apoptosis in endometriosis. Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessel formation, which is necessary for the growth and survival of endometriotic tissue. Apoptosis, on the other hand, is a programmed cell death process that eliminates damaged or unwanted cells.

Our research has focused on identifying specific microRNAs that are dysregulated in endometriotic lesions compared to normal endometrial tissue. Using cell-based assays and animal models, we have shown that targeted delivery of certain microRNAs can inhibit angiogenesis and promote apoptosis in endometriotic cells, leading to a reduction in lesion growth and pain.

This research has significant implications for the development of new treatments for endometriosis. Traditional treatments, such as hormonal therapy and surgery, can have significant side effects and are not always effective in managing the symptoms of the disease. Targeted delivery of exosomal microRNAs could provide a more precise and effective approach to treating endometriosis, with fewer side effects.

Furthermore, our research has broader implications for the field of exosome-based therapeutics. Exosomes are increasingly recognized as important mediators of cell-cell communication, and their potential as therapeutic agents is being explored for a range of conditions, from cancer to infectious diseases. By investigating the mechanisms by which exosomal microRNAs can modulate angiogenesis and apoptosis in endometriosis, we are contributing to a growing body of knowledge on the therapeutic potential of exosomes.

In conclusion, our research on the effects of targeted exosomal microRNAs on angiogenesis and apoptosis in endometriosis has significant implications for the development of new treatments for this condition. By investigating the potential of exosome-based therapeutics, we are contributing to a growing field with broad applications in woman’s health.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26841879/

الميكرونازيات القذفية والتهاب البطانة الرحمية: دراسة العلاجات المحتملة

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Biomarkers of Malaria and Sickle Cell Disease Severity: Identifying and Validating Targets

Malaria and sickle cell disease (SCD) are two diseases that disproportionately affect populations in low- and middle-income countries. Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite and is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, while SCD is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells. While significant progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of these diseases, there is still much to be done to improve outcomes for patients. One promising area of research is the identification and validation of biomarkers for malaria and SCD severity.

Biomarkers are measurable indicators of a biological process, such as a disease. They can be used to diagnose disease, monitor disease progression, and predict treatment response. In the case of malaria and SCD, biomarkers could be used to identify patients who are at risk of developing severe disease and to monitor their response to treatment. This would allow healthcare providers to intervene early, potentially preventing complications and improving outcomes.

My research focuses on identifying and validating biomarkers for malaria and SCD severity. In the case of malaria, we are interested in identifying biomarkers that can predict the development of severe disease, such as cerebral malaria or severe anemia. These complications can be life-threatening, and early identification of patients at risk could allow for earlier intervention and improved outcomes.

Similarly, in the case of SCD, we are interested in identifying biomarkers that can predict the development of complications such as stroke or acute chest syndrome. These complications can also be life-threatening and identifying patients at risk could allow for earlier intervention and improved outcomes.

Identifying and validating biomarkers is a complex process that involves both laboratory and clinical research. In the laboratory, we use techniques such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to identify potential biomarkers. We then validate these biomarkers in clinical studies, using patient samples to confirm their predictive value.

The importance of this research cannot be overstated. Malaria and SCD are major public health challenges that affect millions of people worldwide. Identifying and validating biomarkers for disease severity could have a significant impact on patient outcomes, by allowing for earlier intervention and more targeted treatment.

In addition to the potential impact on patient outcomes, identifying biomarkers could also have implications for drug development. By identifying biomarkers that are associated with disease severity, we may be able to identify new drug targets and develop more effective treatments.

In conclusion, identifying and validating biomarkers for malaria and SCD severity is an important area of research with the potential to improve patient outcomes and advance drug development. By working together to identify and validate these biomarkers, we can make significant progress in the fight against these diseases.

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Global Health and Humanitarianism: The Importance of Collaboration

In today’s interconnected world, health disparities and humanitarian crises have far-reaching consequences that transcend national borders. As such, it is imperative that individuals, communities, and organizations work collaboratively to address these challenges. This is where global health and humanitarianism come into play. Global health is a field that aims to improve health and achieve equity in health for all people worldwide, while humanitarianism focuses on providing assistance to those affected by crisis and conflict. Together, these fields can make a significant impact on health disparities and humanitarian crises.

As someone who is passionate about global health and humanitarianism, I recently completed a certificate in global health and humanitarianism. This certificate program equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to approach global health and humanitarian issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. Through this program, I learned about the social determinants of health, the impact of cultural and political factors on healthcare delivery, and the various approaches to addressing global health challenges.

Moreover, the certificate program emphasized the importance of collaboration in global health and humanitarianism. Collaboration is key to addressing complex issues such as health disparities and humanitarian crises. By working together, individuals, communities, and organizations can leverage their resources and expertise to achieve greater impact. Collaboration also promotes cultural sensitivity, fosters mutual learning and understanding, and promotes sustainability in global health and humanitarian efforts.

The importance of collaboration in global health is evident in many initiatives and programs that have made significant progress in reducing health disparities. One such program is the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which involves collaboration between the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among others. The program has made remarkable progress in eradicating polio, with cases declining by over 99% since 1988.

Another example is the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), which brings together various UN agencies, governments, and civil society organizations to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. UNAIDS has made significant progress in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, but much work remains to be done.

Collaboration also plays a vital role in humanitarian efforts. In humanitarian crises, multiple actors such as governments, NGOs, and international organizations must work together to provide lifesaving assistance to those affected. Collaboration can also help ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered in a culturally sensitive and sustainable manner.

In conclusion, global health and humanitarianism are critical fields that require collaboration to address health disparities and humanitarian crises effectively. My certificate in global health and humanitarianism has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to approach these issues from a multidisciplinary perspective, and has emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving impact. By working together, we can make a significant difference in improving health outcomes and promoting the well-being of all people, regardless of their background or circumstance.

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Leadership and Mentorship: Lessons Learned as a Leading Emerging and Diverse Scientist

Adel Driss

Emerging and diverse scientists face many challenges as they navigate their way through academia. From the pressure to produce impactful research to the need for robust mentoring relationships, it can be difficult to know where to focus one’s energies. That is where LEADS (Leadership Excellence and Academic Development for Success) comes in. This program, sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIH grant R25 GM116740) and developed by the Institute for Medical Research Education at the University of Pittsbergh, provides early career scientists from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) with the tools they need to succeed in academia.

One of the most critical components of LEADS is the Maximizing Mentoring module. Mentoring is critical for career success, yet many early career faculty struggle to develop robust mentoring relationships. In this module, participants identify the areas of expertise and qualities of their ideal mentor. They then identify a mentor or team of mentors using a combination of strategies and resources, including the National Research Mentoring Network, NIH RePORTER, and the broader RCMI community. They also learn how to contact potential mentors and manage mentoring relationships.

In my experience, mentoring is not just about imparting knowledge and wisdom. It is also about listening, providing support, and helping individuals achieve their goals. As a mentor, I have helped diverse scientists succeed in many ways. For example, I have provided advice on how to develop a research question, secure funding, and write grant applications. I have also provided emotional support during difficult times and helped individuals navigate the complex landscape of academia.

Another critical component of LEADS is the Introduction to Team Science module. In this module, participants learn the basics of team science and how to bring together the right mix of collaborators to enhance the success and impact of their research. Assembling the right team and reaping the full benefits of working with a team requires active planning and mindful management. We also review best practices for building and maintaining positive and productive working relationships with diverse collaborators from different disciplines, professions, and social backgrounds.

In my experience, team science is all about collaboration, communication, and respect. It is essential to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each team member and leverage those strengths to achieve common goals. Additionally, communication is critical to ensure that all team members are on the same page and working towards the same objectives. Finally, respect for different backgrounds and perspectives is essential to build a positive and productive working relationship.

LEADS has been a transformative program for me, and I would highly recommend it to any emerging and diverse scientists looking to develop their leadership and mentoring skills. Whether you are just starting your career or are a seasoned academic, LEADS provides a wealth of resources and knowledge to help you succeed.

Here is the link of the LEADS program, I was part of the 2016 cohort : https://icre.pitt.edu/LEADS/leads_programDetails.html

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