Jwee Chiek Er | Biology and Life Sciences | Pioneer Researcher Award

Jwee Chiek Er | Biology and Life Sciences | Pioneer Researcher Award

Researcher, Norwegian Veterinary Institution, Norway

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er is a distinguished veterinary epidemiologist and researcher dedicated to advancing animal health. ๐Ÿ–๐Ÿ“ˆ Since 2007, he has worked full-time at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, focusing on epidemiology and bioinformatics. ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ด๐Ÿ”ฌ He also serves part-time as a church servant at Uranienborg Menighet since 2020. โ›ช Previously, Dr. Er contributed significantly to veterinary inspection in Singaporeโ€™s pig and poultry slaughterhouses (1991โ€“2006) and served as a Captain in the Singapore Armed Forces (1989โ€“1991). ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ๐Ÿฅ With a Ph.D. from the University of Life Sciences, Norway, an MPVM from UC Davis, and a BVSc from the University of Queensland, Dr. Er’s career blends scientific excellence with public service. ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŒ His pioneering research on influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection in pigs has had lasting impacts on veterinary public health. ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ“– A committed scholar with 14 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Er exemplifies the qualities honored by the Pioneer Researcher Award. ๐Ÿ†โœจ

Publicationย  Profile

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Educationย 

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er holds a rich academic background dedicated to veterinary science and epidemiology. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿพ He earned his Ph.D. in 2006 from the University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway, presenting a landmark thesis on epidemiological studies of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infections in Norwegian pigs. ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ด๐Ÿ“š He pursued his Master’s in Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) at the prestigious University of California, Davis, USA, graduating in 2000 with a focus on Veterinary Epidemiology. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ“Š Dr. Er began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) from the University of Queensland, Australia, in 1989, grounding him firmly in veterinary practice. ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿฉบ His education reflects a lifelong commitment to enhancing animal health and advancing veterinary epidemiology through global learning experiences, interdisciplinary knowledge, and applied research, making him a fitting nominee for the Pioneer Researcher Award. ๐Ÿ…๐ŸŒŸ

Experienceย 

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er’s professional journey reflects outstanding dedication across diverse fields. ๐ŸŒŸ From 2007 onwards, he has been a full-time researcher at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, specializing in epidemiology and bioinformatics. ๐Ÿท๐Ÿ“Š In 2020, he also took on part-time service as a church servant at Uranienborg Menighet, den norsk luthersk kirke. โ›ช Before his research career, Dr. Er served in Singaporeโ€™s civil service (1991โ€“2006), ensuring veterinary inspection and public health in pig and poultry slaughterhouses. ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ” He started his career in national service, where he rose to the rank of Captain in the Singapore Armed Forces as a logistics officer (1989โ€“1991). ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ๐Ÿš› These extensive experiences demonstrate his leadership, scientific expertise, and commitment to public welfare. His professional background embodies the spirit of perseverance and innovation celebrated by the Pioneer Researcher Award. ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ“ˆ

Awards and Honorsย 

Dr. Jwee Chiek Erโ€™s career is a testament to persistent excellence and leadership. ๐ŸŒŸ Although specific award listings were not detailed, his achievements themselves reflect high recognition in the veterinary science community. ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ“ˆ His Ph.D. thesis and impactful peer-reviewed publications have significantly advanced knowledge of influenza epidemiology in pig populations, demonstrating award-worthy innovation. ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ”ฌ His pioneering surveillance work on influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infections in Norway greatly contributed to national animal health strategies. ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ด๐Ÿ– Furthermore, Dr. Erโ€™s role in public veterinary service in Singapore and his distinguished service in the Singapore Armed Forces earned him respect and authority early in his career. ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ๐ŸŒ Nomination for the Pioneer Researcher Award is a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to animal health, epidemiological innovation, and scientific leadership. ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ“š His work bridges practice and research, influencing veterinary policies across nations. ๐ŸŒโœจ

Research Focusย 

Dr. Jwee Chiek Erโ€™s research centers on the epidemiology of infectious diseases in animal populations, with a strong focus on influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in pigs. ๐Ÿ–๐Ÿฆ  His studies analyze infection patterns, serosurveillance, and economic impacts on animal health, providing essential insights for disease control and public health policy. ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Using bioinformatics and mathematical modeling, such as discrete-time Markov Chain modeling, he projects disease prevalence and evaluates herd-level interventions. ๐Ÿ“ˆ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ His research also explores serological cross-reactivity between influenza strains, crucial for improving diagnostic and surveillance systems. ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿ” Through longitudinal studies at boar testing stations and comprehensive serological surveys, Dr. Er has significantly advanced understanding of viral behavior in livestock. ๐Ÿ“‘๐Ÿ“ˆ His interdisciplinary approach integrating epidemiology, economics, and computational tools highlights him as a pioneer in veterinary research. ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ”ฌ His work supports healthier livestock systems and contributes to global food security. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ–

Publications Top Notes

  • ๐Ÿ“„ “Adverse Effects of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus Infection on Growth Performance of Norwegian Pigs – a Longitudinal Study at a Boar Testing Station” (BMC Vet Res, 2014)

  • ๐Ÿ“„ “Occurrence and Spread of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus Infection in Norwegian Pig Herds Based on Active Serosurveillance from 2010 to 2014” (Epidemiol Infect, 2016)

  • ๐Ÿ“„ “Production Impact of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus Infection on Fattening Pigs in Norway” (J Anim Sci, 2016)

  • ๐Ÿ“„ “Longitudinal Projection of Herd Prevalence of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus Infection in the Norwegian Pig Population by Discrete-Time Markov Chain Modelling” (Infectious Disease Reports, 2021)

  • ๐Ÿ“„ “Antibodies of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus in Pigs’ Sera Cross-React with Other Influenza A Virus Subtypes: A Retrospective Epidemiological Interpretation of Norway’s Serosurveillance Data from 2009โ€“2017” (Epidemiology and Infection, 2020)

  • ๐Ÿ“„ “A Survey of Skin Neoplasms in Dogs from the Brisbane Region” (Aust Vet J, 1989)

Tawanda Chivese | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Tawanda Chivese | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Tawanda Chivese, University of Washington Tacoma, United States

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tawanda Chivese is an accomplished epidemiologist specializing in clinical epidemiology. With a Ph.D. in Medicine from the University of Cape Town, and an MSc (cum laude) in Clinical Epidemiology from Stellenbosch University, Dr. Chivese has a strong foundation in advanced epidemiological methods, biostatistics, and global health. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Washington Tacoma, and an Extraordinary Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University. Over his career, Dr. Chivese has led impactful international research on diabetes, gestational diabetes, cardiometabolic diseases, and mental health outcomes. His work has been published in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and he actively contributes as a journal reviewer and editorial board member. Dr. Chiveseโ€™s commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and research collaboration marks him as a distinguished researcher with significant contributions to global public health.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Tawanda Chivese holds a Ph.D. in Medicine (2021) from the University of Cape Town, where he investigated the long-term effects of hyperglycemia in pregnancy on offspring obesity and cardiovascular risk. He earned his MSc Clinical Epidemiology (cum laude, 2014) from Stellenbosch University, completing advanced coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, and systematic reviews. His Master’s research focused on cigarette smoking and Crohnโ€™s Disease phenotypes. Earlier, he completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing Science (2006) from the University of Zimbabwe, developing a strong clinical foundation. He has supplemented his formal education with specialized training in systematic reviews, digital skills, blended learning, biomedical ethics, and diagnostic test accuracy through global institutions like the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford. Dr. Chiveseโ€™s comprehensive education underpins his expertise in clinical epidemiology and global health research.

Experience

Dr. Chivese is currently an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) at the University of Washington Tacoma (2024-present), leading epidemiology and public health teaching, collaborative research on gestational diabetes, and supervising student research. Previously, he served as Assistant Professor at Qatar University (2019-2024), where he coordinated key courses, redesigned epidemiology curricula, and mentored over 100 student researchers, many winning top awards. He fostered collaborations with the Qatar Ministry of Public Health and Qatar Biobank. Concurrently, Dr. Chivese has held honorary positions at Stellenbosch University and the South African Medical Research Council since 2016. His experience combines academic leadership, innovative teaching, curriculum development, large-scale collaborative research, and scholarly publication. His global impact is evidenced by partnerships across Africa, the Middle East, and the U.S., positioning him as a leading figure in global clinical epidemiology.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Tawanda Chiveseโ€™s dedication to excellence has earned him multiple accolades. He received consistent teaching excellence awards during his tenure at Qatar University and awards for supervising the best undergraduate research projects. His leadership contributions to the Public Health Association of South Africa, serving on the executive board and as Vice Chairperson for a special interest group, underline his influence in public health leadership. His scholarly work has been recognized with prestigious grants, including funding from Qatar Foundation, Welcome Trust, and SAMRC/Newton Fund. In addition, he has been selected as an editorial board member for BMC Public Health and frequently reviews for top-tier journals like The Lancet and PLOS Medicine. These honors reflect his outstanding achievements in research, teaching, mentorship, and service to the academic and public health communities.

Research Focus

Dr. Chiveseโ€™s research primarily focuses on the intersection of metabolic and mental health diseases, particularly diabetes, cardiovascular risks, and cognitive outcomes post-gestational diabetes. He specializes in clinical epidemiology, meta-analysis, and diagnostic accuracy studies. His recent projects include investigating the developmental origins of autism spectrum disorders, the role of poor glycemic control in cognitive dysfunction, and refining meta-analysis methods for improved evidence synthesis. He also leads collaborative studies on lifestyle interventions to prevent cardiometabolic diseases in high-risk populations. His work aims to uncover critical determinants of chronic disease progression and provide actionable public health interventions. Dr. Chiveseโ€™s research approach is interdisciplinary, combining clinical insight, advanced statistical methods, and global collaboration to address complex health challenges in both low- and high-income settings.

Publication Top Notes

Buddhi Fernando | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Buddhi Fernando | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Buddhi Fernando, Department of MLS, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka

Dr. Buddhi Fernando is a dedicated academic and clinical biochemist from Sri Lanka ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ฐ, currently serving as a Lecturer at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Biochemistry from the University of Peradeniya ๐ŸŽ“, Dr. Fernando has pioneered studies on Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu), identifying biomarkers for diagnosis, staging, and risk prediction ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿฉบ. With experience in teaching Clinical Biochemistry, Andrology, Microbiology, and more, she has inspired many students while conducting impactful research. Her award-winning research presentations and global exposure, including a scholarship to Japan ๐ŸŒ, reflect her academic excellence. Dr. Fernando has co-authored numerous high-impact publications in reputed journals and remains passionate about translational science that directly benefits vulnerable communities. Her persistent pursuit of knowledge, interdisciplinary collaborations, and commitment to public health place her among Sri Lankaโ€™s most promising researchers ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ”ฌ.

Publication Profile

Google Scholarย 

Education

Dr. Buddhi Fernando completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Biochemistry ๐Ÿงช at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in 2020. Her dissertation focused on identifying a biomarker profile for CKDu and evaluating its utility in early diagnosis, staging, and risk stratification ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿ“Š. She earned her B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Science with a Second-Class Upper Division in 2014 from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿ”. Her undergraduate research explored the impact of Diabetes Mellitus on heart function in ICR mice ๐Ÿญโค๏ธ. Earlier, she completed the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination (2008) and G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination (2002) with commendable results ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“˜. Dr. Fernandoโ€™s academic training merges rigorous scientific methodology with a strong focus on public health relevance, especially in addressing rural disease burdens. Her scholarly foundation has been crucial in supporting her innovative research into CKDu, a condition affecting thousands in Sri Lanka ๐Ÿฉบ๐ŸŒฑ.

Experience

Dr. Buddhi Fernando has over six years of academic and teaching experience ๐Ÿ“š. From November 2019 to date, she has served as a Lecturer (Probationary and then permanent) at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Ruhuna ๐Ÿซ. Her teaching responsibilities span Clinical Biochemistry, Microbiology, Andrology, Physiology, and Parasitology ๐Ÿงซ๐Ÿง . She has also taken on leadership roles as Batch Coordinator and Unit Coordinator. Previously, she was a Demonstrator at the University of Peradeniya (2018โ€“2019) and a Lecturer at IVA Para Medical Campus, Kandy (2018) ๐Ÿงช. She is registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (Reg. No. 2478) ๐Ÿงพ. Her hands-on academic guidance and innovative methodologies help bridge theoretical learning with practical healthcare applications. Dr. Fernandoโ€™s commitment to education and mentorship has left a positive impact on future generations of medical laboratory professionals.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Buddhi Fernandoโ€™s excellence in research and academia has earned her several prestigious accolades ๐ŸŒŸ. In 2012, she was awarded a scholarship for the Global Health Student Exchange Program at Niigata University, Japan, recognizing her early promise in global public health ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต. In 2017, she won First Place for the Best Oral Presentation at the Research Sessions of the Kandy Society of Medicine ๐Ÿฅ‡๐ŸŽค, showcasing her talent in communicating scientific breakthroughs effectively. Her outstanding scholarly output is reflected in numerous publications across high-impact journals such as PLoS ONE, Kidney International Reports, and Environmental Geochemistry and Health ๐Ÿ“‘๐Ÿ“ˆ. As a unit coordinator and mentor, her academic leadership has also been instrumental in enhancing research culture among peers and students ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ”ฌ. These honors exemplify her capability to contribute significantly to science, education, and community health โ€” making her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿงช.

Research Focus

Dr. Buddhi Fernandoโ€™s research primarily centers on Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu)โ€”a pressing health crisis in Sri Lankaโ€™s rural communities ๐Ÿž๏ธ๐Ÿฉบ. Her Ph.D. work focused on identifying biomarker templates for CKDu and evaluating their utility for early detection, population screening, diagnosis, staging, and predicting complications ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿ’‰. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates biochemical profiling, environmental toxicology, and molecular diagnostics to uncover the complex pathophysiology of CKDu. Beyond CKDu, she also explores diabetes-related cardiac effects and trace element imbalances โš–๏ธโค๏ธ. Dr. Fernandoโ€™s work has high translational value, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory science and community health solutions ๐Ÿงช๐Ÿค. Her collaborations with nephrologists, toxicologists, and global health experts reflect her broad academic network and research adaptability ๐ŸŒ. Her contributions are vital to designing affordable, effective diagnostics for low-resource settings โ€” making her research both locally relevant and globally significant ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿง .

Publication Top Notes

Serum and urine fluoride levels in populations of high environmental fluoride exposure with endemic CKDu: a caseโ€“control study from Sri Lanka