Karen Kengne Kamga | Genetics and Genomics | Best Researcher Award

Dr Karen Kengne Kamga, Limbe Regional Hospital, south west, Cameroon, Cameroon

Dr. Karen Kengne Kamga is a dynamic physician-scientist from Cameroon, blending clinical expertise with advanced research in human and medical genetics. With an M.D. from the University of Yaoundé I and a Ph.D. in Genetic Counselling from the University of Cape Town, she has become a leading figure in genomic medicine across Africa. She currently serves as a postdoctoral researcher in Human Genetics, Head of Medical Genetics at Limbe Regional Hospital, and Associate Lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I. Passionate about bridging clinical gaps in genetic services in Africa, she’s contributed significantly to fragile X syndrome understanding and healthcare system integration of genetic counselling. Dr. Kamga is a strong advocate for capacity building, precision public health, and equitable genomic research.

Education

Dr. Kamga began her academic journey at GBHS Bafoussam, completing her GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels. She earned her MD in General Medicine from the University of Yaoundé I in 2013. Driven by a passion for genetics, she pursued a Ph.D. in Genetic Counselling at the University of Cape Town, which she completed in December 2021. To expand her administrative and clinical leadership, she enrolled in an MBA in Health Management at UNICAF University, completed in 2023. She is also pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Genetics at Tech Global University, Andorra (2023–2024). In parallel, she is a postdoctoral fellow in Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town since 2021. Her multi-disciplinary training spans medicine, genetics, health management, epidemiology, and bioinformatics, equipping her to lead innovation in genomic healthcare delivery in low-resource settings.

Experience

Dr. Kamga’s career began as a physician at “Cabinet de soin St Dominique” (2013–2014), followed by multiple leadership roles at District Hospital Limbe from 2014 to 2023, including Head of Pediatrics, Gynecology/Obstetrics, Surgical Unit, ANC & EPI, and Laboratory Coordinator. In 2023, she became Head of Medical Genetics at the Limbe Regional Hospital. Simultaneously, since 2024, she is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I. Her experience reflects a strong commitment to integrating genetic services within mainstream healthcare and public health teaching. Her roles have combined clinical excellence, mentorship, and system-level leadership, all contributing to a national vision for personalized medicine and public health genetics.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Kamga’s research excellence has been widely recognized through prestigious international honors. She received the 2024 Resource-Limited Country Travel Award and the 2021 & 2020 Developing Country Virtual Meeting Awards from the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG). In 2019, she earned the ASHG Developing Country Travel Award. These honors reflect her impactful presence in the global genetics research community. She is also a respected member of several professional societies: ASHG (since 2020), African Society of Human Genetics (since 2017), and the Cameroon Society of Human Genetics (since 2015). Her accolades underscore a consistent dedication to research, equity, and capacity building in genetic medicine in Africa.

Research Focus

Dr. Kamga’s research focuses on bridging the gap between advanced genetic knowledge and its clinical implementation in Africa. Her Ph.D. investigated cultural perceptions and explanatory models of Fragile X Syndrome in rural Cameroon, highlighting the need for community-sensitive genetic counselling. As a postdoctoral fellow, she explores the integration of human genetics into public health, emphasizing equitable access to genomic services. She led a scoping review identifying strategic pathways to strengthen genetic healthcare in Africa. Her work spans genomic ethics, bioinformatics, genetic education, and precision public health, consistently aiming to enhance genetic literacy and healthcare systems in resource-limited settings. She is deeply involved in collaborative African genomics initiatives like H3Africa, and committed to mentoring emerging scientists.

Robert Nshimiyimana | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr Robert Nshimiyimana, Harvard Medical School, United States

Dr. Robert Nshimiyimana is a postdoctoral research fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, specializing in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. His research explores the identification of bioactive chemical signals, pathways, and cellular targets that enhance the innate resolution of inflammation. His contributions to inflammation resolution research have provided critical insights into therapeutic strategies for diseases driven by chronic inflammation. With expertise in mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and lipidomics, he plays a pivotal role in deciphering pro-resolving mediators in human biology. His work has resulted in multiple high-impact publications and recognition at prestigious international conferences. Passionate about mentoring and scientific outreach, Dr. Nshimiyimana is committed to advancing biomedical research and fostering collaborations to translate laboratory discoveries into clinical applications. His dedication to excellence and groundbreaking research make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Robert Nshimiyimana holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Southern California (USC), where he conducted cutting-edge research in bioorganic synthesis and lipid mediators of inflammation. His doctoral work focused on developing synthetic pathways for bioactive molecules that regulate the inflammatory response. Prior to that, he earned a B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Hendrix College, where he gained foundational expertise in chemical biology and enzymology. As part of his academic journey, Dr. Nshimiyimana participated in an International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) at Ulster University, Northern Ireland, broadening his scientific perspective and fostering global collaborations. His multidisciplinary education in chemistry, molecular biology, and biochemistry has provided him with a unique skill set to tackle complex biomedical challenges. His academic excellence and research contributions have established him as a rising leader in inflammation resolution and lipidomics research.

Experience

Dr. Robert Nshimiyimana has held multiple prestigious research positions, including his current role as a postdoctoral research fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Here, he investigates pro-resolving lipid mediators and their role in inflammation resolution. 📚 During his Ph.D. at USC, he served as a graduate research associate, focusing on the total synthesis of bioactive molecules and their impact on cellular signaling pathways. His research contributed to developing novel therapeutics targeting chronic inflammatory diseases. 👨‍🏫 Additionally, he has served as an instructor and teaching assistant for organic chemistry and biochemistry, mentoring students in advanced analytical techniques such as NMR, mass spectrometry, and chromatography. 💡 His expertise in chemical biology, lipidomics, and bioorganic chemistry has positioned him as a leading scientist in the study of inflammation and disease mechanisms, making him a prime candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Robert Nshimiyimana has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, highlighting his impactful contributions to biomedical research. ✨ He received the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 16th World Congress on Inflammation, showcasing his expertise in pro-resolving lipid mediators. ✈️ He was also awarded the Eicosanoid Research Foundation (ERF) Travel Award, enabling him to present groundbreaking research on lipid mediators and inflammation resolution at leading international conferences. 🔬 Beyond research, he serves as a peer reviewer for renowned journals, including Current Organic Chemistry, Current Materials Science, and Tetrahedron Letters, contributing to scientific advancement. His dedication to biomedical innovation, mentorship, and scholarly excellence has earned him global recognition. His commitment to advancing inflammation research through novel therapeutic strategies cements his reputation as a top-tier researcher and a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award.

Research Focus

Dr. Robert Nshimiyimana’s research focuses on the identification of bioactive chemical signals, pathways, and cellular targets responsible for stimulating the innate resolution of inflammation. His work integrates organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology to investigate how lipid mediators regulate immune responses and promote tissue healing. 🔍 Using advanced analytical techniques like mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, he studies the biosynthesis and function of pro-resolving mediators such as resolvins, maresins, and lipoxins. His research aims to develop therapeutic interventions targeting inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, pneumonia, and lung injury. 🌎 His innovative studies have profound clinical implications, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic inflammatory disorders. With a track record of high-impact publications and groundbreaking discoveries, Dr. Nshimiyimana is at the forefront of inflammation resolution research, making him an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Top Notes

A new E-series resolvin: RvE4 stereochemistry and function in efferocytosis of inflammation-resolution

E-series resolvin metabolome, biosynthesis and critical role of stereochemistry of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in inflammation-resolution: Preparing SPMs for …

Elovanoids counteract oligomeric β-amyloid-induced gene expression and protect photoreceptors

Human leukocytes selectively convert 4S,5S-epoxy-resolvin to resolvin D3, resolvin D4, and a cys-resolvin isomer

Stereospecific metabolism of R-and S-warfarin by human hepatic cytosolic reductases

Infectious neutrophil deployment is regulated by resolvin D4

ELV-N32 and RvD6 isomer decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, senescence programming, ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2-spike protein RBD binding in injured cornea

Elucidating the structure and functions of Resolvin D6 isomers on nerve regeneration with a distinctive trigeminal transcriptome