Getu Diriba | Public Health | Top Researcher Award

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Mr. Getu Diriba | Public Health | Top Researcher Award

Senior researcher at Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Ethiopia

Summary:

Mr. Getu Diriba is a skilled clinical laboratory scientist with a strong background in diagnostic and public health microbiology. He holds an MSc in Clinical Laboratory Science from Addis Ababa University, specializing in Diagnostic and Public Health Microbiology, awarded in 2020. He also earned a BSc in Medical Laboratory Science from the same university in 2015. Mr. Diriba has extensive professional experience as a researcher at the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL) under the Ethiopian Public Health Institution, where he has contributed significantly to tuberculosis research and diagnostics. His work involves performing DST, culture, GeneXpert, line probe assays, and AFB smear tests. Additionally, Mr. Diriba has participated in numerous training programs to enhance his expertise in biosafety, laboratory quality management, molecular techniques, and ethical research practices. He is proficient in multiple languages, including Oromifa, Amharic, and English, and has advanced computer skills in MS Office and SPSS.

Profile:

Education:

Mr. Getu Diriba holds an MSc in Clinical Laboratory Science, specializing in Diagnostic and Public Health Microbiology, from the School of Medical Laboratory Technology at Addis Ababa University, awarded on July 13, 2020. He also earned a BSc Degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the same institution on July 4, 2015. Throughout his academic journey, he has participated in various short-term training courses to enhance his skills, including Specimen Management and Safety in Microbiology, TOT on Biosafety and Biosecurity, Laboratory Quality Management System workshops, and advanced training in tuberculosis diagnostics, molecular techniques, and ethical research practices. These educational experiences have provided him with a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills.

Professional Experience:

Mr. Getu Diriba has accumulated extensive professional experience in the field of medical laboratory science. From May 2014 to June 2015, he worked as a Medical Laboratory Technician at the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL) under the Ethiopian Public Health Institution in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He then served as an Assistant Researcher I at NTRL from July 2015 to December 2018. Since December 2018, Mr. Diriba has been a dedicated researcher at NTRL, where he plays a crucial role in the TB Research team. His responsibilities include providing technical assistance in the laboratory, performing DST, culture, GeneXpert, line probe assays, and AFB smear tests. He collaborates in identifying relevant research questions, preparing research proposals, organizing fieldwork, and participating in data collection and analysis. Additionally, Mr. Diriba contributes to updating manuals, SOPs, and laboratory procedures, and assists in training provision and guiding junior researchers. He actively participates in internal and external workshops, seminars, and conferences, contributing to the advancement of laboratory safety and research methodologies.

Research Interest:

Mr. Getu Diriba’s research interests are primarily focused on tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics and public health microbiology. He is deeply involved in the development and evaluation of diagnostic techniques for TB, including drug-resistant strains. His work encompasses a broad range of methodologies such as DST, culture, GeneXpert, and line probe assays. Mr. Diriba is committed to improving laboratory practices and enhancing the quality of diagnostic services. He is also interested in identifying and addressing research questions relevant to TB control and prevention, collaborating on the development of research proposals, and designing innovative research tools. Additionally, his interests include the implementation of laboratory safety protocols and the adaptation of new laboratory methods and technologies to better serve public health needs.

Skills:

Mr. Getu Diriba possesses a diverse and robust set of skills essential for his role in clinical laboratory science and public health microbiology. He is proficient in various laboratory techniques, including DST, culture, GeneXpert, line probe assay, AFB smear tests, and other manual and automated diagnostic techniques for tuberculosis. His expertise extends to research and data management, where he excels in identifying research questions, developing research proposals, preparing research tools, organizing and conducting fieldwork, and managing data through encoding, entry, verification, and cleaning processes. In addition to his technical skills, Mr. Diriba is adept at laboratory quality management, updating manuals, SOPs, and laboratory procedures, and implementing laboratory safety and waste disposal guidelines. He has significant experience in assessing and monitoring laboratory activities, as well as providing training. His computer proficiency includes mastery of MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS PowerPoint, and SPSS for data analysis and project management. Communication is another of Mr. Diriba’s strengths, as he is fluent in Oromifa, Amharic, and English, with excellent skills in understanding, speaking, and writing in these languages. He is also capable of guiding and mentoring junior researchers, graduate students, and colleagues in adopting new laboratory methods and technologies. Additionally, Mr. Diriba is skilled in project management, adept at preparing action plans, executing approved experimental trials and projects, and preparing progress reports on activities.

Award and Honors:

Mr. Getu Diriba has received several awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to clinical laboratory science and public health microbiology. He was awarded the Meritorious Scholarship for his MSc studies in Clinical Laboratory Science at Addis Ababa University, highlighting his academic excellence. Mr. Diriba’s dedication to advancing laboratory quality management and safety standards has been acknowledged through his participation in various prestigious training programs, such as the Advanced Workshop on Laboratory Quality Management Systems and the Center of Excellence for Programmatic Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis. His commitment to research excellence and professional development is further demonstrated by his active involvement in workshops and seminars, both nationally and internationally. These accolades reflect Mr. Diriba’s dedication to his field and his continuous pursuit of knowledge and improvement in laboratory practices.

Publication:

Population structure and spatial distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Ethiopia

  • Authors: Getahun, M., Beyene, D., Mollalign, H., Sinshaw, W., Ameni, G.
  • Journal: Scientific Reports
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue: 1
  • Page: 10455

Routine tuberculosis contact investigation yield and preventive treatment cascade in central Ethiopia

  • Authors: Seid, G., Alemu, A., Diriba, G., Habtemariam, S., Gumi, B.
  • Journal: Heliyon
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 10
  • Issue: 10
  • Page: e30942

Genotypic and phenotypic drug resistance patterns of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia: A multicenter study

  • Authors: Yenew, B., Kebede, A., Alemu, A., Beyene, D., Abegaz, W.E.
  • Journal: PLoS ONE
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 19
  • Issue: 5
  • Page: e0303460

Acquired bedaquiline and fluoroquinolones resistance during treatment follow-up in Oromia Region, North Shewa, Ethiopia

  • Authors: Diriba, G., Alemu, A., Ayano, B.Z., Moga, S., Tadesse, G.
  • Journal: IDCases
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 36
  • Page: e01988

A smooth tubercle bacillus from Ethiopia phylogenetically close to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex

  • Authors: Yenew, B., Ghodousi, A., Diriba, G., Supply, P., Cirillo, D.M.
  • Journal: Nature Communications
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue: 1
  • Page: 7519

Pulmonary tuberculosis case notification and burden of drug resistance among children under 15 years of age in Ethiopia: sub-analysis from third-round drug resistance tuberculosis survey

  • Authors: Abebaw, Y., Abebe, M., Tola, H.H., Argaw, R., Abegaz, W.E.
  • Journal: BMC Pediatrics
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 23
  • Issue: 1
  • Page: 418

Optimization of the simple one-step stool processing method to diagnose tuberculosis: Evaluation of robustness and stool transport conditions for global implementation

  • Authors: Yenew, B., De Haas, P., Diriba, G., Jerene, D., Tiemersma, E.
  • Journal: Microbiology Spectrum
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 4

Genetic diversity and drug sensitivity profile of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among children in Ethiopia

  • Authors: Mollalign, H., Getahun, M., Diriba, G., Tulu, B., Ameni, G.
  • Journal: PLoS ONE
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 18
  • Issue: 7
  • Page: e0284363

Poor treatment outcome and associated risk factors among patients with isoniazid mono-resistant tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Authors: Alemu, A., Bitew, Z.W., Diriba, G., Dangisso, M.H., Gumi, B.
  • Journal: PLoS ONE
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 18
  • Issue: 7
  • Page: e0286194

 

Bishal Patangia | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Bishal Patangia | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Research Associate at Christ University, India

Summary:

Mr. Bishal Patangia is an accomplished researcher and professional with a distinguished academic background and extensive experience in psychology and human resource development. He completed his M.Sc. in Psychology with a focus on Human Resource Development and Management at Christ University, Bangalore, graduating with distinction. He also holds a B.A. in Psychology, Sociology, and English from the same institution. Currently serving as the Manager of Facilitation Management at KNOLSKAPE Solutions Pvt Ltd and a Learning & Development Research Specialist at TimesPro, Mr. Patangia has made significant contributions to his field. His research interests include women’s health and well-being, aging and health outcomes, health inequality, and the psychosocial factors influencing health. Recognized for his academic excellence and contributions, he has received several awards, including the Meritorious Scholarship and the Best Scientific Paper Presentation Award. Mr. Patangia is also actively involved in various international professional organizations and has contributed to multiple research projects and publications.

Profile:

Education:

Mr. Bishal Patangia has distinguished himself academically with a M.Sc. in Psychology with a focus on Human Resource Development and Management from Christ University, Bangalore (Aug. 2022 – Apr. 2024). Notably, he graduated with distinction, received the prestigious Meritorious Scholarship for the year 2023-24, and ranked in the top 3% of his cohort. He was also an active representative in the University Psychology Association and led the Faculty-Student Initiative on the Indian Psychology Lab. Prior to this, he completed his B.A. in Psychology, Sociology, and English from Christ University (Jun. 2018 – May 2021), where he graduated with first-class honors and was ranked in the top 10% of his cohort.

Professional Experience:

Mr. Bishal Patangia has amassed substantial professional experience in the field of psychology and human resource development. He currently serves as the Manager of Facilitation Management at KNOLSKAPE Solution Pvt Ltd since 2024. Concurrently, he holds the position of Learning & Development Research Specialist at the Corporate Training Alliance, TimesPro, a division of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd (BCCL), where he has been contributing since 2021. Additionally, he has been a Research Associate at the Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Christ University since 2019. His diverse roles have enabled him to gain extensive expertise in research, facilitation, and development within academic and corporate settings.

Research Interest:

Mr. Bishal Patangia’s research interests lie at the intersection of health and psychology, with a strong focus on women’s health and well-being, aging and health outcomes, and health inequality. He is deeply invested in exploring the psychosocial factors that influence health, employing mixed methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of these issues. His research aims to uncover and address the disparities in health outcomes, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations. Mr. Patangia’s work is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from psychology, sociology, and public health to inform evidence-based interventions and policies.

Skills:

Mr. Patangia possesses a robust set of research skills, particularly in clinical research, psychometric assessment, and project management. He is proficient in mixed methods research, utilizing tools such as NVivo for qualitative analysis and SPSS for quantitative analysis. His competencies extend to HRM, HR/Data Analytics, consulting, and business research. He is also fluent in English, Assamese, and Hindi.

Research and Projects:

Mr. Patangia has secured significant research grants, including the UNESCO IITE Online-Merge-Offline (OMO) Wellness for Learner and Educators Grant worth $19,200 in 2023. His current research projects involve collaborations with international universities, exploring topics such as empowerment, resilience, and vulnerability in female university students during the COVID-19 pandemic, trauma-based mindfulness interventions, and the development of cognitive workload questionnaires. He is also working on book projects focusing on strategic teaching in hybrid classrooms and principles of psycho-oncology.

Award and Honors:

Mr. Bishal Patangia has been recognized for his outstanding academic and professional achievements through numerous awards and honors. He received the Meritorious Scholarship for the academic year 2023-24 in his Master of Sciences in Psychology HRDM program at Christ University. His research excellence was further acknowledged with the Best Scientific Paper Presentation Award at the 23rd National Conference of the Indian Society of Psychiatric Nursing in 2024. Additionally, he earned recognition from the Patent and Copyrights Officer of India for his innovative workbook on OMO Wellness for Educators and Learners in 2023. Mr. Patangia also secured a significant research grant from UNESCO IITE, valued at $19,200 USD, for the development of the Online-Merge-Offline (OMO) Wellness program for learners and educators.

Publication: