Mr. Nduduzo Shandu | Health Award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nduduzo Shandu | Health Award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nduduzo Shandu, University of Zululand, South Africa

Nduduzo M. Shandu is a dedicated and accomplished professional in the fields of Biokinetics and Sport Science. Born on February 4, 1997, in South Africa, he holds a National Senior Certificate from Umtapho High School and has completed an impressive academic journey at the University of Zululand. His qualifications include a BSc in Microbiology and Human Movement Science, a BSc Honours in Biokinetics, and an MSc in Sport Science, all earned with distinction. His expertise spans a range of skills, including creativity, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and leadership, supported by certifications in First Aid, Emergency Oxygen Provision, and digital literacy. Nduduzo has gained practical experience through internships and work at institutions such as the University of Nelson Mandela and the Sharks Medical Centre, where he has been involved in rehabilitating athletes and chronic patients, as well as strength and conditioning training. His commitment to education and community service is evident from his roles as a teaching assistant and education assistant, as well as his involvement in various sports, including athletics and netball. Nduduzo’s contributions to the field are also highlighted by his awards and certificates of excellence for outstanding academic performance.

Professional Profile:

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Nduduzo has achieved distinction (Cum Laude) in multiple degrees, including a BSc in Microbiology and Human Movement Science, an Honours in Biokinetics, and an MSc in Sport Science from the University of Zululand. Specialized Knowledge: His educational background is well-aligned with research in health, fitness, and biokinetics.

Education

  • National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
    Umtapho High School, 2014
    Subjects Passed: IsiZulu, English, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Accounting, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
    Certificate Status: Bachelor Pass (NSC-35 points)
  • BSc (Microbiology and Human Movement Science)
    University of Zululand, 2015-2017
    Degree Status: Distinction (Cum Lauda)
  • BSc Hons Biokinetics
    University of Zululand, Jan-Dec 2018
    Degree Status: Distinction (Cum Lauda)
  • MSc Sport Science
    University of Zululand, 2019-2022
    Degree Status: Distinction (Cum Lauda)

Work Experience

  • Education Assistant
    Department of Basic Education (Ndabomuhle Primary School), Nov 2021-Aug 2022
    Responsibilities: Supported classroom activities, developed learning methods, assisted with sanitation and lesson preparation, provided additional clarification, marked assessments.
  • Biokinetics Intern
    Biokinetics and Sport Science Unit (BSSU), University of Nelson Mandela, Jan-Dec 2020
    Responsibilities: Rehabilitation of chronic patients and athletes, operated Cybex, Spirometry, ECG, and Biodex machines, provided exercise prescriptions and strapping.
  • Teaching (Tutoring) Experience
    HPW Organization (Ophinda High School), 2016-2019
    Responsibilities: Assisted learners with assignments and curriculum revision in Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Agricultural Sciences.
  • Tutoring
    Teaching and Learning Centre, University of Zululand, 2016-2019
    Responsibilities: Prepared assignments, marked scripts, and provided student support.

Publication top Notes:

Perspectives of Hospital Staff on Barriers to Smoking Cessation Interventions among Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in a South African Management Hospital

Past, Present and Future of Judo: A Systematic Review

Exercise Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), Muscular Function, Cardiorespiratory Function, and Body Composition in Smokers: A Narrative Review

The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Health Fitness,Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychological Measurs among College-aged Smokers

Shoulder Electromyography (EMG) Evaluation During Latissimus-Dorsi Pulldown Variations Following an Accelerated Shoulder Resistance Training Program

 

Dr. Eyasu Seyoum | Public Health Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Eyasu Seyoum | Public Health Award | Best Researcher AwardΒ 

Dr. Eyasu Seyoum, The Ohio State Global One Health, Ethiopia

Dr. Eyasu Tigabu Seyoum is a dedicated microbiologist leading crucial initiatives in food safety and zoonoses at the Ohio State Global One Health Ethiopia office. His role includes advancing Ethiopia’s molecular laboratory capacity and molecular surveillance for respiratory viral diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). With extensive expertise in microbial isolation, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogen genome sequencing, Dr. Seyoum plays a key role in strengthening laboratory capabilities and providing mentorship. His research interests cover food safety, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular epidemiology of bacterial infections.

Professional Profile:

 

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Seyoum specializes in microbiology with a focus on food safety, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and molecular epidemiology of bacterial infections. His expertise includes microbial isolation, pathogen genome sequencing, and molecular biology techniques like RT-PCR and conventional PCR.

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Tropical and Infectious Diseases (Microbiology), Addis Ababa University (2015)
  • M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences, Addis Ababa University (2007)
  • B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Addis Ababa University (2001)

Work Experience:

  • Senior Food Safety and Zoonoses Program Lead and Senior Lab Expert
    Ohio State University Global One Health Initiative (May 2021-Present)

    • Leading food safety and zoonoses projects in Ethiopia πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ή
    • Developing laboratory training materials and ensuring quality assurance πŸ§ͺ
    • Co-mentoring lab staff and PhD fellows πŸ§‘β€πŸ”¬
    • Co-leading AMR project implementation and research proposal development πŸ“
  • Post-Doctoral Fellow
    Ohio State University Global One Health Initiative (Jan 2019 – Mar 2020)

    • Organized and presented at conferences and symposia 🌍
    • Engaged in GOHi project activities and mentored students πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ“
  • Acting Director for Bacterial, Parasitic, and Zoonotic Disease Research Directorate
    Feb 2018 – Apr 2019

    • Coordinated research and capacity building activities 🧫
  • Senior Researcher at Bacteriology and Mycology Research Case Team
    Ethiopian Public Health Institute (Jul 2016 – Apr 2021)

    • Provided training and developed research proposals πŸ’‘
  • Assistant Professor and Lecturer
    Axum University (Nov 2007 – Jul 2016)

    • Taught courses in Microbiology, Parasitology, and Immunology πŸ“š
  • Malaria and Vector-Borne Diseases Control Expert
    Benishangule-Gumuz Regional Health Bureau (2002-2003)

    • Conducted studies and provided training on malaria and vector-borne diseases 🦠

Engagement in Covid-19 Pandemic Response:

  • National COVID-19 Operational Research Committee Member
    • Reviewed research proposals and co-developed cohort study tools 🦠

Publication top Notes:

Pre-Harvest Food Safety Challenges in Food-Animal Production in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Gene Profile of Clinical<i> Staphylococcus</i><i> aureus:</i> A Multi-Center Study from Ethiopia

Characterization of plasmids carrying <i>bla</i><sub>CTX-M</sub> genes among extra-intestinal <i>Escherichia coli</i> clinical isolates in Ethiopia

Clonal diversity of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> isolates in clinical specimens from selected health facilities in Ethiopia

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling and Molecular Epidemiological Analysis of Extended Spectrum Ξ²-Lactamases Produced by Extraintestinal Invasive <i>Escherichia coli</i> Isolates From Ethiopia: The Presence of International High-Risk Clones ST131 and ST410 Revealed