Dr. Wanderimam Tuktur | Medical | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wanderimam Tuktur | Medical | DC Department of Health | United States

Dr. Wanderimam R. Tuktur, MBBS, MPH, PhD, is an accomplished and analytical public health professional with over twelve years of diverse experience in epidemiological research, geospatial analysis, health equity, and community-focused health interventions. Currently serving as a Public Health Analyst at the District of Columbia Department of Health, Office of Health Equity, he is dedicated to addressing the root causes of health disparities and advancing data-driven policies that promote equitable health outcomes for all communities. Dr. Tuktur’s professional journey reflects a seamless integration of clinical expertise and public health research, having previously held roles as an Epidemiologist at the Virginia Department of Health, a Research Analyst at Capital Area Health Network, and a Research Associate at Virginia Commonwealth University. His research and analytical proficiency span a wide spectrum, including predictive modeling, GIS-based health mapping, and the development of innovative tools like the DC Health Opportunity Index—an evidence-based framework for understanding social determinants of health.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Suitability Summary

Dr. Wanderimam R. Tuktur is exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award, standing out as a seasoned and analytical public health professional with over 12 years of diverse experience spanning epidemiological research, geospatial analysis, health equity studies, and quantitative/qualitative data analytics. His multidisciplinary expertise bridges medicine, data science, and public health, demonstrating excellence in both applied research and community-focused interventions.

Education

Doctorate Degree in Public Health (Epidemiology) – Walden University, 2024
Master of Public Health (Global Health) – Liberty University, 2017
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) – Ahmadu Bello University, 2012

Professional Experience

Public Health Analyst | District of Columbia Department of Health, Office of Health Equity (2022 – Present)
Leads data-driven projects and research to address social determinants of health and health disparities. Oversees the DC Health Opportunity Index development, manages equity programs such as the Advancing Health Literacy Project (AHLP), and supports multi-sector collaborations aimed at improving population health outcomes and advancing health equity in Washington, D.C.
Epidemiologist | Virginia Department of Health, Office of Health Equity (2021 – 2022)
Applied epidemiological and geospatial methods to identify health disparities, performed predictive modeling, and guided public health policy through data-informed recommendations for improving healthcare access across Virginia.
Data/Research Analyst | Capital Area Health Network (2021 – 2022)
Ensured integrity of clinical and financial data systems, analyzed data for accurate reporting to HRSA, and trained staff in health information management software.
Research Analyst | Capital Area Analytica Inc. (capAHEC Data Center) (2018 – 2021)
Conducted predictive modeling on healthcare disparities, managed large datasets, and generated insights for public health policies aimed at underserved communities.
Research Associate | Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Family Medicine & Population Health (2017 – 2018)
Contributed to a longitudinal cohort study on stress and social disparities in diabetes, managed community-based research partnerships, and supported manuscript preparation for publication.
Teaching Instructor | Liberty University, School of General Studies (2015 – 2016)
Delivered undergraduate instruction, developed course materials, and provided academic mentorship to enhance student learning outcomes.
Teaching Assistant | Liberty University, Department of Public & Community Health (2016 – 2017)
Supervised student projects, supported professors in course delivery, and participated in simulation-based teaching sessions.
Medical Officer | National Assembly Clinic & National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria (2013 – 2015)
Delivered inpatient and outpatient care, performed clinical evaluations, and participated in rotations across Surgery, Medicine, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Achievements

Led the creation of the DC Health Opportunity Index, a comprehensive data visualization tool mapping health inequities and social determinants across Washington, D.C.
Directed the Advancing Health Literacy Project (AHLP), resulting in a model toolkit and curriculum for community-based organizations.
Provided epidemiological and analytic leadership in multiple CDC-funded Health Disparities Grants, improving COVID-19 vaccine outreach and equity strategies.
Developed predictive geospatial models to identify High Priority Health Target Areas in Virginia, influencing healthcare access and policy designations.
Published reports and guided evidence-based policymaking to address health disparities in marginalized populations.

Awards and Honors

Certificate of Practicing License as a General Practitioner
Certificate of Completion – Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Human Subjects Research (HSR), Liberty University
Program Evaluation Training Certification, Ahmadu Bello University
Sphere Training Certification on Humanitarian and Disaster Relief
Virginia Commonwealth University Medication Management Training
American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification
Guest Lectureship Recognition, Liberty University (2015–2017)

Professional Memberships and Affiliations:

Active Member, Rotary Club of Richmond, Virginia
Member, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Member, American Public Health Association

Publication Top Notes

A Geographic Weighted Regression Analysis of the Health Opportunity Index and Stroke Prevalence in Health and Human Services Region 3

Metachronous Malignancy (Pancreatic Endocrine Neoplasm And Renal Cell Carcinoma): Case Report.

Assoc Prof Dr. Wafaa Hikal, National Research Center, Egypt

Dr. Wafaa Mohamed Abdallah Hikal is an Associate Professor in the Water Pollution Research Department at the Environment and Climate Change Research Institute of the National Research Centre in Egypt, as well as an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at the College of Science, Tabuk University, Saudi Arabia. Born and raised in Egypt, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology with honors from Al-Azhar University in 2000, followed by a Master’s in Parasitology from Helwan University in 2005, and a Ph.D. in Parasitology from Ain Shams University in 2010. With a specialization in zoology and parasitology, Dr. Hikal’s research focuses on environmental pollution, particularly the impact of water-borne and food-borne parasites in various water sources. Her work encompasses the isolation and identification of parasites, as well as the morphological, molecular, and biochemical characterization of these organisms. Dr. Hikal has been recognized with several scientific awards, including the International Research Awards on Science, Technology, and Management in 2022, and multiple incentive awards from the University of Tabuk in 2023. She has also participated in international scientific missions to Japan and China, contributing to her expertise in environmental control and occupational disease prevention. Dr. Hikal has published extensively, with a Google Scholar citation count nearing 1,000, reflecting her significant contributions to the field of parasitology and water quality research.

Professional Profile:

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Wafaa Hikal’s extensive educational background, combined with her significant research contributions in the fields of parasitology and environmental science, make her an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her impressive citation count reflects her impact in the scientific community, and her recent awards showcase her dedication to high-quality research. Moreover, her participation in international scientific missions highlights her commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise in her field.

Education:

B.Sc. in Zoology
- Institution: Al-Azhar University, Egypt
- Year: 2000
- Honors: Excellent with honors
M.Sc. in Parasitology
- Institution: Helwan University, Egypt
- Year: 2005
- Department: Zoology Department, Faculty of Science
Ph.D. in Parasitology
- Institution: Ain Shams University, Egypt
- Year: 2010
- Department: Zoology Department, Faculty of Science

Work Experience:

Associate Professor
- Department: Water Pollution Research Department, Environment and Climate Change Research Institute
- Organization: National Research Centre, Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Egypt
- Duration: 2020 – Present
Assistant Professor
- Department: Biology Department
- Organization: College of Science, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Duration: 2014 – Present
Researcher
- Department: Water Pollution Research Department, Environment and Climate Change Research Institute
- Organization: National Research Centre
- Duration: 2010 – 2015
Research Assistant
- Department: Water Pollution Research Department, Environment and Climate Change Research Institute
- Organization: National Research Centre
- Duration: 2005 – 2010
Assistant Researcher
- Department: Water Pollution Research Department, Environment and Climate Change Research Institute
- Organization: National Research Centre
- Duration: 2002 – 2005

Publication top Notes:

Ecological Factors Affecting Diversity and Abundance of Mosquito Larvae in Nile Delta, Egypt

Phytochemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from <i>Satureja montana</i> L., a Medicinal Plant Grown under the Influence of Fertilization and Planting Dates