Peter Asaga Mac | Infectious diseases | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Peter Asaga Mac | Infectious diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Senior clinical research fellow | University Hospital Freiburg | Germany

Dr. Peter Asaga Mac is a dedicated researcher at Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, specializing in infectious and zoonotic diseases. His scientific work focuses on understanding the epidemiology, immune response, and transmission dynamics of emerging viral infections, particularly mosquito-borne diseases such as Chikungunya and Dengue. Through a combination of field-based studies, serological analyses, and molecular surveillance, Dr. Mac investigates how co-circulating arboviruses interact within populations and contribute to public health challenges in endemic regions, especially in Africa. His notable publication, “An Undetected Expansion, Spread, and Burden of Chikungunya and Dengue Cocirculating Antibodies in Nigeria” (Zoonotic Diseases, 2024), provides valuable insight into the unnoticed expansion of these viruses and their long-term implications for disease control strategies. Dr. Mac’s research is characterized by its translational value—bridging scientific discovery with actionable health interventions to improve epidemic preparedness and response. His collaborations with international scientists strengthen global efforts to monitor zoonotic threats and develop more resilient surveillance systems. Despite being an early-career researcher, his contributions are gaining recognition within the academic community. With 3 publications, 14 citations  and an h-index of 2, Dr. Mac’s growing academic footprint reflects his potential to make lasting contributions to infectious disease research, particularly in the areas of viral immunology, epidemiological modeling, and global health resilience. His commitment to evidence-based solutions continues to shape a better understanding of emerging diseases and their impact on human health worldwide.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Chackalackal, D. J., Al-Aghbari, A. A. A., Jang, S. Y., Ramirez, T. R., Vincent, J., Joshi, A., et al. (2021). The Covid-19 pandemic in low- and middle-income countries: Who carries the burden? Review of mass media and publications from six countries. Pathogens and Global Health, 115(3), 178–187.
Cited by: 49

2. Mac, P. A., Suleiman, A. C., & Airiohuodion, P. E. (2019). High prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Central Nigeria. Journal of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, 5(1), 068.
Cited by: 34

3. Mac, P. A., Asheadzi, H. F., Gideon, A., Thaker, P., & Airiohuodion, P. (2019). Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum among Nigerians in Abuja and Central States: A comparative analysis of sensitivity and specificity using rapid diagnostic test and microscopy. International Journal of Tropical Diseases, 1, 014.
Cited by: 22

4. Mac, P. A., Kroeger, A., & Airiohuodion, P. E. (2019). Needs assessment of emergency medical and rescue services in Abuja/Nigeria and environs. BMC Emergency Medicine, 19(78), 8.
Cited by: 21

5. Mac, P. A., Airiohuodion, P. E., Yako, A. B., et al. (2022). The seroprevalence and hidden burden of chikungunya endemicity and malaria mono- and coinfection in Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 8896.
Cited by: 19

Josiah Orji | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Josiah Orji | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Student | Federal University of Technology | Nigeria                         

Mr. Josiah Orji is an applied mathematician specializing in differential equations, mathematical modeling, and numerical simulation, with a focus on biological and medical applications. He excels in translating complex biological processes into mathematical frameworks, conducting analytical and computational analyses, and preparing findings for publication. Currently pursuing an M.Tech. in Applied Mathematics (Distinction) at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, his dissertation explores the modeling and optimal control of malaria transmission dynamics with the impact of an effective vaccine. He holds a B.Tech. in Industrial Mathematics (First Class Honors) from the same university. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, emphasizing malaria and schistosomiasis modeling, and he possesses strong programming skills in MATLAB, Maple, and Python. A PTDF scholar and recipient of multiple academic awards, including the Prof. Reuben Olufenwa Ayeni Award and a NAMCUS Bronze Medal, Josiah has teaching experience at both pre-degree and secondary levels and has served in leadership roles such as President of the Watchman Catholic Charismatic Campus Fellowship. His research interests include mathematical biology, optimal control theory, computational mathematics, and data-driven approaches to disease modeling. He is proficient in LaTeX and web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), a member of professional bodies such as Black in AI and ResearchGate, and remains committed to advancing interdisciplinary research in mathematics, data science, and biomedical systems while mentoring future scientists through teaching, tutoring, and community engagement.

Featured Publications

1. Orji, J. C., Yusuf, T. T., Afolabi, A. S., & Dawodu, K. A. (2025). Integrated malaria control: Impacts of vaccination and combined interventions on disease dynamics. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 11(6), 1–23

2. Chukwuebuka, O. J., Miswanto, M., & Sunday, A. A. (n.d.). Optimal control problems constrained by non-linear ordinary differential equations.