Thierry Ngouana Kammalac | Medical Mycology | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Thierry Ngouana Kammalac | Medical Mycology | Best Research Article Award

Laboratoire Sion| Cameroon

Dr. Ngouana Kammalac Thierry is an accomplished Cameroonian biochemist and medical mycologist with extensive experience in microbial diagnostics, infectious disease research, and biotechnology innovation. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Health Sciences (2014), jointly awarded by the University of Montpellier in France and the University of Yaoundé I in Cameroon, where his doctoral work focused on the genetic diversity of Cryptococcus and Candida isolates in HIV-positive patients and their susceptibility to antifungal therapies and medicinal plant extracts. He also holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry (2009) from the University of Yaoundé I. Dr. Ngouana has built an exceptional career at the intersection of laboratory science, diagnostic technology, and academic instruction. As Director of Zion Biomedical Corporation since 2023, he leads the development and large-scale production of innovative biomedical products, including lateral flow immunochromatographic diagnostic tests, microbial culture media, and specialized staining dyes, contributing to improved diagnostic capacities in the region. Since 2016, he has also served as Director of Zion Medical Laboratory, where he oversees scientific development, clinical diagnostics, and antimicrobial resistance surveillance. His laboratory plays a crucial role in cryptococcal meningitis diagnosis among HIV-infected patients, the establishment of microbial standard operating procedures (SOPs), and the strengthening of Cameroon’s diagnostic infrastructure. Alongside his laboratory leadership, Dr. Ngouana has been an associate lecturer at the Catholic University and the Protestant University of Central Africa since 2015, teaching courses in medical mycology, biochemistry, and bacteriology. He has a strong publication record, contributing to high-impact research on Candida genetic diversity, antifungal resistance, pathogenic yeast epidemiology, and bioactive compounds from medicinal plants. His work has appeared in reputable journals such as Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, American Journal of Microbiological Research, Mycoses, Journal de Mycologie Médicale, Medical Mycology, and Journal of Medical Microbiology. Notable contributions include studies revealing novel genotypes of Candida species, antifungal susceptibility patterns in Africa and Europe, and plant-derived compounds with potent antifungal activity. Dr. Ngouana’s expertise spans molecular diagnostics, PCR, microscopy, microbial culture, infection control, and data analysis, supported by strong research methodology and teamwork competencies. He is an active member of the FAILSAFE Medical Mycology Network, the Cameroonian Society of Microbiology, and the French Society of Medical Mycology, reflecting his engagement in global scientific collaboration and capacity building in medical mycology.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Ngouana, T. K., Dougue, A. N., Ngouana, V., Tsayem, R. F., Mahamat, Y. H., Boyom, F. F., & Ranque, S. (2025). Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis at the Zion Clinical Laboratory (Yaounde-Cameroon): Risk factors, species distribution and antifungal susceptibility testing. Journal of Medical Mycology,

Kountchou, C. L., Kabtani, J., Dougue, A. N., Nangwat, C., Ekpo, A. I., Ngonde, M. C., Mogo, C. B., Dzoyem, J. P., Ranque, S., & Ngouana, T. K. (2025). Candida krusei (Pichia kudriavzevii) multilocus sequence typing and antifungal susceptibility profile in Cameroon. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology.

Raja Sanjeev Kumar Nakka | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Raja Sanjeev Kumar Nakka | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard | United States

Mr. Rajasanjeev Kumar Nakka is a highly accomplished software engineer and data analyst with over a decade of experience in computer programming, software development, data analytics, and systems design. His career spans a broad spectrum of domains, including enterprise application development, data management, system optimization, and scientific computing, with hands-on expertise in C#, ASP.NET, Java, SQL, and data-driven web technologies. A results-oriented technologist, he is recognized for his ability to transform complex business requirements into robust, scalable, and efficient software solutions across industries ranging from financial systems to biomedical informatics. Mr. Nakka holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Kansas State University, USA (2007), and a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from Acharya Nagarjuna University, India (2005). In addition, he is a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) and a Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP), affirming his proficiency in advanced programming paradigms and software engineering principles. His continuous learning ethos is reflected in certifications spanning data science, software testing, machine learning, and cybersecurity, underscoring his commitment to professional growth and technological innovation. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Nakka has contributed significantly to several high-impact software projects. At the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, he currently serves as a Senior Data Analyst, leading the development of the Cellular Immunology Database (CIDB)—a sophisticated data management system integrating genetic, clinical, immunological, and virological datasets to support HIV/AIDS research and vaccine development. His role extends beyond technical development to include project management, computational design, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration with leading biomedical researchers. His work has enabled efficient data flow, secure information sharing, and advanced analytical capabilities within one of the world’s foremost medical research institutions. Previously, as a Senior Software Engineer at Confluence (Indecomm Global Services) in Pittsburgh, USA, Mr. Nakka was instrumental in developing and supporting SaaS-enabled financial platforms, including Unity NXT for budgeting, expense management, and fund reporting. His technical leadership in employing ASP.NET MVC, JQuery, Knockout, and CQRS frameworks contributed to enhanced system reliability, scalability, and maintainability. His earlier tenure at CDC Software (India) involved designing and implementing CRM integration systems for Microsoft Office, improving workflow synchronization and user experience for global clients. Mr. Nakka’s early career at CivicPlus (USA) and as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Kansas State University provided a strong foundation in web architecture, software design, and database engineering, including projects that evaluated J2EE and .NET performance for enterprise web services. His academic and industrial projects have consistently demonstrated strong analytical thinking, attention to quality, and a balance between innovation and practical implementation. Driven by curiosity, precision, and innovation, Mr. Rajasanjeev Kumar Nakka continues to advance the integration of data science, software engineering, and computational intelligence, empowering institutions and industries to harness technology for smarter, data-informed decision-making and impactful digital transformation.

Profiles: OrcidGoogle Scholar 

Featured Publications

Lampou, M., Trull, E. C., Warren, H. M., Ghebremichael, M. S., Nakka, R., Floyd, D. J., et al. (2025). Clinical utility of plasma microbial cell-free DNA surveillance in neutropenic patients with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing outpatient chemotherapy: A case series. Diagnostics, 15(13), 1715. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15131715

Gandla, S., Nakka, R., Khan, R. A., Salboukh, F., & Ghebremichael, M. (2025). The association between syphilis infection and HIV acquisition and HIV disease progression in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 10(3), 65. https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030065

Gandla, S., Nakka, R., Khan, R. A., Bose, E., & Ghebremichael, M. (2025). Biological and social predictors of HIV-1 RNA viral suppression in ART treated PWLH in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 10(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10010024

Irie, W. C., Mahone, A., Nakka, R., & Ghebremichael, M. (2023). Factors associated with comfort discussing PrEP with healthcare providers among Black cisgender women. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 8(9), 436. https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8090436

Irie, W., Mahone, A., Nakka, R., & Ghebremichael, M. (2023). Confidence in ability to communicate with sexual partners about PrEP among Black cisgender women. AIDS Education and Prevention, 35(5), 333–346. https://doi.org/10.1521/aeap.2023.35.5.333

Vasudeva, M., Nakka, R., Stock, S., & Ghebremichael, M. (2022). Associations between awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevalence of STIs among Sub-Saharan African men and women. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 7(8), 147. https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7080147