Theopista Lotto | Health Professions | Best Research Article Award

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Ms. Theopista Lotto | Health Professions | Best Research Article Award

Ifakara Health Institute | Tanzania

Author Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Theopista Lotto embarked on her academic journey with a deep commitment to healthcare and research. She earned her Bachelor of Pharmacy from Muhimbili University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (2003-2007), laying a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. Her passion for healthcare monitoring and evaluation led her to pursue an MSc in Health Monitoring and Evaluation at Mzumbe University, Morogoro, Tanzania (2013-2015). Further advancing her expertise, she attained a PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health from Swiss TPH, Switzerland (2021-2023), equipping her with cutting-edge skills in public health research and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) studies.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Ms. Lotto has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in public health, antimicrobial stewardship, and pharmaceutical research through her extensive professional journey. She currently serves as an M&E Advisor for the CDC Project on Sustainable Health System Strengthening at Mzumbe University (2024-Present), where she designs and implements evaluation frameworks and supports national health initiatives. Her role as a Technical Expert and In-Country Consultant for the Commonwealth Pharmacist Association (2023-Present) underscores her influence in antimicrobial stewardship, ensuring that healthcare programs align with Tanzania’s National Action Plan on AMR. Previously, she was a Research Scientist at Ifakara Health Institute (2020-2024), where she led multiple AMR surveillance projects and cross-sectional studies on antimicrobial use. Her earlier career includes impactful roles such as M&E Advisor at Tanzania Institute of Monitoring and Evaluation (2019-2020), DHIS2 Coordinator at Mbeya District Council (2015-2019), and District Pharmacist at Mbeya District Council (2009-2015). These positions highlight her extensive experience in data-driven decision-making, pharmaceutical logistics, and healthcare policy implementation.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Ms. Lotto’s research focuses on antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship, public health surveillance, and health system strengthening. She has played a pivotal role in:

  • Designing and leading AMU & AMS projects at Ifakara Health Institute, conducting large-scale community surveys to assess antimicrobial use in Tanzania.
  • Implementing electronic Clinical Decision Support Algorithms (CDSA) to promote antibiotic stewardship and improve pediatric healthcare outcomes.
  • Enhancing health monitoring systems through her expertise in Health Information Systems (DHIS2) and supporting national stakeholders with data-driven decision-making.

Her research has significantly contributed to the development of antimicrobial resistance policies, ensuring that Tanzania aligns with global AMR mitigation strategies.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Ms. Lotto’s contributions have earned her recognition as a leading researcher in public health and pharmacy. She has been instrumental in multiple government and international health projects, showcasing her ability to foster cross-sector collaborations with organizations like the CDC, Commonwealth Pharmacist Association, and Ifakara Health Institute. Her technical expertise in antimicrobial stewardship has positioned her as a sought-after consultant in Tanzania’s healthcare system.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Ms. Lotto’s work has had a far-reaching impact on Tanzania’s public health landscape. She has:

  • Strengthened AMR surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programs at a national level.
  • Improved healthcare monitoring and evaluation frameworks through innovative data collection and analysis.
  • Supported policy formulation and implementation, working closely with government ministries and international health bodies.
  • Provided training and mentorship to healthcare professionals, ensuring sustainable knowledge transfer in pharmaceutical management and public health research.

Her influence extends beyond research; she actively engages policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and academic institutions to drive meaningful change in the fight against AMR.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a visionary leader in public health and pharmacy, Ms. Lotto continues to pave the way for stronger healthcare systems in Tanzania. Her future contributions are expected to focus on:

  • Expanding AMR research to include more comprehensive national and regional studies.
  • Developing innovative pharmaceutical management tools to optimize drug distribution and usage.
  • Strengthening international collaborations to combat antimicrobial resistance on a global scale.
  • Training and mentoring the next generation of researchers in epidemiology and public health.

With her unwavering dedication and expertise, Ms. Lotto is set to leave a lasting legacy in global health research and pharmaceutical sciences, ensuring sustainable and evidence-based healthcare practices for generations to come.

 

Publications

📄 Population-Based Prevalence of Antibiotic Residuals in Low, Moderate and High Malaria Endemicity Areas in Tanzania
Author(s): Theopista Lotto, Joanna Gallay, Martin Zuakulu, Beatrice Ternon, Laurent Arthur Decosterd, Alexandra V. Kulinkina, Blaise Genton
Journal: Antibiotics
Year: 2025

Mezna Altowyan | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Mezna Altowyan | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University | Saudi Arabia

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Prof. Mezna Altowyan embarked on her academic journey at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, where she demonstrated exceptional prowess in chemistry. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with honors from 1998, followed by a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry in 2005, where her thesis focused on "Spectroscopic Studies and Effect of Substituents on Some Aromatic Hydrazones and Hydrazines." Her academic excellence continued as she pursued a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from 2012, presenting her groundbreaking research on "Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Effects of Some Schiff Bases of Coumarin Derivatives and their Metal Complexes" under the guidance of renowned chemist Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Mahmoud Alnajjar.

Professional Endeavors 🧑‍🏫

Since completing her education, Prof. Altowyan has built a remarkable career at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. Starting as a Teaching Assistant in 2000, she quickly ascended through the ranks, becoming a Lecturer in 2007, Assistant Professor in 2013, Associate Professor in 2020, and ultimately attaining the position of Professor of Organic Chemistry in October 2024. Her dedication to academia extends beyond teaching; she is actively involved in various committees, including those focused on academic accreditation, program evaluation, and safety regulations in the field of cosmetic products.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Prof. Altowyan's research interests lie primarily in the design and synthesis of novel pharmaceutical compounds. She has made significant contributions to the development of green synthetic methodologies and the synthesis of chiral reagents for asymmetric synthesis. With over 17 years of experience, her expertise includes organic synthesis and the spectral characterization of bioactive compounds. Her extensive knowledge in handling advanced instrumentation like NMR, HPLC, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry has propelled her research forward, leading to numerous publications in reputable journals.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Prof. Altowyan's commitment to excellence in both teaching and research has garnered her recognition within academic circles. Her projects have received funding from prestigious institutions, including the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and the Deanship of Scientific Research at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. Her work has been published in high-impact journals, reflecting her contributions to the field of organic chemistry.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Through her teaching and research, Prof. Altowyan has significantly influenced her students and the broader scientific community. By actively engaging in various professional societies and committees, she promotes the importance of safety and quality in chemical education and research. Her efforts to enhance the academic standards within her department contribute to the overall advancement of the field of chemistry in Saudi Arabia.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

As a distinguished academic, Prof. Altowyan is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the field of organic chemistry. Her ongoing research into potential pharmaceuticals and her commitment to sustainable chemistry practices highlight her forward-thinking approach. With a focus on nurturing the next generation of chemists, she aims to inspire students and colleagues alike, ensuring that her contributions to science and education will resonate for years to come.

 

Publications

📄 Structural and Biological Comparative Studies on M(II)-Complexes (M = Co, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn) of Hydrazone-s-Triazine Ligand Bearing Pyridyl Arm

  • Author(s): Mezna Saleh Altowyan, Ayman El-Faham, MennaAllah Hassan, Assem Barakat, Matti Haukka, Morsy A. M. Abu-Youssef, Saied M. Soliman, Amal Yousri
  • Journal: Inorganics
  • Year: 2024

📄 Synthesis, Structural Investigations, and Potential Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity of Mononuclear Zn(II) and Cd(II) Complexes Decorated by Morpholine/Pyrazole s‐Triazine Ligand

  • Author(s): Shaimaa I. Gad, Mezna Saleh Altowyan, Morsy A. M. Abu‐Youssef, Ayman El‐Faham, Assem Barakat, Rajendhraprasad Tatikonda, Matti Haukka, Saied M. Soliman, Amal Yousri
  • Journal: Applied Organometallic Chemistry
  • Year: 2024

📄 Synthesis, X-ray structure, Hirshfeld, cytotoxicity and anticancer studies of pyrazole and pyridazin-4(H)-one derivatives

  • Author(s): Tareq Q. Alshargabi, Saied Soliman, Ahmed Zakaria, Doaa Hassan Osman, Mohamed Hagar, Fares T. Alshorifi, Mohamed Gaber Marie, Prof. Dr. Assem Barakat, Matti Haukka, Mezna Saleh Altowyan et al.
  • Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure
  • Year: 2024

📄 Synthesis, X-ray Structures and Hirshfeld Analysis of Two Novel Thiocyanate-Bridged Ag(I) Coordination Polymers

  • Author(s): Mezna Saleh Altowyan, Eman M. Fathalla, Jörg H. Albering, Morsy A. M. Abu-Youssef, Taher S. Kassem, Assem Barakat, Matti Haukka, Ahmed M. A. Badr, Saied M. Soliman
  • Journal: Inorganics
  • Year: 2023

📄 Synthesis and Characterization of New Spirooxindoles Including Triazole and Benzimidazole Pharmacophores via [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction: An MEDT Study of the Mechanism and Selectivity

  • Author(s): Saeed Alshahrani, Abdullah Al-Majid, Abdullah Alamary, M. Ali, Mezna Altowyan, Mar Ríos-Gutiérrez, Sammer Yousuf, Assem Barakat
  • Journal: Molecules
  • Year: 2023