Judith Oguzie, DVM, MSc, PhD will be a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. She is a veterinarian and molecular biologist who earned her DVM at the University of Maiduguri, and her MSc and PhD at Redeemer's University. 

Dr. Oguzie has addressed major public health challenges by applying cutting-edge molecular techniques. During various public health crises, she investigated and identified pathogens responsible for outbreaks, including Lassa, yellow, and Mpox viruses, in the outbreak scenarios.

Dr Oguzie notably showcased an extensive repertoire of handling other pathogens such as HIV, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, dengue fever, and hepatitis B, Rabbit Hemorrhagic fever virus with an unwavering commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

In addition to her diagnostic and sequencing endeavors, she actively participated in the planning and using molecular techniques for identifying and characterizing pathogens causing uncharacterized febrile illnesses (UFIs).

Recognizing the interconnected nature of infectious diseases, she extended her research to vector genomics, focusing on mosquitoes and ticks as potential carriers of pathogens with public health significance. This holistic approach reflects her belief that a comprehensive understanding of infectious diseases is crucial for effective prevention and control.

Dr Oguzie has played a pivotal role in disseminating crucial data to relevant public health institutions. Her contributions have informed timely and appropriate responses to outbreaks, ultimately saving lives and contributing significantly to the global fight against infectious diseases.

Jessica Rodriguez is a PhD candidate in Epidemiology with a focus on Genomics and Bioinformatics at The University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology with a minor in Biostatistics from the same institution, and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and English Literature from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Over a seven-year period, Jessica has accumulated considerable experience in conducting public health research. Her work has involved wastewater surveillance for microbes, and laboratory adaptation of various molecular diagnostic assays including those for SARS-CoV-2. She also has experience conducting molecular sequencing, running ELISA assays, performing chemical/molecular analysis, and in profiling pathogen biomarkers. She is passionate about addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes for underserved, minority populations.

Jessica is now a Research Associate in the One Health Laboratory at UTMB under Dr. Gregory Gray, and serves as the Editor for the One Health Newsletter.