Dr. Manisha Kulkarni is an Associate Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa. She holds a PhD in Medical Entomology from McGill University and brings over fifteen years of experience in working on malaria biology, epidemiology, and control in East Africa and other global settings. Prior to joining the University of Ottawa, Dr. Kulkarni worked on the implementation and evaluation of global public health programs as the Malaria Advisor at HealthBridge, as an Epidemiologist in the Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Branch at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and as a Health Specialist at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Dr. Kulkarni’s research interests include, among others, the socio-ecological determinants of infectious diseases with a focus on vector- borne and zoonotic diseases. Throughout her career, Dr. Kulkarni has published over 50 scientific articles and she has received several awards and grants, including being one of three recipients to win the first ever Knowledge Mobilization Excellence award from the University of Ottawa. She also holds a Researcher of the Year Award from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa and an Early Researcher Award from the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation. Among her numerous accomplishments, Dr. Kulkarni leads the Interdisciplinary Spatial Informatics for Global Health (INSIGHT) research lab, holds research grants from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and sits on the institutional advisory board for CIHR’s Institute of Infection and Immunity.
“It is more important than ever that we collectively act to address global health issues and challenges to improve health and health equity for all and ensure that our students and trainees are equipped to work in a globalized world,” said Dr. Kulkarni. “I’m excited to take on this new role to build on the Faculty of Medicine’s multidisciplinary strengths and to create new global health opportunities and partnerships.”
“We are delighted Dr. Kulkarni has joined the IGHO team as Interim Director of the Global Health Program,” said Dr. Mark Walker, Interim Vice-Dean of Internationalization and Global Health. “Her demonstrated expertise, leadership skills and commitment to health equity will no doubt further propel the Faculty’s expansion of its Global Health activities locally and around the world.”
The Global Health Program (GHP) within the IGHO establishes strategic and sustainable initiatives by facilitating international placements for Faculty of Medicine students and faculty members. This funding serves to undertake global health activities, through interdisciplinary research, education, healthcare, and capacity building opportunities. The IGHO strategic mandate prioritizes developing diverse and equitable preferred partnerships, social accountability, and empowering learners in becoming global citizens. Dr. Kulkarni’s accomplishments, experience and track record have significantly contributed to the Global Health mandate and with her appointment as Interim Director, she is well suited to lead the Global Health Program.
It is with great honour that we congratulate Dr. Manisha Kulkarni on her appointment.
For more information on the Global Health Program, please consult the following link: Global Health Program.