Prof. Blaise Dondji | Drug discovery | Best Researcher Award
Distinguished Professor , Central Washington University , United States
Dr. Blaise Dondji is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Central Washington University (CWU), USA. He specializes in immunology, infectious diseases, and parasitology, with extensive experience in teaching, mentoring, and research. Holding a Ph.D. in Parasitology from the University of Jos, Nigeria, and postdoctoral training at Yale School of Medicine and Hebrew University, Dr. Dondji has made significant contributions to parasitic disease research and immunology. His work focuses on vector-borne diseases, vaccine development, and host-pathogen interactions. He has received prestigious grants from NIH, Volkswagen Foundation, and Keck Foundation. Recognized for his teaching excellence, he has been awarded multiple faculty mentorship and excellence awards at CWU. Dr. Dondji is also actively involved in academic service, grant writing, and diversity initiatives. His dedication to research and student success continues to shape the next generation of scientists.
Profile
🎓 Education
Dr. Blaise Dondji holds a diverse and extensive academic background in biological sciences, specializing in parasitology and immunology. He earned his Ph.D. in Parasitology from the University of Jos, Nigeria, in 1999, following an M.Sc. in Entomology & Parasitology from the same institution in 1993. Before that, he completed both an M.Phil. (1991) and an M.Sc. (1990) in Animal Biology & Physiology at the University of Yaoundé, Cameroon, where he also obtained his B.Sc. in Zoology in 1989. His postdoctoral training includes Molecular Parasitology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel (2002) and Immunology & Infectious Diseases at the Yale School of Medicine, USA (2007). His academic journey has been enriched by multiple prestigious fellowships, including those from UNESCO and the Brazilian Council for Scientific and Technological Advancement, equipping him with a strong foundation in parasitology, immunology, and global health research.
🏢 Experience
Dr. Dondji is a Distinguished Professor at Central Washington University, where he has been a faculty member since 2008. He has served as Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, he has held roles as Director of the Keck-Murdock Flow Cytometry Facility and a pre-medical and pre-dental advisor. Prior to CWU, he was a faculty member at Yale School of Medicine, supervising research in infectious diseases. His earlier career includes serving as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ngaoundéré, Cameroon, and as a Visiting Lecturer at institutions such as Quinnipiac University and the Université Paris-Sorbonne. With decades of teaching experience in immunology, molecular biology, and parasitology, Dr. Dondji has contributed significantly to the academic and research community, shaping the next generation of scientists through his expertise and mentorship.
🏆 Awards & Honors
Dr. Dondji has been widely recognized for his excellence in teaching, mentoring, and research. He received the 2022 Distinguished Faculty – Teaching Award at CWU, adding to previous accolades such as the 2019 Career Influencer Award and the 2018 Faculty Mentor of the Year Award. His contributions to student success have earned him multiple recognitions, including the 2013 Most Inspirational Faculty Award and the 2016 Professors’ Excellence Award from the National Residence Hall Honorary. His impact on the scientific community is also reflected in prestigious research fellowships from the Volkswagen Foundation, UNESCO, and the Brazilian Council for Scientific and Technological Advancement. He has also received major research grants, including an NIH R15 grant and funding from the Keck Foundation and Murdock Charitable Trust, highlighting his leadership in research and education.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Dondji’s research focuses on immunology, parasitology, and infectious diseases, with an emphasis on host-pathogen interactions and vaccine development. His studies explore novel immunological approaches to combat parasitic infections, particularly those caused by helminths and protozoa. He has contributed significantly to understanding immune responses to parasitic diseases, investigating mechanisms of host resistance and susceptibility. His research also extends to vector-borne diseases, particularly mosquito biology and control strategies to curb malaria and other mosquito-transmitted infections. Through his work, he has secured major funding, including NIH grants, and has established state-of-the-art immunological research methodologies. Additionally, he has been actively involved in promoting public health awareness and vaccine research, furthering global efforts to mitigate the burden of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Given his exceptional research output, global impact, and dedication to scientific advancements, Dr. Blaise Dondji is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His pioneering research, influential mentorship, and ability to secure significant funding position him as a distinguished scientist whose contributions have greatly advanced the field of immunology and infectious disease research.
Publication: “Distribution and ecological aspects of sand fly species from Kousseri, an endemic focus of visceral leishmaniasis in Northern Cameroon”
Authors: Tebo-Nzesseu Thierry Rostand, Tateng Ngouateu Aime, Ngouateu Omer Bébé Kenfack, Vincent Khan Payne, Blaise Dondji
Journal: Frontiers in Tropical Diseases
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
Publication: “Ecological site distribution of sand fly species of Mokolo, an endemic focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in northern Cameroon”
Authors: Aime Tateng Ngouateu, Omer Bébé Ngouateu Kenfack, Vincent Khan Payne, Andreas Krüger, Blaise Dondji
Journal: Acta Tropica
Year: 2023
Citations: 3
Publication: “Assessment of the anthelmintic activity and toxicity of metabolites of Dalea pogonathera (Fabaceae)”
Authors: Victoria McPherson, Haley Wolhart, Lindsay Engels, Gil N. Belofsky, Blaise Dondji
Journal: Phytochemistry Letters
Year: 2022
Citations: 1