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Allison: Medicinal Herbs Capable of Addressing Global Health Inequities
Mariam Allison is a biomedical public health scientist and a thorough researcher whose works have contributed to both science and nature. One of her major discoveries is the natural antioxidants in plants like lemongrass linked to preventing oxidative stress-related disease. In this interview with Omolabake fasogbon, she speaks above her ongoing efforts in integrating biomedical research with practical public health solutions to address global health disparities
Kindly walk us through your background and explain why you chose a career in public health.
Well, my journey into Public Health was shaped by academic curiosity, personal experiences, and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact on global health, particularly within my community.
I began my academic career with a bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology and Genetics from the University of Lagos, one of Nigeria’s prestigious institutions. There, I laid the foundation for my scientific research career, delving into how cellular processes influence overall health and disease. This early exposure to medical research ignited my passion for the field. During my time at the University of Lagos, I had the privilege of conducting groundbreaking research on the Antioxidant capacity of Lemongrass, alongside esteemed Molecular Biologists and Chemists. Unbeknownst to me, the successful publication of our research garnered significant media recognition and became a valuable resource for scientists worldwide. Working as a Laboratory Scientist in the Central Research Laboratory at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos around the same time the research was conducted further solidified my commitment to understanding the intricate mechanisms of disease and health.
After moving to the United States, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in biology & Life Sciences at Coppin State University. This experience was pivotal in my academic and professional journey, as it allowed me to deepen my understanding of biomedical sciences. My expertise in biomedical sciences had already begun to shape my understanding of public health well before my tenure at Coppin State University. This foundation allowed me to deepen and refine my insights into how scientific principles can directly inform and improve public health strategies and outcomes. I realized that while understanding diseases at a molecular level is essential, addressing the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes in communities is equally critical. During my time at Coppin State, I had the honor of being appointed as a Takeda HBCU STEM i3 Scholar. This program, the Takeda HBCU STEM Immersion, Industry, and Innovation (I3) Fellows Program, was instrumental in shaping my perspective on Public Health. It’s designed to cultivate a new generation of researchers equipped to tackle health disparities in vulnerable populations. Through this program, I was able to merge rigorous scientific research with a deep commitment to addressing the root causes of health inequities. This experience solidified my belief that impactful Public Health work requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating science, community engagement, and policy advocacy to create lasting change. My engagement with the research on oxidative stress and its modulation by caffeine during my tenure at Coppin State University was an extension of my extensive expertise in antioxidants. This project was not just another assignment; it was a strategic application of my deep understanding in the field, aimed at uncovering novel neuroprotective strategies. Having a prior knowledge of how antioxidants work made me very comfortable to have worked on the project. I am advancing my expertise through a specialized program in Accelerated Medical Sciences at Agnes Scott College, which is thoroughly designed to synthesize the realms of biomedical sciences and public health. This advanced study enhances my already robust knowledge, focusing on the practical application of scientific insights to foster significant improvements in community health outcomes. This progression reflects a strategic deepening of my expertise, applying rigorous scientific principles to develop effective public health strategies and interventions.
Choosing a career in Biomedical Science and Public Health was a natural progression for me and aligns perfectly with my passion for science and my commitment to improving health on both a local and global scale. I believe that by addressing the root causes of health disparities and implementing evidence-based interventions, we can make a significant and lasting impact on the world’s health.
As a Biomedical Public Health professional, you’ve been actively involved in various research and initiatives with profound impact. Can you talk about your past research and its impact?
My past and ongoing research initiatives are dedicated to merging the rigor of biomedical research with actionable public health strategies to tackle global health challenges effectively. One impactful area of my research has been the study of natural antioxidants in plants like lemongrass, which has shown potential in preventing oxidative stress-related diseases. This work is significant not just for its implications in disease prevention, but also for its potential to leverage natural resources in low-resource settings, making preventative health measures more accessible. To explain this in a much-detailed way, the biochemical properties of lemongrass, particularly its high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, suggest it can serve as a cost-effective antioxidant source. These compounds are crucial for scavenging harmful free radicals in the body, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The accessibility of lemongrass, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where it is indigenous, makes it an excellent candidate for local health initiatives that aim to utilize natural resources without the need for expensive imports. My research explores how lemongrass can be integrated into daily diets or used in community health programs, possibly in the form of teas or supplements. This approach not only emphasizes the preventive aspects of healthcare but also encourages communities to utilize local biodiversity for health benefits.
A key focus of my work has been exploring the cellular mechanisms that underpin various diseases, which provides a critical foundation for designing targeted health interventions. These insights are pivotal because they allow us to tailor treatments that are not only effective but also adaptable to different genetic and environmental contexts across diverse communities. This approach is especially relevant in the era of personalized medicine, where treatments can be customized to individual biological profiles, enhancing both efficacy and safety. My research incorporates a strong emphasis on the social determinants of health which recognizes that health disparities are often influenced by factors beyond pure biology, including socioeconomic conditions, education levels, and environmental factors. By integrating this broader perspective, we can ensure that our health interventions are not only biologically sound but also socioeconomically appropriate. It allows us to design health solutions that are accessible and sustainable, truly meeting the needs of varied populations. Moreover, the integration of advanced technologies like bioinformatics and big data analytics has revolutionized our ability to process and interpret large volumes of health data. These tools help us uncover patterns that guide the development of predictive models and personalized treatment plans, further refining our approach to disease management. And not to forget that ethical considerations also play a crucial role as we advance in our understanding and capabilities. So it is essential to navigate these advancements with a commitment to ethical standards, ensuring that our interventions promote health equity and do not inadvertently contribute to the disparity.
To sum it up, by deeply understanding both the biological underpinnings of diseases and the societal factors that affect health outcomes, we can develop more comprehensive and effective public health strategies. These strategies are equipped to address not only the medical but also the social challenges of health care, ensuring a more holistic approach to disease prevention and management.
Your lemongrass research has been very impactful, can you shed more light on it and other more impactful research you’ve embarked on; how do you see your work contributing to the broader goals of public health, particularly in addressing global health challenges?
I am deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of public health professionals. By fostering critical thinking and innovation among young researchers, I strive to contribute to building a robust public health infrastructure capable of responding to future challenges effectively. Overall, my goal is to create a bridge between detailed scientific research and practical, community-focused health solutions, thereby contributing to the broader objectives of public health globally. This includes not just addressing current health issues but also preparing for future challenges through strategic research and education.
Moreover, my engagement extends beyond traditional educational frameworks. I actively participate in community outreach and public health advocacy, aiming to empower communities with the knowledge and tools necessary for preventive health care. This community-oriented approach ensures that public health strategies are grounded in the real-world needs and conditions of the populations they intend to serve. By integrating community feedback into research and implementation processes, we can enhance the relevance and impact of health interventions, making them more effective and sustainable. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate health challenges but also equips communities to manage their health more proactively, fostering resilience against future health crises.
Looking at your research on topics from antioxidant properties of natural products and oxidative stress of the retina and the most recent virus COVID-19 that is still very much in circulation. How have these studies contributed to public health strategies and what future research are you most passionate about pursuing to improve health outcomes within the community and globally?
My research on the antioxidant properties of natural products which were lemongrass, exposure of the neural retina to oxidative stress; modulation by caffeine, and the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 have been geared toward strengthening public health strategies through a deeper understanding of both preventive and therapeutic approaches.
Starting with antioxidants, our focus on natural products like lemongrass has uncovered potential ways to harness these substances to boost immune functions and reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in chronic diseases and ageing. This research contributes to public health by advocating for more natural, accessible dietary options that can preemptively combat health issues, thereby reducing the burden on healthcare systems. In terms of eye health, understanding the oxidative stress mechanisms in the retina allows us to develop targeted strategies to prevent or slow the progression of degenerative eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. This is crucial for improving quality of life and reducing healthcare costs associated with vision loss.
As for COVID-19, my work has focused on the response dynamics and the impact of co-existing health crises, such as simultaneous outbreaks of other infectious diseases. These studies inform public health policies by highlighting the importance of resilient health systems that can manage multiple challenges effectively.
Looking forward, I am eager to dive deeper into how environmental changes influence disease patterns and health outcomes. My point of interest would be how global climate change is altering the spread of infectious diseases and what this means for future public health strategies. In addition, I aim to explore how advancements in bioinformatics and data science can be harnessed to predict and mitigate health risks before they become full-blown crisis, and by integrating these research interests, I hope to contribute to a holistic approach that not only addresses immediate health concerns but also prepares us for future challenges, ensuring better health outcomes both locally and globally.
Your work has had both national and international implications, particularly through your contribution as a Public Health Professional of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. How do you approach the challenges of public health on a global scale, and what specific areas do you believe require the most urgent attention?
As a researcher of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a Public Health professional focused on biomedical sciences, my approach to addressing public health challenges on a global scale involves a multidisciplinary and collaborative strategy. I prioritize partnerships that bridge gaps between governmental bodies, academic institutions, NGOs, and communities worldwide. Such collaborations are vital for sharing knowledge, and resources, and shaping robust health policies that respect diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
A key component of my work is emphasizing preventive health measures which involves enhancing vaccine outreach, public health education, and community-driven initiatives to manage and prevent chronic diseases more effectively. These preventative strategies are crucial, especially in underserved areas with scarce healthcare services, helping to reduce the burden on health systems and improve community health outcomes which are the reason why I collaborated with like minds to start Build for Africa which is a global initiative that focuses on using AI to address critical health issues, economic empowerment and creative thinking to develop solutions that aligns with the sustainable development goals.
Addressing health disparities is another critical area of my focus. Socioeconomic status, race, gender, and geographic disparities often exacerbate health issues, creating barriers to accessing necessary care. Developing targeted public health interventions that address these inequalities ensures that vulnerable populations receive appropriate support and resources, which is fundamental to equitable health improvements.
Enhancing the capacity of health systems to respond to emergencies through improved surveillance, readiness to deploy rapid response teams, and strengthened public health infrastructure is essential for managing future health crises effectively.
Looking ahead to new projects, how do you plan to continue making an impact in the field of public health, and what emerging public health challenges are you most eager to address in your future work?
Well, I plan to continue to make meaningful contributions through research, policy development, and community engagement. This includes expanding the use of bioinformatics and AI to predict disease outbreaks, improve diagnostics, and personalize medical treatments. By integrating these technologies, we can enhance the precision and efficiency of public health interventions. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for global health preparedness. I plan to focus on improving international health regulations and response mechanisms to better manage and mitigate the effects of future pandemics. This involves working on developing more robust disease surveillance systems and ensuring that health systems worldwide are resilient and well-equipped to handle emergencies. Another area I am eager to address is the impact of environmental changes on public health. As climate change accelerates, it brings new challenges such as increased rates of respiratory ailments, heat-related illnesses, and vector-borne diseases. I aim to lead research that links environmental policies with health outcomes, advocating for sustainable practices that also prioritize human health. Lastly, I will continue to tackle health disparities by developing programs that specifically aim to improve healthcare access and outcomes in underserved communities. This includes advocating for equitable health policies, conducting community-based research to understand barriers to health, and implementing culturally sensitive health promotion programs.
Your journey and the significant impact of your work have been wonderful. What is your advice for upcoming researchers who are trying to break into public health research?
For those aspiring to enter the field of public health research, it’s imperative to establish a strong educational foundation that encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. This can be achieved through but not limited to diverse avenues such as traditional degree programs, specialized online courses, and hands-on workshops. Practical experience is also crucial; therefore, engaging in internships and volunteer opportunities within the public health sector is highly recommended. These opportunities not only enhance your CV but also provide a real-world understanding of the challenges and rewards in the field, which is invaluable for developing the necessary skills to address complex public health issues effectively.
Networking plays a critical role in any researcher’s career, particularly in public health. Building a strong professional network opens doors to collaborative opportunities, secures funding, and sparks innovative research ideas. Active participation in conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with established professionals are strategic actions that can significantly benefit your career trajectory. Mentorship is another cornerstone of a successful research career. A knowledgeable mentor can guide you through complex career decisions, provide research direction, and expand your professional network. Their insight is especially valuable when navigating the multifaceted challenges of research.
In public health research, resilience is essential. The path is fraught with challenges such as paper rejections, failed experiments, and funding difficulties. However, perseverance is what distinguishes impactful researchers. Each obstacle should be seen as an opportunity to enhance understanding and refine your approach, turning potential setbacks into catalysts for growth and innovation. Embarking on a career in public health research requires dedication, curiosity, and a committed effort to improve public health outcomes. By nurturing these qualities, you can make significant contributions to the field and profoundly impact community and global health. This commitment will not only advance the field but also ensure that you make a lasting difference in the lives of communities worldwide.
