Justine Okello

Justine Okello is a PhD scholar in the epidemiology of viral hemorrhagic fevers at Makerere University, Uganda. They are affiliated with the Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems, and Veterinary Public Health (BEP) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (COVAB). With a strong foundation in laboratory sciences and veterinary preventive medicine, Okello has developed expertise in infectious disease epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, and One Health research. They hold a Master of Science in Veterinary Preventive Medicine (Field Epidemiology) and a Bachelor of Laboratory Science from Makerere University. Their research focuses on zoonotic disease surveillance, geospatial modeling, and molecular characterization of pathogens at the human-animal-environment interface. As part of their PhD research, Okello is investigating the determinants of Rift Valley Fever in Northern Uganda, aiming to enhance disease preparedness and strategic response efforts. Since 2020, Okello has served as a Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant at BEP, actively contributing to undergraduate education, student mentorship, and grant writing. Driven by a passion for interdisciplinary research, Okello applies cutting-edge epidemiologic tools and One Health approaches to tackle real-world health challenges. Through their work, they envision shaping Uganda's public health landscape by integrating research, teaching, and community engagement to mitigate emerging infectious diseases and their economic impact.