Lecturer 1
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, USA
Baltimore, Maryland
Ogar Christopher Ogar is a dedicated public health researcher and medical laboratory scientist with a strong academic foundation in haematology and blood transfusion science. He is currently a fourth year graduate student in the Doctor of public health program at Morgan State University, he holds a Master of Science in Haematology and Blood Transfusion Sciences from the University of Calabar (2019), and a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) from the same institution (2014). His professional experience bridges academia and practice, serving as a Lecturer I at the University of Calabar, Nigeria, and as an Adjunct Lecturer at Morgan State University in the United States. This dual-context role provides him with a unique comparative perspective on healthcare systems, which is vital for the session's focus on adaptable strategies for resource-limited settings.
His research contributions are directly aligned with the core theme of strengthening blood systems under stress. A significant portion of his published work, often in collaboration with Dr. Ifeyinwa Okafor, investigates critical, real-world challenges. This includes assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood supply and usage, analyzing the hematological parameters of first-time versus repeat donors to inform retention strategies, and evaluating the seroprevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections. This body of evidence-based work equips him to speak authoritatively on the operational and public health dimensions of maintaining a safe and sustainable blood supply.
As a licensed professional and member of key organizations like the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Mr. Ogar embodies the interprofessional collaboration this session champions. His expertise uniquely bridges the technical, laboratory-focused aspects of blood safety with population-level public health strategy. His direct involvement in this research and his active role in educating future professionals in both Nigeria and the U.S. make him an essential voice for presenting actionable, evidence-based solutions to improve donor systems and patient outcomes.
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