Université Saint Thomas d'Aquin - Burkina Faso
AUTHOR PROFILE
ACADEMIC ROOTS AND RISING 🌱
Prof. ZOHONCON Theodora M.’s academic journey began with a robust foundation in pharmacy, laying the groundwork for a future in scientific leadership. She earned her Doctorate in Pharmacy (PharmD) and later specialized in medical biology with a strong research orientation. Her early educational achievements were not merely academic milestones but stepping stones into deeper biomedical inquiries, particularly infectious diseases such as Hepatitis. This early exposure inspired her to pursue advanced research degrees, culminating in a PhD in Applied Microbiology and Immunology. Her initial focus on microbial pathogenesis and clinical diagnostics paved the way for her career-long engagement with virology. With a growing interest in Hepatitis research, she developed laboratory skills and theoretical insight that would eventually translate into impactful public health applications. Her academic rigor was matched by a passion for mentorship, demonstrated by her commitment to training students and supervising theses in related biomedical disciplines. Her foundational years reveal a scholar devoted to science and service, where Hepatitis studies began to form the nucleus of a broader agenda addressing viral infections in Africa. From her earliest lectures to her laboratory milestones, Prof. ZOHONCON’s academic roots illustrate a steady ascent anchored in excellence, with Hepatitis always central to her evolving research identity.
PROFESSIONAL MILESTONES & LEADERSHIP 🏛️
Prof. ZOHONCON has risen to become a key figure in biomedical sciences and health administration. As a university professor and director of multiple laboratories, she has consistently blended academic insight with institutional leadership. Her tenure at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University is marked by dedicated teaching and pivotal administrative roles, including positions on ethics committees and curriculum development boards. A significant portion of her professional path has been devoted to the development of diagnostic protocols for viral diseases, particularly Hepatitis. She has overseen critical infrastructure that supports molecular biology, immunology, and microbiological research while also leading public health-focused initiatives. Her work with national and regional networks further exemplifies her commitment to applied science that benefits community health. As a respected voice in virological surveillance and biosafety, Prof. ZOHONCON regularly collaborates with health ministries and international bodies to combat Hepatitis outbreaks. These collaborations bridge the gap between academic research and real-world medical needs. Her leadership positions are not only testaments to her administrative capacity but reflect her advocacy for prioritizing Hepatitis control and research in national health strategies. In every professional milestone, her emphasis on Hepatitis as a public health priority has remained constant and resolute.
SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS IN HEPATITIS RESEARCH 🔬
Prof. ZOHONCON’s scientific portfolio is rich with impactful research in virology, with a particular emphasis on Hepatitis viruses. Her contributions span the development of diagnostic tools, laboratory biosafety protocols, and epidemiological surveillance techniques. One of her most significant scientific endeavors includes studies on the molecular epidemiology of Hepatitis B and C, helping to elucidate transmission pathways and genotypic variations in Burkina Faso and the West African region. Through her publications and collaborative projects, she has contributed to a better understanding of viral hepatitis prevalence, risk factors, and resistance patterns. She played a leading role in projects funded by international organizations focused on improving the early detection and treatment outcomes of Hepatitis infections. Her research is guided by a vision to make diagnostics accessible and reliable in low-resource settings. Beyond lab-based work, she’s involved in translating research into health policy, aiming to improve national response strategies against Hepatitis. Her ability to navigate both the academic and applied realms has positioned her as a regional authority on Hepatitis virology. Through dozens of scientific articles, conference presentations, and field surveys, Prof. ZOHONCON has continually advanced the frontiers of knowledge in Hepatitis research, directly influencing public health protocols and disease control efforts.
GLOBAL COLLABORATIONS AND NETWORKS 🌍
International collaboration has been a cornerstone of Prof. ZOHONCON’s strategy in elevating Hepatitis research. Her partnerships with institutions across Africa, Europe, and international health agencies have catalyzed critical research into viral epidemiology and immunopathology. She has participated in WHO-sponsored programs and has led collaborative studies with institutions such as the Institut Pasteur and the West African Health Organization (WAHO), focusing on capacity building and laboratory diagnostics for Hepatitis and other viral infections. These global engagements not only advanced her own research but also enhanced regional preparedness through training programs, inter-laboratory benchmarking, and the development of diagnostic guidelines. Prof. ZOHONCON has emphasized the need for a cross-border approach to tackle Hepatitis, considering the migratory nature of populations and the variable access to healthcare infrastructure. Her ability to synthesize international standards with local realities has made her a valuable liaison between Burkina Faso’s health system and global research agendas. These alliances have yielded joint publications, regional policy briefs, and enhanced research funding channels. By fostering an international research ecosystem, Prof. ZOHONCON ensures that Hepatitis remains on the global health agenda, with African data and perspectives significantly shaping future directions.
TEACHING AND MENTORSHIP LEGACY 👩🏫
Prof. ZOHONCON is deeply invested in the academic and professional development of future scientists. Her lectures in immunology, virology, and molecular diagnostics have shaped hundreds of students, many of whom now contribute to the medical sciences and public health. As a supervisor and mentor for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral candidates, she has consistently emphasized the importance of research in diseases like Hepatitis. Her mentorship goes beyond technical knowledge—she instills in her mentees a sense of responsibility toward addressing the health challenges of the region. Several of her supervised theses and student projects have directly contributed to understanding Hepatitis epidemiology, prevention, and diagnosis. She also organizes hands-on laboratory training and workshops, often in collaboration with regional networks, to ensure that students gain both theoretical and practical competencies. Prof. ZOHONCON's teaching philosophy integrates research with application, particularly in the context of Hepatitis, ensuring that learners understand both the science and the social impact of their work. Her mentorship legacy is reflected in a growing community of African researchers and healthcare professionals equipped to confront viral infections, with Hepatitis remaining a central theme in their academic journeys and professional endeavors.
AWARDS, HONORS, AND RECOGNITION 🏅
Prof. ZOHONCON’s distinguished contributions have earned her numerous accolades, solidifying her as a prominent voice in biomedical sciences. Recognized both nationally and internationally, she has received awards for excellence in teaching, groundbreaking research, and public health leadership. Her work on Hepatitis diagnostics and epidemiology has been particularly praised, receiving commendations from academic societies and health agencies alike. One of her most prestigious honors includes recognition from the Ministry of Health for her advisory role in Hepatitis control programs and her impact on laboratory capacity strengthening. She has been invited as a keynote speaker at major virology and infectious disease conferences, where her insights on Hepatitis surveillance and public health policies are highly sought. These recognitions are not only personal achievements but also reinforce the visibility and urgency of Hepatitis research in global and regional scientific discourse. Through every award, Prof. ZOHONCON reaffirms her dedication to leveraging science for societal benefit. Her accolades reflect a career not just of excellence, but of enduring impact—especially in the fight against Hepatitis and its associated health burdens.
FUTURE VISION AND LASTING IMPACT 🌟
Looking ahead, Prof. ZOHONCON envisions a future where Hepatitis is no longer a silent epidemic in Africa. Her ongoing projects focus on strengthening early detection frameworks, expanding molecular diagnostic capabilities, and promoting vaccination coverage—especially in underserved communities. She is actively pursuing research that intersects genomics and public health to better predict Hepatitis outbreaks and resistance patterns. Her long-term goal is to establish a center of excellence in West Africa dedicated to virology and infectious diseases, with Hepatitis research as a flagship focus. Beyond scientific aims, she advocates for policy reform and education campaigns to demystify Hepatitis and reduce stigma. Her impact will continue through her mentees, institutional initiatives, and international collaborations. Prof. ZOHONCON’s legacy is rooted in her unwavering dedication to science as a tool for transformation. As she continues to lead from the lab, the lecture hall, and the policy table, she exemplifies how a singular focus—such as Hepatitis—can become the nucleus of widespread change. Her future contributions promise to leave an indelible mark on both the scientific community and the public health landscape of Africa and beyond.
NOTABLE PUBLICATION
- Title: Involvement of ERCC1 (rs3212986) and ERCC2 (rs1799793, rs13181) polymorphisms of DNA repair genes in breast cancer occurrence in Burkina Faso
Authors: Adico MDW, Zouré AA, Sombié HK, Kiendrebeogo TI, Dabré S, Amegnona LJ, Bakyono BS, Traoré L, Ouedraogo TC, Ouedraogo RA, et al.
Journal: Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine
- Title: Carriage of Ser217Leu and Ala541Thr Variants of ELAC2 Gene and Risk Factors in Patients with Prostate Cancer in Burkina Faso
Authors: Traoré ADD, Ky BD, Traoré L, Zohoncon TM, Zouré AA, Yonli AT, Sombié HK, Sorgho PA, Elvira Bazié BVJT, Tovo SFA, et al.
Journal: Prostate Cancer
- Title: KIR2DL2, KIR2DL5A and KIR2DL5B Genes Induce Susceptibility to Dengue Virus Infection, while KIR3DL3 and KIR2DS5 Confer Protection
Authors: Tapsoba ASA, Djigma FW, Bayala B, Sorgho PA, Traore L, Zohoncon TM, Bello SOT, Bado P, Bazie BVEJT, Yougbare F, et al.
Journal: Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases
- Title: First detection of mutated ERG11 gene in vulvovaginal Candida albicans isolates at Ouagadougou/Burkina Faso
Authors: Dovo EE, Zohoncon TM, Tovo SF, Soubeiga ST, Kiendrebeogo IT, Yonli AT, Ouedraogo RA, Dabire AM, Djigma FW, Nadembega CW, et al.
Journal: BMC Infectious Diseases
- Title: Molecular Epidemiology of Human Herpes Virus Type 8 Among Patients with Compromised Immune System in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Biatougou NM, Ouedraogo MS, Soubeiga ST, Zohoncon TM, Ouedraogo P, Obiri-Yeboah D, Tapsoba ASA, Kiendrebeogo TI, Sagna T, Niamba P, et al.
Journal: HIV/AIDS (Auckland, N.Z.)