Amanda Evelyn Ojeda, MPH, CPH, BSc
Scientific Laboratory Manager
Amanda Ojeda joined the Havelaar lab in February 2020 and serves as the Lab Manager for two projects set in rural Eastern Ethiopia: Campylobacter Genomics and Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (CAGED) and EXposure Assessment of CAMpylobacter Infection in Rural Ethiopia (EXCAM) that are a part of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
She was born and raised in Miami, Florida, with heritage from Cuba and Venezuela. Ms. Ojeda is a microbiologist with five years of lab experience, including working in the food safety industry (Merieux NutriSciences) in academia as the Microbiology and Cell Science Teaching Lab Manager.
During her undergraduate studies, she majored in Microbiology and Cell Science. While working in the food safety industry as a laboratory technician, she learned the significance of public health and the importance of communicating scientific information with the general public. These experiences led to the decision to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Florida.
During her MPH, she sought research experience, specifically working in an international setting to combine her two passions: Microbiology and Public Health. Her future aspiration is to continue to work in global settings that allow her to apply her microbiology and public health skill sets to improve child health.
Amanda loves to travel and spend time outdoors, hiking with her dog, Paris. She is also an avid music lover and enjoys dancing.
What advice would you give to others who want to join the lab?
"Be open to new opportunities and always be willing to learn new skills. Being adaptable and having a positive attitude is key!"