BHI Alumnus from Liberia Gains World of Experience

Otis Gbala M’23

Otis Gbala M’23 became the first SUNY Oswego graduate who studied from Liberia when he crossed the stage during the university’s December 2023 Commencement ceremony.

He earned a master’s degree in the biomedical and health informatics (BHI) program, and the coursework has already advanced the work he does with PREVAIL — the Partnership for Research on Vaccines and Infectious Diseases in Liberia, where he serves as data manager.

PREVAIL aims to use research to improve global health, with a mission to “conduct collaborative biomedical and public health research in accordance with best practices, to advance science, strengthen health policy and practice, and improve the health of Liberians and people worldwide,” according to the website for FHI Clinical, which coordinates the project.

PREVAIL’s partners include agencies from the West African nation and from the United States, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health provided funding to Gbala to develop his capabilities and to enhance the project’s clinical trials.

SUNY Oswego’s BHI program was one of the few options that dovetailed with what Gbala and the project needed, and he was very pleased with the experience.

“I am grateful for the comprehensive structure of the BHI program, which seamlessly integrates essential elements,” Gbala said. “This holistic curriculum not only fosters a deep understanding of the field but also cultivates a diverse skillset that proves highly relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of biomedical and health informatics.”

Through his work with PREVAIL, Gbala is developing a biomedical laboratory information system to improve the data management and architecture as well as data engineering and live analytics and visualization.

“I currently serve as one of the leads on the data management team, a role that has been greatly facilitated by my coursework in the BHI program,” he noted. “The knowledge and skills acquired at SUNY Oswego have proven instrumental in advancing biomedical research, enabling me to contribute effectively to our clinical trials in a variety of ways. Moreover, this education has opened doors for collaboration with international experts from the U.S., enriching my professional experience and expanding my network.”

Gbala also offered a lot of praise to his faculty members and other Oswego contacts who have shared their expertise and support for anything he needed.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be here,” Gbala said. “Every aspect of what I am currently engaged in is rooted in the invaluable lessons and experiences I have gained at Oswego. This institution has not only equipped me with the skills I need, but has also prepared me for future opportunities. The wonderful people at SUNY Oswego have left a lasting impression on me, and I carry a lifelong appreciation in my heart. I aspire to pursue a data science Ph.D., with the ultimate goal of returning to SUNY Oswego to contribute to the community that has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey.”

For more information on the master’s in biomedical and health informatics program, visit oswego.edu/bhi.

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