Fergie Paulett Ruíz Aponte

I am a Medical Technologist with a Master’s Degree in Public Health and professional experience in infectious disease diagnostics and surveillance at the national public health reference laboratory in Panama, the Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud. My work focuses on parasitology, malaria, leptospirosis, filariasis, and molecular diagnostics, contributing to public health response and laboratory strengthening initiatives.

I have experience in microscopy, serological methods, real-time PCR, and conventional PCR for the detection of infectious and parasitic diseases. My research interests include hemoparasites, neglected tropical diseases, molecular epidemiology, and the development of diagnostic tools to improve disease surveillance in endemic regions.

I am certified by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in microscopic malaria diagnosis and have participated in scientific research and public health activities related to malaria and filarial infections in Panama. I am passionate about research, public health, and strengthening molecular diagnostic capacities through scientific collaboration and innovation.