About the Dean
Prof. John A. Larbi is an accomplished academic and researcher, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi. With a specialization in parasitology and immunology, he has made significant contributions to the fields of infectious parasitic diseases and public health.
Prof. Larbi holds a PhD in Biological Sciences, which he pursued through a collaborative program between the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene/University of Hamburg, Germany, and KNUST under the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarship. His academic foundation was built at KNUST, where he earned both his bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences and an MPhil in Biological Sciences, specializing in parasitology.
His research interests are centered on parasitic infections of public health importance, particularly their epidemiology in children and wildlife. This includes diseases such as soil-transmitted helminths, filarial worms, and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). He also investigates the genetic diversity of zoonotic parasites, host-parasite interactions involving immune and inflammatory responses, parasite ecology, water quality, vector-borne diseases, risk assessment, and infection control. Prof. Larbi's research has led to numerous collaborations with local and international researchers, particularly in postgraduate training and mentorship.
Before joining KNUST, Prof. Larbi gained valuable experience at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR), where he worked on filariasis projects as an assistant researcher and later as a research scientist. He rose to the position of Acting Head of Laboratories (2004-2006) at KCCR, a state-of-the-art research facility in Kumasi, demonstrating his leadership capabilities early in his career.
Prof. Larbi has been an active participant in academic leadership, having previously served as the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Biosciences before assuming his current role as Dean. He is actively involved in several committees and boards, contributing to the strategic goals of the university.
An accomplished researcher, he has authored and co-authored numerous impactful scientific articles in reputable journals. His work has greatly advanced the understanding of parasitic diseases, their ecological and public health significance, and effective interventions.
Through his leadership, dedication to teaching, and groundbreaking research, Prof. John A. Larbi continues to be a driving force in the academic and scientific community, addressing critical health challenges and nurturing future generations of scientists.