Dr. Uzonna obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree with distinction from the University of Nigeria and a Ph.D. degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan. He did his postdoctoral fellowship training at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. He is a Professor in the Departments of Immunology and Medical Microbiology and currently the Associate Dean (Research) at the Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Manitoba. He was a Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) New Investigator and Research Manitoba Chair Professor in Infection and Immunity.

Dr. Uzonna’s research program (which is currently funded by CIHR and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council [NSERC]) focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate immunity to infectious diseases, particularly those caused by protozoan parasites. He is particularly interested in unravelling host and parasite factors that regulate induction, maintenance and loss of protective immunity, with a view to exploiting the information gained from these studies for the development of effective vaccines and vaccination strategies against diseases caused by protozoan parasites. In addition, he is interested in understanding the immunomodulatory mechanisms that regulate the pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock.

Dr. Uzonna has received numerous professional, academic, teaching, research and community awards, including the Canadian Society for Immunology (CSI) Investigator Award, CIHR New Investigator Award, Ken Hughes Award for Outstanding Achievement in Biomedical Research, Faculty of Graduate Studies Outstanding Mentorship Award and The Manitoba Black Community Award for Outstanding Achievement in Mentorship and Education. He is (or has served as) a member of editorial board or guest editor for many journals including, The Journal of Immunology, Infection and Immunity, Frontiers in Immunology, Immunology and Cell Biology, PLoS Pathogens, etc. He has extensive grant review experience and is currently a member of the CIHR Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Panel. He is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity and has mentored many trainees who are currently working in various fields including research, academia, and biotechnology.