Marine Gogia | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Marine Gogia | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Program Director at Georgian Harm Reduction Network, Georgia.

Dr. Marine Gogia is a distinguished Public Health Specialist and Patient Advocate with extensive experience in harm reduction and epidemiology. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Health and Epidemiology at Tbilisi State University and SUNY Albany, following her Master’s in Public Health from the University of Georgia. Dr. Gogia’s career highlights include her role as Programs Director at the Georgian Harm Reduction Network, where she manages significant projects like the Global Fund initiative targeting HIV/AIDS prevention and harm reduction. Her research encompasses HIV self-testing, hepatitis C treatment, and risk behavior assessments among marginalized groups. Dr. Gogia’s contributions extend to her leadership roles with the European AIDS Treatment Group and various international health organizations. She has been recognized for her impactful research and advocacy, which include numerous publications and presentations at global conferences.

Profile
Education

Dr. Marine Gogia is a highly educated public health specialist with a strong academic background. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Health and Epidemiology at Tbilisi State University and SUNY Albany, USA (2022-2025). She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Georgia, which she completed between 2006 and 2009. Dr. Gogia’s foundational education was at Tbilisi State Medical University, where she studied Preventive Medicine (1996-2002). Her commitment to continuing education is evident from her participation in specialized courses, including the European Patients Academy (EUPATI) Expert Patients Course (2017-2018) and the EATG Training Academy’s STEP-UP program (2014-2015). This extensive educational background has equipped her with a robust understanding of public health, epidemiology, and the skills necessary to address complex health challenges effectively.

Professional Experience

Dr. Marine Gogia, a distinguished Public Health Specialist and Patient Advocate, has amassed extensive experience in public health, harm reduction, and infectious disease control. Currently a Programs Director at the Georgian Harm Reduction Network (GHRN), she leads critical projects such as the Global Fund initiative to prevent HIV/AIDS and minimize drug-related harm. Her role encompasses both management and research, with notable studies on HIV self-testing and Hepatitis C elimination. Dr. Gogia has also contributed as a Co-chair at the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG), where she provides technical expertise and strategic direction. Her prior roles include consulting for WHO and the Global Fund, and serving as a Program Coordinator at Curatio International Foundation. Her work reflects a commitment to improving health outcomes and advocating for marginalized communities through rigorous research and strategic program implementation.

Research Interest

Dr. Marine Gogia’s research interests center around public health, with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS, harm reduction, and epidemiology. She is dedicated to advancing strategies for combating HIV and hepatitis C, especially among vulnerable populations such as people who inject drugs (PWID) and marginalized groups. Her work involves evaluating and improving harm reduction programs, assessing risky behaviors, and enhancing access to healthcare services through innovative research methodologies like simplified bio-behavioral surveillance surveys. Dr. Gogia is also actively involved in policy advocacy and capacity building, contributing to global health guidelines and strategies. Her research aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access and improve the effectiveness of public health interventions, with significant contributions to regional and international efforts in infectious disease control and prevention.

Research Skills

Dr. Marine Gogia possesses exceptional research skills demonstrated through her extensive experience in public health and epidemiology. Her expertise includes conducting bio-behavioral surveillance surveys, operational research, and evaluating HIV and hepatitis C testing and treatment programs. Dr. Gogia excels in designing and implementing research methodologies, such as the BSS-Lite survey, to assess risky behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWIDs). She is adept at analyzing data related to HIV self-testing acceptability and identifying barriers to HCV program enrollment. Her research skills are further evident in her contributions to studies on legal and regulatory barriers, and her ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights for policy-making. Dr. Gogia’s proficiency extends to training and consultancy, where she effectively translates research findings into practical solutions for public health challenges. Her work consistently reflects a high level of analytical rigor and a commitment to advancing public health outcomes.

Awards and Recognition

Maryam has received several certificates of participation and training, including the Training of Trainers certificates, a peer reviewer course, and various certificates in statistical analysis and genetic research. These accolades demonstrate her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Conclusion

Maryam Qasim is a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her significant contributions to antimicrobial resistance research and molecular genetics. Her work, although primarily regional, has the potential to address broader health issues through applied research and collaborative efforts. Her academic background and continued professional development through various certifications further strengthen her candidacy.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Progress Toward the Elimination of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in the Country of Georgia, April 2015-April 2024
    • Authors: Tohme, R.A., Shadaker, S., Adamia, E., Schumacher, I.T., Gabunia, T.
    • Year: 2024
  2. Piloting a Simplified Bio-Behavioural Survey Methodology, the BBS-Lite, Among People Who Inject Drugs in Georgia
    • Authors: Gogia, M., Ruadze, E., Kasrashvili, T., Khonelidze, I., Stvilia, K.
    • Year: 2024
  3. Recommendations for Defining Preventable HIV-Related Mortality for Public Health Monitoring in the Era of Getting to Zero: An Expert Consensus
    • Authors: Croxford, S.E., Martin, V., Lucas, S.B., Waters, L.J., Sullivan, A.K.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
  4. Barriers of Linkage to HCV Viremia Testing Among People Who Inject Drugs in Georgia
    • Authors: Butsashvili, M., Abzianidze, T., Kamkamidze, G., Nasrullah, M., Averhoff, F.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2
  5. Hidden Populations: Risk Behaviours in Drug-Using Populations in the Republic of Georgia Through Subsequent Peer-Driven Interventions
    • Authors: Lawlor, C., Gogia, M., Kirtadze, I., Jikia, G., Zurashvili, T.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 1
  6. A Global Survey on Changes in the Supply, Price, and Use of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol, and Related Complications During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic
    • Authors: Farhoudian, A., Radfar, S.R., Ardabili, H.M., Yitayih, Y., Zhao, M.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 44
  7. Reorganization of Substance Use Treatment and Harm Reduction Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Survey
    • Authors: Radfar, S.R., De Jong, C.A.J., Farhoudian, A., Zhao, M., Zonoozi, A.K.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 53
  8. Integration of Hepatitis C Treatment at Harm Reduction Centers in Georgia—Findings from a Patient Satisfaction Survey
    • Authors: Butsashvili, M., Kamkamidze, G., Kajaia, M., Japaridze, M., Averhoff, F.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 9
  9. Progress in Testing for and Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Persons Who Inject Drugs — Georgia, 2018
    • Authors: Stvilia, K., Spradling, P.R., Asatiani, A., Averhoff, F., Nasrullah, M.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 17
  10. Hidden Populations: Discovering the Differences Between the Known and the Unknown Drug-Using Populations in the Republic of Georgia
    • Authors: Gogia, M., Lawlor, C., Shengelia, N., Stvilia, K., Raymond, H.F.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 1