Nkeiruka Ugbong

Results driven Public Health Specialist and Environmental Microbiologist with over a decade of experience delivering technical leadership across WASH health integration, environmental health, infection prevention, and health systems strengthening in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Skilled in providing evidence-based technical assistance, translating research into practical solutions, and supporting community and facility-based public health programming in low income and high-burden settings. Experienced in stakeholder collaboration, technical training, and development of knowledge products to improve equitable access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Team Leader at Brighter Futures Home (2025-07 – Present)

• Lead and manage a team of support workers to ensure the delivery of person-centered support.
• Oversee shift planning, ensuring staff support and smooth shift operation.
• Conduct training sessions for new support staff on accurate system recording and compliance with care standards.
• Regularly review and update health plans, care placement plans, and risk assessments to ensure the safety and well-being of all young people.
• Monthly completion of fire drills and fire induction of new staff members and visitors.
• Weekly completion of health and safety and fire audit of the home.
• Attending regular appointments, working with educational, healthcare, and social service professionals.
• Reviewing Key works planners for the young people in alignment with their placement goals with the team.
• Prepare detailed weekly reports for social workers.

Public Health and WASH Volunteer Remote at Lumora Table Water (2021-01 – Present)

• Provided technical leadership on WASH–health integration, advising on water quality, environmental health, and infection prevention across community and facility settings.
• Training on water safety assessments, microbiological testing, and environmental sampling to strengthen safe water access in underserved communities.
• Supported health systems strengthening through policy development, risk assessments, and integration of WASH considerations into public health interventions.
• Delivered technical advisory support to multidisciplinary teams in alignment with WHO guidelines and evidence-based WASH practices.
• Designed and facilitated capacity-building programmes for health workers, laboratory staff, and community volunteers.
• Produced technical briefs, research summaries, and knowledge of products for organisational learning and donor reporting.
• Collaborated with government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions to improve public health outcomes.
• Applied analytical skills to interpret data, troubleshoot field challenges, and recommend context-appropriate WASH solutions.

Manager at Environmental Microbiology Research Centre (2017-01 – 2021-12)

• Conducted advanced research on waterborne pathogens, environmental contamination, and innovative water disinfection technologies.
• Investigated pathogen behaviour in polluted environments including Salmonella, Vibrio species, and coliform bacteria.
• Supported research-to-practice translation to strengthen environmental health and WASH initiatives.
• Delivered laboratory training and supervision for postgraduate and undergraduate students.
• Managed laboratory operations including quality control, sample processing, and equipment maintenance.
• Collaborated on development of low-cost, scalable water treatment approaches suitable for low-income settings.

Public Health Intern / Community Health Support Roles at Mbodo Aluu (2010-01 – 2012-12)

• Supported community-based public health programmes including hygiene promotion and environmental sanitation campaigns.
• Assisted in outbreak monitoring for diarrhoeal diseases and community sensitisation on safe water practices.
• Strengthened foundational skills in public health communication, behaviour-change strategies, and community engagement.

M.Sc in Public Health – University of Sunderland (2023)

M.Sc in Environmental Microbiology – University of Port Harcourt (2017)

PGD in Environmental Microbiology – University of Port Harcourt (2014)

B.Sc in Microbiology – Imo State University (2008)