IDCRC Admin Profile: Rashidat Ayantunji
Rashidat Ayantunji joined the IDCRC Administrative Team as a project director in January 2025. She has over twenty years of experience working in biomedical research and occupational health at Emory University, along with previous experience in global health and international relations. Her primary responsibilities include providing administrative support to the LG’s Clinical Operations Unit (COU), as well as other important LG functions like the contracting process and network communications.
“We are pleased to have recently welcomed Rashidat to our team. Her vast wealth of knowledge and experience has been a great addition to the IDCRC administrative team, especially as she provides critical support to our Clinical Operations Unit. We appreciate her contributions so far and look forward to her continued work with the network.” —Jodi Salim, MPH, IDCRC administrative director
What is your professional background?
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Nutrition from the University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Prior to and following my graduation, I gained experience working with non-governmental organizations. Also, I earned a Master of Public Health from Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, as well as a Juris Master from Emory University School of Law.
I have a diverse background in program management, biomedical research, and global health fieldwork focused on infectious diseases. My experience in biomedical research led me to pursue clinical trial research focusing on communicable diseases. While completing my Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, I participated in extensive volunteer work that allowed me to engage in various research projects, which has been rewarding after many years in preclinical research.
Briefly tell us about your path to the IDCRC.
I have always had a passion for global infectious diseases from an early age, and as a lifelong learner, I enjoy the field of research where learning and innovation occur. After being part of the research work for many years, I transitioned to handling the administrative aspects of multiple projects in tandem, ensuring all administrative needs of the projects were met. Many of the studies were domestic and global health-focused with an emphasis on maternal and child health, women’s health, sexual and reproductive health, as well as infectious and tropical diseases, including neglected tropical diseases.
Describe your role with the IDCRC.
Being on the administrative team includes the Clinical Operations Unit (COU) and the Leadership Operations Center (LOC), where I handle different responsibilities. One of my main duties is to support the COU as part of the IDCRC clinical research agenda.
What has been the most impactful or highlight of your IDCRC work?
I find it valuable to be part of the IDCRC, which is dedicated to vaccine research aimed at combating infectious diseases and reducing morbidity and mortality. And I am proud of my contribution to this effort. I contributed to the annual meeting and particularly enjoyed the presentation from the VTEUs ID researchers; it was the highlight of my first annual meeting experience! The sharing of concepts and achievements during the sessions was truly enlightening.