Research and Projects.

Role: Graduate Researcher (MSc Project)

Location: 

Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK

Date:

June 2024 – August 2024

• I led a drug discovery project from the computer screen to the laboratory bench. My focus was on the Connexin26 G12R protein mutation, a difficult target in cancer therapy.

• In Silico (Computer) Work: I used computer modelling to predict how potential drug molecules would interact with the protein structure.

• Lab Validation: I moved into the wet lab to test these predictions using cell-based assays.

Result: 

My work was graded at a distinction level and contributed to my award as the "Best Overall Student" on the programme.

Role: Graduate Research Assistant (Genetics & Biosafety)

Location:

National Biosafety Management Agency, Abuja, Nigeria

Date:

December 2021 – November 2022

• I worked in the GMO Detection Laboratory, ensuring that agricultural and processed food products met national safety standards.

• High-Volume Screening: I screened over 500 samples for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) using PCR technology.

• Accuracy: I achieved a ~90% accuracy rate in my results.

• Reporting: I provided data for over 30 regulatory reports used for national biosafety monitoring.

Role: Quality Control Intern

Location: 

NAFDAC, Kaduna, Nigeria

Date: 

September 2018 – April 2019

• My foundation in science began here, focusing on public health and consumer safety.

• Safety Testing: I conducted microbial tests on food, water, and pharmaceutical products to ensure they were safe for public consumption.

• Compliance: I learned to strictly adhere to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and regulatory guidelines.

PhD in Human Sciences (Candidate) | Incoming

Institution: London South Bank University, UK

Thesis Title: Development of a 3D-Bioprinted Ulcerative Colitis Model for Improved Clinical Translation of Treatment Efficacy.

MSc Medical Bioscience | Sept 2023 – Sept 2024

Institution: Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK 

Thesis Project: Investigated the functional impact of the GJB2 (Connexin 26) G12R mutation on cellular function using molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, transfection, and protein structure prediction (AlphaFold, iCn3D). 

Grade: Distinction 

BSc Microbiology | Sept 2016 – Sept 2021

Institution: Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria 

Thesis Project: Evaluated the antimicrobial activity of an herbal preparation versus selected antibiotics against wound bacteria using Soxhlet extraction, disc diffusion assays, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination. 

🧬 Molecular & Cell Biology

• Cell Culture: Mammalian Cell Culture (Maintenance, Counting, Seeding), Transfection (Lipofection), and Viral Stock Preparation.

• Molecular Analysis: Western Blotting, SDS-PAGE, and Microscopy (Immunofluorescence & Confocal).

• Genetics: PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and Molecular Cloning (Plasmid Design, Restriction Digest, Ligation).

🧫 Microbiology & Assays

• Susceptibility Testing: Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST), Disc Diffusion, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).

• Culture Techniques: Microbial Culture (Broth, Agar), Serial Dilution, Colony Counting, and Bacterial Identification.

• Lab Operations: Soxhlet Extraction, Aseptic Technique, and Clinical Sample Processing (Wound Swabs).

💻 In Silico & Data Analytics

• Structural Biology: Protein Structure Prediction (AlphaFold) and Visualisation (iCn3D).

• Bioinformatics: Sequence analysis and visualisation using SnapGene.

• Data Science: Statistical Analysis (GraphPad Prism, Jamovi), R Programming, and Image Analysis (ImageJ).

Associate Member (AMRSB)—Royal Society of Biology

Full Member (MNSM)—Nigerian Society for Microbiology

Member—Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB)

(Coming Soon)

I look forward to sharing my findings from my upcoming PhD research in this section.