Highly accomplished Senior Postdoctoral Fellow with an interdisciplinary background in molecular biology, omics science, and cancer research, driving innovative drug discovery and natural product-based therapies. Recognized for over 20 publications, multiple prestigious awards, and a strong commitment to advancing scientific understanding and mentoring future researchers. Leverages advanced analytical skills in bioinformatics, 3D cell systems, and computational analysis to deliver high-impact research outcomes.
Work
University of the Witwatersrand
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Post-Doctoral Fellow
Johannesburg, South Africa, South Africa
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Summary
Led interdisciplinary research in molecular biology, omics science, and 3D cell systems to advance drug discovery and natural product-based therapies, while mentoring emerging scientists.
Highlights
Recognized as the 2025 MCB Top Postdoctoral Fellow and Head of School Top Achieving Postdoctoral Fellow, demonstrating exceptional research productivity and leadership.
Awarded the UCL-Wits Pre-Clinical 3D Modelling Team Science Award for a meritorious project, showcasing expertise in innovative research methodologies.
Secured multiple research grants, including the 2023-2025 University of the Witwatersrand Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship and the 2025 Medical Research Council (MRC) Research grant.
Authored and co-authored over 20 publications in prestigious journals, contributing significantly to the scientific understanding of plant pathology, protein biochemistry, and cancer science.
Mentored and co-supervised numerous MSc and PhD students, organized student workshops, and provided lectures on molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and omics tools.
University of the Witwatersrand
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Research Assistant
Johannesburg, South Africa, South Africa
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Summary
Conducted advanced scientific investigations, applying omics technologies and bioinformatics to contribute to critical research projects in life sciences.
Highlights
Contributed to GCRF Funding (Scottish Funding Council) and SARCHI Programme (DST-NRF Postdoctoral Fellowship) projects, supporting grant-funded research initiatives.
Applied transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling techniques to pathogen studies, enhancing understanding of disease mechanisms.
Assisted in data mining and bioinformatics analysis, supporting the interpretation of complex biological datasets for research objectives.
Developed proficiency in scientific writing and competitive grant writing, contributing to successful research proposals and publications.
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
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Microbiology Researcher
Pretoria, South Africa, South Africa
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Summary
Performed specialized microbiology research, investigating processing techniques' impact on food quality and safety, and contributing to scientific publications.
Highlights
Conducted extensive research on the microbiological and nutritional qualities of leafy vegetables, contributing to food safety and public health knowledge.
Authored a Master's dissertation on 'The effect of processing techniques on the microbiological and nutritional qualities of the leafy vegetables Vigna unguiculata and Moringa oleifera,' demonstrating expertise in food microbiology.
Applied advanced laboratory techniques to analyze microbial populations and biochemical properties, ensuring data accuracy and research integrity.
Collaborated with a research team to achieve project milestones, enhancing scientific understanding in applied microbiology.
Ayodele Medical Centre
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Medical Laboratory Technician
Lagos, Nigeria, Nigeria
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Summary
Executed essential laboratory diagnostics and analyses, ensuring accurate testing and contributing to patient care and medical research.
Highlights
Performed routine and specialized laboratory tests, including microbiological cultures and biochemical assays, to support patient diagnosis.
Maintained laboratory equipment and ensured adherence to quality control standards, contributing to reliable test results.
Managed sample collection and processing, ensuring proper handling and preparation for various diagnostic procedures.
Assisted senior medical staff in interpreting laboratory findings, providing critical data for clinical decision-making.
Volunteer
Volunteer Proctor
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Peoples University
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Administered and supervised examinations to ensure academic integrity and a fair testing environment.
Highlights
Ensured strict adherence to examination protocols, upholding the credibility of academic assessments.
Supported students during examination periods, contributing to a positive learning environment.
Judge/Mentor
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Tony Elumelu Foundation
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Provided mentorship and evaluation for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators, supporting their development and strategic growth.
Highlights
Evaluated business proposals and guided mentees through strategic planning, contributing to the success of emerging ventures.
Shared expertise in scientific and business domains to foster entrepreneurial talent within the foundation's programs.
Mentor/Coordinator South Africa
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Science Squad Africa
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Led and coordinated scientific mentorship programs in South Africa, promoting STEM education and engagement among young individuals.
Highlights
Organized and facilitated educational initiatives, significantly increasing participation in science-related activities.
Mentored students in scientific principles and career pathways, inspiring the next generation of researchers.
Co-organiser
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Cassava Summit
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Co-organized a major scientific summit focused on cassava, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers and stakeholders.
Highlights
Managed logistical and programmatic aspects of the summit, ensuring successful execution and participant engagement.
Facilitated discussions on the future of cassava in Southern Africa, promoting research and development in agricultural biotechnology.
Education
University of South Africa
Florida, South Africa, South Africa
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Ph.D.Life SciencesGrade:
Courses
Thesis: Transcriptomic, Proteomic and Metabolomic Profiling of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
University of South Africa
Florida, South Africa, South Africa
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M.Sc.Life SciencesGrade:
Courses
Dissertation: The effect of processing techniques on the microbiological and nutritional qualities of the leafy vegetables Vigna unguiculata and Moringa oleifera
Lagos State University
Ojo, Nigeria, Nigeria
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B.Sc.MicrobiologyGrade:
Courses
Research Project: The effect of pH on the survival of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus in Kunu-Zaki
Awards
2025 MCB Top Postdoctoral Fellow Award
University of the Witwatersrand, School of Molecular and Cell Biology
Awarded in recognition as a top-achieving postdoctoral fellow.
Head of School's Top Achieving Post Doctoral Fellow
University of the Witwatersrand
Awarded by the School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Wits, in recognition as a top-achieving postdoctoral fellow.
UCL-Wits Preclinical 3D Modeling Team Science Award
UCL-Wits University Strategic Partnership Platform
Awarded in recognition of a meritorious project selected as the best project presented.
Provisional Selection for Best Researcher Award (International Research Hypothesis Excellence Award)
International Research Hypothesis Excellence Award
Recognised for recent publication: 'The use of muscadine grape extracts (MGSE) in cancer treatment'.
Asia's Outstanding Researcher Award
Asia Research Awards, in association with Times of Research and the World Research Council, at ASTRA 2023
Presented by the Asia Research Awards for outstanding contributions to research.
Publications
Uncovering Proteomic Biomarkers in Cervical Cancer: A cBioPortal-Based Analysis of the TCGA Cohort.
Molecular Oncology
Authored a paper in review on proteomic biomarkers in cervical cancer using cBioPortal analysis.
Plasmodium yoelii as a model for malaria: insights into pathogenesis, drug resistance, and vaccine development.
Molecular Biology Reports
Authored a review on Plasmodium yoelii as a malaria model, exploring pathogenesis, drug resistance, and vaccine development.
Exploring protein adenylyltransferase as a therapeutic target for combating ESKAPE pathogens in hospital-acquired infections.
Molecular Biology Reports
Co-authored a review on protein adenylyltransferase as a therapeutic target against ESKAPE pathogens.
Epidemiological Trends in Hepatitis C Virus in Eastern Cape, South Africa (2014–2023): A Retrospective Analysis.
Journal of epidemiology and population health
Co-authored a paper in review on epidemiological trends of Hepatitis C Virus in Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Trends in Cervical Cancer Incidence by Ethnicity: Insights from the South African National Cancer Registry.
Cancer Communications
Co-authored a paper in review on cervical cancer incidence trends by ethnicity in South Africa.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: Excitements and Pitfalls.
Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
Co-authored a review on nanoparticles for multidrug-resistant bacteria treatment.
A compilation of histidine kinase genes in the genome of a tissue macerating Pectobacterium brasiliense isolated from potato in South Africa.
F1000Research
Authored research on histidine kinase genes in Pectobacterium brasiliense, enhancing knowledge of plant pathogens.
A data catalogue of alcohol dehydrogenases in the genome of a tissue macerating Pectobacterium brasiliense isolated from potato in South Africa.
Data in Brief
Authored a data catalogue on alcohol dehydrogenases in Pectobacterium brasiliense, providing valuable genomic resources.
Advances in Structural Proteomics using Mass Spectrometry. Applications of Modern Mass Spectrometry: Volume 2.
Co-authored a book chapter on structural proteomics using mass spectrometry.
A compilation of histidine kinase genes in Enterobacter hormaechei strain HCF3 isolated from the North West Province of South Africa.
F1000Research
Co-authored research on histidine kinase genes in Enterobacter hormaechei, contributing to understanding bacterial genetics.
Evaluation of Plasmodium berghei Models in Malaria Research.
Journal of Cellular Signaling
Authored a review evaluating Plasmodium berghei models in malaria research.
Combating Aminoglycoside Resistance: From Structural and Functional Characterisation to Therapeutic Challenges with RKAAT.
Current Protein and Peptide Science
Authored a review on combating aminoglycoside resistance through structural and functional characterization.
Tracking microbes from irrigation water to the crops: Metagenomics and metatranscriptomics.
Acta Microbiol. Bulg
Co-authored research on tracking microbes from irrigation water to crops using metagenomics and metatranscriptomics.
Unveiling the potential of Muscadine grape Skin extract as an innovative therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment.
Journal of Functional Foods
Authored research on Muscadine grape skin extract as a therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment.
Exploring NAD+ metabolism and NNAT: Insights from structure, function, and computational modelling.
Biochimie.
Co-authored research exploring NAD+ metabolism and NNAT through computational modeling.
Protein engineering for natural product biosynthesis: expanding diversity for therapeutic applications.
Journal of Bio-XResearch
Co-authored research on protein engineering for natural product biosynthesis and therapeutic applications.
The future of cassava in the era of biotechnology in Southern Africa.
Critical Reviews in Biotechnology
Co-authored a review on the future of cassava biotechnology in Southern Africa.
Proteomic Profiling of Burkholderia andropogonis.
preprints
Co-authored proteomic profiling of Burkholderia andropogonis, advancing bacterial protein analysis.
The secondary metabolites profiling of the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum.
J Plant Sci Phytopathol.
Authored research on secondary metabolites of Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum, contributing to phytopathology.
Exploring the Complexity of Protein Structure Determination Through X-ray Diffraction.
Journal of Plant Science and Phytopathology
Authored research exploring protein structure determination via X-ray diffraction.
The prevalence of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum in Southern Africa: Current Trends in Microbiology.
Current Trends in Microbiology
Authored research on the prevalence of Plasmodium vivax and falciparum in Southern Africa.
Biophysical description of Bromosulfophthalein interaction with the 28-kDa glutathione transferase from Schistosoma japonicum.
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology
Co-authored research on drug interaction with glutathione transferase, relevant to parasitic diseases.
Recent Advances in Plant--Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associations and Their Application to Cassava Crops.
IntechOpen
Authored a book chapter on plant-fungi associations and their application to cassava crops.
Proteomics analysis of the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: a narrative review.
Journal of Bio-XResearch
Authored a narrative review on proteomics of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, summarizing current research.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Selected Genes of Pectobacterium Carotovorum Subsp. Brasiliense.
SSRN
Co-authored phylogenetic analysis of Pectobacterium Carotovorum, advancing bacterial classification.
Proteomic analysis of the phytogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
Journal of Chromatography B
Authored proteomic analysis of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, contributing to fungal research.
How to knock down a plant; the three weapons of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
Journal of Biological Sciences
Authored research on methods to control Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in plants.
Languages
English
Certificates
Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Coursera (Johns Hopkins University)
NIDA Clinical Trials Network Certificate of Completion – Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
NIDA Clinical Trials Network
120-Hour Advanced TEFL/TESOL Certificate
Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Candidate Member, South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
SACNASP
Member, South African Society for Microbiology
South African Society for Microbiology
Skills
Research & Development
Scientific Research, Molecular Biology, Omics Technologies, Cancer Research, Drug Discovery, Natural Product Chemistry, Antimicrobial Resistance, Plant Pathology, Protein Biochemistry, 3D Cell Culture, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Data Analysis, Transcriptomics, Proteomics, Metabolomics, Structure-Based Drug Design, Molecular Docking, Simulation Tools, Biotechnology, Food Safety, Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analysis.
Laboratory Techniques
Microbiology, Cell Culture, Biochemical Assays, DNA/RNA Extraction, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, Western Blot, Microscopy, Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, Medical Laboratory Diagnostics.
Data Analysis & Software
Bioinformatics Analysis, Data Mining, Statistical Analysis, Computational Analysis, Microsoft Office Suite.
Scientific Communication
Scientific Writing, Competitive Grant Writing, Peer Review, Academic Publishing, Conference Presentations, Technical Reports, Literature Reviews.
Strategic Planning, Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Time Management, Project Management, Professional Credibility.
Interests
Research Focus
Protein structure-function analysis, Omics in pathogen studies, Cancer research (therapeutic targets, natural compounds), Antimicrobial resistance, 3D cell culture models, Natural product biosynthesis, Structure-based drug design, Biotechnology for sustainable agriculture and food safety.
Editorial Services
Reviewer (Bentham Science Publishers), Reviewer (International Journal of Environment and Climate Change), Reviewer (Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology), Reviewer (Archives of Microbiology), Reviewer (BMC Research Notes), Reviewer Board Member (BP International Publishers).
Professional Associations
Member, South African Society of Microbiology, Candidate Member, South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), Executive Member, African Phytopathology Group.