I obtained a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology from Ambrose Alli University in Edo State, Nigeria 2008. Following my undergraduate studies, I relocated to Ghana to fulfill my mandatory one-year national service. I was appointed to work as a research assistant at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR). Subsequently, I was offered a position as a senior research assistant at the US Naval Medical Research Unit 3 Ghana Detachment (NAMRU3 GD) laboratory located within NMIMR. During this time, I developed proficiency in biomedical techniques and collaborated with numerous investigators in Ghana and abroad.
I further pursued a master’s degree at the University of Ghana, where I studied Q fever infection in patients with febrile illness, and obtained my MPhil in Microbiology in 2018. My approach to my research work is characterized by a strong sense of purpose. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Science at the University at Albany with a focus on researching the genetic basis of diseases. I joined the Berglund lab in February 2024 and am working on validating miRNAs as biomarkers for myotonic dystrophy 1 (DM1), a progressive muscular disease.
I aim to create a working protocol for miRNA and validate the assay in human DM1 and control cell lines, as well as DM1 patients' saliva and tongue scraping. MiRNAs are stable molecules found in different biological samples and have the potential for non-invasive diagnostic purposes, which could be crucial for effectively managing and treating DM1. "I am committed to learning new techniques, contributing to projects and publications, and gaining a greater understanding of the role of RNA in health and disease. I eagerly anticipate the challenges and opportunities in my academic and research journey."