London South Bank University, UK | Jan 2025 – Present | Supervisor, Dr Ruth Gyereh Dogwul
The Mission: I am investigating the anti-leukaemic potential of QUB-2392, a novel bioactive peptide (BAP) derived from amphibian secretions. My research focuses on the "membrane-first" model of action, exploring how these cationic peptides can be repurposed as highly selective anticancer agents that bypass the multidrug resistance (MDR) common in conventional chemotherapy.
The Process: My work involves evaluating the cytotoxicity and synergistic potential of these peptides against a panel of human myeloid leukaemia cell lines, including HL-60, NB4, THP-1, CST, and ME-1. By comparing these effects against normal cell controls (RPMI-1788), I aim to define a therapeutic window that maximizes cancer cell lethality while minimizing systemic toxicity.
To decode the cellular response, I employ a range of multidisciplinary techniques:
Analytical Techniques: Utilising MTS viability assays and flow cytometry to distinguish between programmed apoptosis and accidental necrosis.
Molecular Validation: Applying SDS-PAGE and Western Blotting to track the degradation of survival proteins like BCL-2 and MCL-1.
High-Throughput Omics: Leveraging RNA-Seq (genomics) and mass spectrometry (proteomics) combined with bioinformatics to pinpoint the disruption of key survival axes, such as the ALKBH5/MLST8/EIF4EBP1 pathway, to halt cancer progression.
Follow my research on ResearchGate and LinkedIn.
▋ Graduate Research Assistant | Glasgow Caledonian University | Nov 2024 – Dec 2024
I worked on drug discovery, specifically looking at how endolysins can fight off unwanted bacteria in the vaginal tract.
This involved a lot of anaerobic microbiology, biofilm assays, and fluorescent imaging to see the bacteria in action.
▋ Graduate Researcher (MSc Project) | Glasgow Caledonian University | Jun 2024 – Aug 2024
Thesis: I investigated a specific mutation (Cx26) that leads to both deafness and skin disorders.
I spent my time culturing HeLa cells, performing qPCR to look at gene expression, and using AlphaFold to predict protein structures.
▋ Final Year BSc Project | NIMR, Lagos, Nigeria | Jun 2021 – Aug 2021
Thesis: I screened patients for the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
I was responsible for isolating plasma RNA and performing RT-PCR to detect the virus, ensuring everything met strict ethical and safety standards.
▋ Intern Scientist | HD AquaEarth Consulting, Abuja | Jun 2022 – Sep 2023
A bit of a different side of science! I collected soil, water, and flora samples to conduct environmental impact assessments and participated in climate change workshops.
▋ Laboratory Intern | The Health Centre, Lagos | Jan 2020 – Jul 2020
My first real look at clinical work—I collected blood samples and ran tests for malaria, typhoid, and blood glucose, while also providing counselling for HIV and HCV patients.
While my research keeps me in the lab, these are the academic foundations that shaped how I think as a scientist.
▋ PhD London South Bank University, UK | PhD Human Sciences | Jan 2025 – Present
Research Focus: Investigating anti-leukemic activities of novel bioactive peptides (BAPs) from amphibian secretions.
▋ MSc Glasgow Caledonian University, UK | Medical Bioscience | Sep 2023 – Sep 2024
Thesis: Linking a Connexin 26 (Cx26) mutation that disrupts gap junction function and contributes to a combined disease phenotype of deafness and skin disorder.
Grade: Merit
▋ Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria | BSc Microbiology | Sep 2016 - Sep 2021
Thesis: Detection of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) among febrile patients in select hospitals in Lagos State.
These are some skills I have gained throughout my journey. I am constantly learning and adding to the toolkit.
▋ Microbiology Techniques
Microbial Culture: Proficient in cultivation, plating, and streaking.
Characterisation: Experienced in dilution, colony counts, and microbial identification.
Specialised Culture: Skilled in anaerobic microbiology and biofilm assays.
▋ Molecular Biology & Cell Culture
Genetics: Experienced in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and plasmid analysis.
Cloning: Proficient in cloning techniques using SnapGene.
Cell Work: Skilled in mammalian cell culture, lipofection, and MTT assays.
Analysis: Proficient in Western blotting, gel electrophoresis, and SDS-PAGE.
Imaging: Experienced with confocal and immunofluorescence microscopy.
▋ Bioinformatics & Data Analysis
Programming: Proficiency in R and Python programming.
Data Tools: Skilled in GraphPad Prism, Jamovi, Microsoft Excel, and Tableau.
Specialised Software: Experienced with AlphaFold and iCn3D for protein structure prediction.
Databases: Proficient in using NCBI, BV-BRC, and Genious.
Community in sciences is very important to me, and I am an active member of these societies.
▋ Royal Society of Biology | Associate Member
▋ Nigerian Society for Microbiology | Full Member
▋ Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Member
Currently brewing in the lab... check back soon for updates on my latest findings.