About Me
I am a PhD candidate at Auburn University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, US.
To gain industrial experience, I am currently an intern with Eli Lilly and Company where I will be spending the whole of my Fall 2022 semester.
Having studied biochemistry and biotechnology at the undergraduate and master's degree level, I have more than 10 years' worth of experience in biochemical reasoning, genetic engineering, protein purification and enzyme assays.
When I am not neck deep in research, I explore other interests such as poetry, leadership and community service.
Being a PhD Student...
My PhD Research experience has been an interesting learning curve. My lab, among other things, studies the enzyme; Methyl Coenzyme M reductase (MCR) and the post translational modifications found on this enzyme. We utilize techniques such as genetic engineering, protein expression, protein purification and artificial peptide synthesis; as well as crystallography, mass spectrometry, fluorescence and HPLC methods to study proteins and enzyme assays. We also utilize computational tools to study protein models.
My PhD experience has resulted in a publication in the Journal of Biological Chemistry (JBC), and local conferences such as the South-East Enzyme Conference (Atlanta, 2019) and the NOBCChE national conference (Missouri, 2019) with a poster and paper presentations respectively. I will also be giving a talk at the NOBCChE National Conference in Florida in September, 2022.
In June 2022, I presented my research at the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Conference in Bergen, Norway.
I also competed in the Auburn University 3 Minute Thesis (2021) and emerged as one of the Top-10 candidates presenting my research in non-technical terms.
With my PhD experience nearing its completion, I am focused on successfully completing my research and graduating at the end of the Spring semester of 2023.
Mentoring Clare
My PhD experience also afforded me the opportunity to mentor an undergraduate student in research for 2 consecutive years. Under my supervision, she presented her research at the Departmental Seminar as well as a poster presentation in April, 2022 at the South-East Enzyme Conference (SEC) in Atlanta Georgia.
Clare and I at the SEC Atlanta, Georgia
Clare presenting her research at the Departmental Seminar
Just chilling with Clare
Leadership and Community Service
I believe in giving back through service. As the good book says, "He who must be great must first become a servant" (Matthew 20:26)
Graduate Student Council (GSC)
I served for 2 consecutive years on the GSC, first as the Vice-President (Student Affairs) and then, as the official Vice-President. Being on the GSC, I got the opportunity to work with several amazing people who serve with the GSC and the Graduate School in several capacities. I also served on several university committees, including being a member of the 2021/2022 COSAM Dean search committee.
African Students Association (ASA)
The ASA was home to me when I arrived at Auburn as a new student. I was determined to pay it forward for incoming students. I served first as the secretary and then as the President of the Association.
My role as the President enabled I and my team to plan educative, interactive and entertaining events on campus showcasing African cultures and earned me the university "Outstanding Student Leader" nomination.
My team was rewarded with the "Excellence in Communication and Marketing" Award by the University. I also won the "Student Leader of the Year" Award from the University.
ASA Staff Adviser and US Presidential Award Recipient, Dr. Overtoun
ASA members displaying our cultural heritage on campus
ASA on radio discussing matters salient to Africans
Hosting a regular ASA meeting with lots of fun and lots of food!
DiscoveringCOSAM Newsletter
Perhaps my most rewarding experience in graduate school was initiating the idea of and serving as the Chief editor for the DiscoveringCOSAM newsletter in my Faculty (Auburn University College of Science and Mathematics).
This is a faculty newsletter where students within the faculty can send in non-scientific versions of their work and get it published.
It was aimed at developing non-scientific writing skills for students who might be interested in pursuing career opportunities where they will need to communicate with a non-scientific audience. It was also a great opportunity for me to practice my writing skills.
Link to the Newsletter can be found here: https://www.discoveringcosam.com/home
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