Alex Odoom

Experience

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  West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) - University of Ghana

  Jan 2020 - Apr 2020

  Student Intern

  In the protein expression lab, I participated in the project "Expression and Identification of Proteins in Dairy, Non-dairy, and Yoghurt samples." My responsibilities included hands-on tasks such as extracting proteins, separating them using SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and identifying them using western blot techniques. Through this project, I gained practical experience in protein extraction, separation, and identification techniques.

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  Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR)

  Jun 2021 - Nov 2021

  Student Intern

  During my time in the Immunology department, I gained practical experience in various labs. In the molecular biology lab, I learned about PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA separation. In the parasite culture lab, I cultured Plasmodium parasites and used microscopy to observe them. In the serology lab, I worked with human urine samples to isolate iPSC, purified IgG from plasma using protein-A affinity chromatography, and isolated PBMCs through density gradient centrifugation. I also gained experience in using ELISA to detect and quantify IgG antibodies in plasma, which is important in determining the strength of the immune system in fighting infections.Through these experiences, I have come to appreciate the importance of immune system strength in preventing infections. Therefore, I believe that host-directed targets are promising in infectious disease research, as they are less likely to lead to drug-resistant pathogens. Show less

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  Department of Medical Microbiology University of Ghana Medical School

  Nov 2022 - now

  Graduate Research And Teaching Assistant

  My current project is focused on diagnosing bacterial and fungal bloodstream infections in immunocompromised patients in Ghana, and also determining the most prevalent types of antibiotic and antifungal resistance. In my role, I obtain blood culture specimens from patients in the neonatal, paediatric, oncology and surgical units of two tertiary hospitals (Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and 37 Millitary Hospital) in Ghana, detect microorganism growth, culture samples, conduct biochemical tests, identify isolates and analyse their antibiotic susceptibility. I am also responsible for compiling reports and research papers based on the results. Additionally, I support MPhil and Ph.D students, conduct literature reviews including systematic and meta-analysis, provide scientific writing, grant writing and research presentation assistance, and serve as a teaching assistant during microbiology practical sessions and exams. Show less

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  Oxford University Press

  Feb 2025 - now

  Peer Reviewer for International Health

  The International Health (journal), published by Oxford University Press, is a quarterly peer-reviewed publication covering all areas of global health issues.In my role, I assess the quality of research by evaluating the scientific rigor and relevance of submitted manuscripts before they are considered for publication.