Hello, I am

Chisom

Molecular and Microbiologist

Me

PhD Microbiology & Molecular Biology | Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge UK

My PhD research focused on the application of quadruplexes within genes involved in drug resistance mechanisms to restore the efficacy of antibiotics in multi-drug resistant pathogens. This has vast implications for combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), often seen as one of the top existential threats to humankind.

Contact Info

  • Email : chisom [dot] meludu [at] gmail [dot] com
  • Skype : chisom.meludu

Expertise

Molecular Biology

Quadruplex DNA, DNA cloning, Protein expression and purification, SPR, ELISA, Flow cytometry, NGS analysis, PCR.


Microbiology

Antimicrobial Resistance, Bacteria, Cell culture.


Drug Discovery

Antibody discovery, Lead seeking, Assay development, In vitro.


My Résumé

Experience

2023 - Present

Senior Research Associate

Zoetis Cambridge (Previously PetMedix), UK

I support the development of antibody discovery programs targeted at companion animals, carrying out in vitro screening and functionality assays. My role involves day to day generation, maintenance and usage of cell lines for cell-based assays, functionality screening of antibodies and developing in-house protocols.

Notable outputs:

  • My analyses have identified over 30 potential mAb candidates with high binding affinity.
  • Generated 2 new stable lines used for antibody screening.
Skills & tools: bioassays, flow cytometry, ELISA techniques, luminesces/fluorescence analysis, SPR binding affinity studies, Gibson assembly, PCR, mammalian cell cultures, ELNs.


2021 - Present

Associate Lecturer

Anglia Ruskin University & Open University, UK

Tutoring undergraduate students of the life sciences/biomedical science discipline at different levels both online and F2F. Facilitating practical sessions relating to microbiology, bioinformatics, cancer biology and diagnostic techniques.


2018 - 2018

Research Assistant

Centre for Human Virology and Genomics, NIMR, Nigeria

Over 500 patient sample analyses weekly for HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B. Investigated HCV rapid test kits as a certified tester for a FIND (Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics) project.

Education

2020 - 2023

PhD Biomedical Science

Anglia Ruskin University, UK

Investigations introducing an assembled quadruplex DNA in the combinational treatment of A. baumannii revealed a significant decrease in resistance to a carbapenem antibiotic in vitro, indicating the ability to restore the efficacy of available antibiotics in the treatment of microbial infections.

Bioinformatic analysis of quadruplex structures to evaluate the probability of structural assembly by a predicted quadruplex-forming sequence. Applied biophysical structural characterisation techniques on secondary nucleotide structures.

Notable outputs:

  • Demonstrated 70% decrease in AMR in presence of G4 sequence.
  • Several conference posters and presentations, national & international.
Skills and tools: PCR, UV-spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and DNase assays, public presentation of scientific work, academic writing.


2016 - 2017

MSc Applied Biosciences

Anglia Ruskin University, UK

The presence of sequences with the ability to form quadruplex structures within the efflux pump gene adeABC of the multidrug resistant A. baumannii proffers their potential role in the resistance mechanism of the pathogen.


2011 - 2015

BSc Physiology

University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Studied the differential effects of total and partial sleep deprivation on salivary factors in Wistar rats. Publication

Reach out for CV, work opportunities or research collaborations!