Employing (Home) Organisation: Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Nigeria
Project title: Skills Acquisition and Capacity Building in In Silico and Stem Cell-Based Screening of Voacanga africana Alkaloids as Enzyme Inhibitors Against Stress-Induced Neurodegeneration
My name is Oritoke Modupe Okeowo (PhD). I am a behavioral neuroscientist and pharmacologist, and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physiology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Nigeria. My research focuses on how chronic stress, environmental exposures, and sex-related biological factors influence brain function, behavior, and vulnerability to neurodegenerative and mental health disorders. I use translational experimental models to investigate the neurobiological and neurochemical pathways through which stress and environmental adversity affect cognition, emotional regulation, and brain health. I am particularly interested in identifying therapeutic targets and context-relevant interventions for stress-related brain disorders. Beyond research, I am passionate about scientific capacity building, mentorship, and strengthening neuroscience research in Africa.
Summary of Project Destination
My current research is driven by the need to better understand and address the growing burden of stress-related neurological and neurodegenerative disorders in Africa. I am especially interested in discovering neuroprotective compounds from African medicinal plants and evaluating them using modern experimental approaches. Through this fellowship, I will explore alkaloids from Voacanga africana as potential enzyme inhibitors against stress-induced neurodegeneration. This project will allow me to deepen my expertise in computational drug discovery and human stem cell-based disease modelling, both of which are highly valuable but still underutilized in many African research settings. I believe this work will contribute to more locally relevant and scientifically robust approaches to neurotherapeutic discovery.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
My fellowship placement will be at Liverpool John Moores University, UK, in the laboratory of Professor Amos Fatokun. His research environment offers the technical expertise and mentorship needed for me to gain advanced skills in in silico screening, stem cell-based experimental systems, and mechanistic approaches for evaluating neuroprotective compounds. The fellowship will be an important step in my career development and in my long-term goal of building stronger translational neuroscience research capacity in Nigeria. Following the placement, I plan to apply these skills to develop collaborative research projects, support student training, and contribute to sustainable research and innovation in brain health across Africa.
Quote
“I want to build African brain health research that is locally relevant, scientifically rigorous, and globally connected.”
Proposed start date of the Fellowship is October 2026