Employing institution: University of Uyo
Host institution: University of West England
Project title:
Combating Infectious Disease Using Combination Therapy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy; An Investigation Using Bioactive Plants Products and Streptococcus species.
Dr. Effiong holds a PhD (Biological Sciences) from Lancaster University, England with a focus on the applications of Infrared Spectroscopy in disease diagnosis. She is a 2011 Fellow; Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Foundation program and is interested in projects which show the applications of Infrared spectroscopy towards improving time to diagnosis, a robust understanding of molecular stages of cancer and infectious disease. Her research career has been inspired majorly by Prof. Ekaete I. U. Etuk (of blessed memory) and her PhD supervisor Prof. Francis L. Martin.
AREF Fellowship research project
In recent times, many individuals rely on the ancient knowledge of herbs and spices, in an attempt treat diseases, including infectious diseases such as Malaria, especially in communities with poor availability of healthcare facilities. This project focuses on exploiting this knowledge to develop new combinations that may improve the ability of communities to combat infectious disease using herbs and spices in their local area. The project will be evaluating select combinations of herbs and spices with proven antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus species. It will employ standard microbial culture, electron microscopy and possibly infrared spectroscopy to help understand the mode of action by which these combinations act in the test organism. The project hopes to reduce antimicrobial resistance by reducing antibiotic over/mis use. Working within the Centre for Research in Biosciences, will advance her basic knowledge of microbiology and the various research training within the Centre combined with Laboratory activities, will enable her to build my research capacity and improve my ability to deliver the objectives of my research and career goals.
Quote
“Empowering Individuals and communities to fight infectious disease using herbs and spices within their locality.”
Dr Blessing expects to start her fellowship in July 2024