Employing (Home) Organisation: Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
Project title: Building Research Capacity in Novel Gender-Based Behavioral and Neural Circuit Evaluation Techniques for the Assessment of Solanum Vegetables as Dietary Intervention for Alzheimer’s Disease
My name is Opeyemi Babatunde Ogunsuyi (PhD). I am a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria. My research work primarily focuses on the role of natural products in the prevention/management of neurodegenerative diseases. I have had the opportunity to be trained and worked both locally and internationally with various model organisms. My passion to provide answers to lingering health challenges in Africa motivated me to compete for this AREF Fellowship.
Summary of Project Destination
My research focus is on development of functional foods and nutraceuticals for prevention/management of neurodegenerative diseases. Although I have experience in the use of several models of neurodegeneration, nevertheless, I look forward to diversifying my research by evaluating the influence of gender diversity in the therapeutic properties of functional foods against Alzheimer´s disease (AD). This line of research is particularly important considering the established link between gender differences and the progression of AD; a factor which is not often taken into account in research investigations, particularly in Africa, where gender supremacy still persists. It is believed that this will further contribute to providing holistic therapeutic intervention against this disease. This focus can only be achieved through acquisition of additional skills.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
My fellowship placement will be at the University of Birmingham, UK, in the lab of Associate Professor Carolina Rezaval. She is an expert in the use of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) for understanding sexual behavioral changes. She will, therefore, be providing me with all professional and technical support to achieve success in this fellowship, as well as for future collaborations. Similarly, my home institution will provide supports needed for the post-placement activities particularly in fostering my sustained career development.
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“I am passionate about providing answers to lingering health challenges in Africa. “
Dr. Ogunsuyi Opeyemi Babatunde expects to start his fellowship in October 2025