We are pleased to welcome Dr Blessing Obinaju Effiong, recipient of the 2023/24 African Research Excellence Fund (AREF) Research Development Fellowship to UWE Bristol. Dr Effiong is joining UWE Bristol on a nine-month fellowship from the University of Uyo in Nigeria where she is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Biochemistry at the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences.
Dr Effiong’s PhD research is focused on improving infectious disease detection/monitoring using Vibrational Spectroscopy and finding alternative therapies to reduce the burden of diseased due to antimicrobial resistance. She was awarded PhD by Lancaster University where her research investigated the use and application of biospectroscopy techniques to study sublethal toxicity caused by environmental exposure to toxicants (PAHs).
She will be joining the research group of Professor Emmanuel Adukwu, Deputy Head of the School of Applied Sciences to carry out a project investigating the role of Role of Indigenous Bioactive Plant Products against Infectious Pathogens and Exploring the Use of Combination Therapy.
Dr Effiong is joining UWE Bristol as our first AREF Research Development Fellow. The AREF scheme supports emerging research leaders in Africa working on important challenges for human health and their skills development as researchers.
“Receiving the Research Development Fellowship by the African Research Excellence Fund is a significant milestone in my research journey. It validates my commitment to reducing the burden of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries where the overuse and misuse of antibiotics remain a pressing challenge. Joining the Adukwu Research Group at The University of the West of England is an exciting opportunity to learn, collaborate, and explore alternative therapies that can address this global health issue.
While this marks a slight deviation from my Biochemistry/Toxicology background, I am eager to embrace the multidisciplinary approach of the group and expand my expertise in tackling antimicrobial resistance. I look forward to the learning and networking opportunities this fellowship provides.”
Dr Effiong will be joining an interdisciplinary team developing and conducting internationally recognised research in antimicrobial stewardship and resistance as well as the bioactive capabilities of plants and herbal compounds.
Professor Emmanuel Adukwu commented
“I am pleased to welcome Dr Blessing Effiong to UWE Bristol and to our research group where she will be bringing her skills and talent to help us develop better understanding of the role that some bioactive herbs can play as complementary therapies. She will also be bringing her insight and experience as a recognised emerging academic leader in Africa to support our work to enable student success for our student, especially our international students.”