ERNEST WHAJAH
UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST-GHANA SCHOOL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Email: **********@*****.*** /*******@***.***.***.**/ Contact: +233-********* PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Highly skilled and motivated Bsc: Biochemistry graduate from the university of Cape Coast, Ghana,
with a solid foundation in biochemistry, and laboratory techniques. Proficient in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Possesses strong problem-solving abilities and a keen attention to detail.
Experienced in utilizing cutting-edge technologies for research purposes and excellent in communication skills, both written and verbal, coupled with a collaborative mindset. Eager to contribute to advancements in the field of Biochemistry and Molecular biology and Pharmaceutical sciences through dedicated research and application of scientific knowledge
EDUCATION
BSc. Biochemistry August 2019 - Nov 2023
University Of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Undergraduate Thesis
Topic: Effect of pickling on the physichochemical properties of Turkey berry. Supervisor: Dr. Kizzie Hayford
Undergraduate mini-project
Topic: Effects of Paullina pinnata on phosphilipase activity of snake venom. Supervisor: Mr. Kyei Baffour Asante (Senior/ Principal Research Assistant)
Skills acquired
Formulated my research plan, and consulted technical literature to set up my apparatus.
Performed phytochemical analysis, physical analysis, and nutritional ananlysis on powdered Turkey berry sample.
Analysed results using Excel and GraphPad Prism.
WORK AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
University of Cape Coast Medical School, Teaching and Research Assistant at the Pharmacogenomics and genomic medicine laboratory -November 2023-to date
Conduct thorough literature reviews related to pharmacogenomics and genomic medicine.
Performed DNA, RNA, and protein extractions from biological samples.
Executed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other molecular biology techniques for genotyping and gene expression analysis.
Assisted in the design and optimization of experiments related to pharmacogenomics.
Summarized and synthesize relevant information from scientific publications.
Assisted in collecting genomic data through various laboratory techniques and technologies.
Ensured accuracy and consistency in data collection processes.
Followed established experimental protocols for genomic studies.
Collaborated with senior researchers to perform experiments and gather data.
Planned and coordinated experiments and organized experimental setups during lab sessions.
Analyzed genomic data using bioinformatics tools and software.
Interpreted results and contributed to data-driven insights.
Implemented quality control measures to ensure the reliability and validity of research findings.
Participated in the validation of laboratory techniques.
Stay updated on advancements in pharmacogenomics and genomic medicine.
Pokupharma Ltdt, Kumasi- Ghana / Undergraduate intern January-March, 2022
Research and Development (R&D): Conducting research to discover and develop new drugs or improve existing ones.
Knowledge of drug formulation, stability studies, and optimization
Regulatory Affairs: Understanding and navigating regulatory requirements for drug approval and compliance.
Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA): Ensuring that products meet quality standards through testing and monitoring.
Clinical Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing techniques and processes to ensure efficient and safe production of drugs.
Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance: Monitoring and evaluating the safety of marketed drugs and managing adverse event reporting.
Analytical Chemistry: Utilizing analytical techniques to analyze and characterize drugs and pharmaceutical compounds.
Proficiency in using analytical techniques such as HPLC, and spectroscopy for drug analysis.
Experience in method development and validation for pharmaceutical products.
Kem's Multi -Beverage Company Ltd, Kumasi- Ghana- Undergraduate Long VAC Intern's
Product Development: Learning how to conceptualize, test, and refine food or beverage products.
Quality Control: Understanding the processes and standards for ensuring product quality and consistency.
Supply Chain Management: Gaining insight into how ingredients and finished products move through the supply chain.
Marketing and Branding: Participating in campaigns, market research, and brand strategy development.
Regulatory Compliance: Learning about food safety regulations and compliance standards.
Customer Service: Handling inquiries and understanding customer preferences and feedback.
Inventory Management: Understanding stock levels, ordering processes, and warehouse operations.
Sustainability Practices: Exploring eco-friendly packaging, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing.
Team Collaboration: Working within cross-functional teams such as production, and marketing.
Data Analysis: Utilizing data to track sales trends, consumer behavior, and market insights.
Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast- Ghana/ Undergraduate intern June 2022- August, 2022
Performed phlebotomy for full blood count and tested blood groups of patients
Performed malaria test, prepared and viewed blood for sickle-celled shape
Performed serological tests such as pregnancy test, syphilis serology test, and Hepatitis B surface
antigen tests.
Carried out Gene Xpert test for tuberculosis
Mimshack Private Tuition Network Company, General Manager, - Jan. 2017-Jan. 2018
Organized and lead teachers to engage in active teaching skills and mentorship programs
Volunteered and mentorship programs for both teachers and staff workers
Unique Standard Int School, Tutor 2016 -2018
Served as the Head Science and Maths club.
Taught Integrated Science, and Mathematics.
SKILLS
LABORATORY AND COMPUTER SKILLS: Electrophoresis, DNA Extraction, Phytochemical Extractions, mass spectrometry, Centrifugation, HPLC, and Enzyme Activity Assay, Cell culturing, Good command over Microsoft Office suite, Graph Pad Prism, and ChemSketch.
OTHER SKILLS:
Critical in analyzing and interpreting scientific results.
Languages spoken: Twi (advanced user) and English (advanced user).
HONOUR AND AWARDS
Awarded the most hardworking teacher at Unique Standard Int School, (2017–2018)
Awarded the best hardworking staff at Mimshack Private Tuition Network Company, (2018)
POWERPOINT PRESENTATION
Presented a proposal defense on the effect of pickling on the physichochemical properties of Turkey berry, 2023
Presented a proposal defense on the effect of Paulina pinnata on phospholipase activity of snake venom, 2023.
Presented a proposal on Hiv Drug Resistance Mutations in Non-B Subtypes After Prolonged Virological Failure on NNRTI- Based First Line Regimens in Sub- Saharan Africa at the pharmacogenomics and genomic medicine conference, held at the University of Cape Coast medical school, 2024.
Presented a proposal on the anti-biotic resistance at the pharmacogenomics and genomic medicine conference held at the University of Cape Coast medical school, 2024.
LEADERSHIP
President, Ghana Methodist Student Union, and the president Scripture Union Ghana, Ejisu Juabean Chapter,
2015/2016.
CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS
Emerging optical spectroscopic techniques in Mosquito Surveillance, 2023 World Mosquito Day at the University Cape Coast.
Beyond the diagnosis of breast cancer, organized by GHABSA, 2023 breast cancer awareness.
REFERENCE
Dr. Kizzie Hayford, Senior Lecturer,
Department Of Biochemistry, University of Cape Coast, Ghana Tel: +233*********. Email *******-*******@***.***.**
Dr. Evans Kwasi Arizi, Senior Lecturer.
Department of Fisheries and Acqatic Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana Tel: +233*********. Email:*****.*****@***.***.**
Dr. Nicholas Ekow Thomford, Senior Lecturer and Research Assistant Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Coast, Ghana Tel: +233*********. Email *********@***.***.**
Dr. Elvis Awuni, Senior Lecturer
Department of Biochemistry, University of Cape Coast, Ghana Tel: +233*********. Email **********@***.***.**