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Statement of Purpose For Genomic Science and Technology

Mathew Olakunle Alaba seeks to pursue a PhD in Genomic Science and Technology at the University of Tennessee Knoxville to further his research interests and career goals. His background includes research on genetics of malaria and developing low-cost genomic analysis equipment. He believes a PhD from UT Knoxville will provide training and facilities to realize his goal of developing affordable diagnostic tools for Africa. Upon completion, he aims to work as faculty and later as an entrepreneur to commercialize genomic technologies and train African technicians.

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499 views

Statement of Purpose For Genomic Science and Technology

Mathew Olakunle Alaba seeks to pursue a PhD in Genomic Science and Technology at the University of Tennessee Knoxville to further his research interests and career goals. His background includes research on genetics of malaria and developing low-cost genomic analysis equipment. He believes a PhD from UT Knoxville will provide training and facilities to realize his goal of developing affordable diagnostic tools for Africa. Upon completion, he aims to work as faculty and later as an entrepreneur to commercialize genomic technologies and train African technicians.

Uploaded by

faisal.amin.240302
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Statement of Purpose for Genomic Science and Technology

Mathew Olakunle Alaba

In this era of increasing search for genomic contribution to diseases to provide accurate disease
diagnosis and treatment with precision, it is my desire to be part of the efforts to improve health
care delivery through genomic science and its applications in diagnostic tools development
particularly in Africa and the world at large. My interest in Genomic Science and Technology
developed as an undergraduate when I was exposed to a special seminar program on Genomic
Technology. This interest further blossomed as a result of my interactions with the Faculty as a
graduate student. The most significant of my experience back then was my contact with David
Burke – a visiting professor from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, U.S.A., who, having
seen my technical proclivity, further exposed me to some “Do It Yourself” technology. That
exposure, as well as my research efforts thereafter, has culminated in a desire to pursue a Ph.D.
in Genomic Science and Technology also influenced my decision to come to the U.S.A.

In pursuit of my interest, I joined Dr. Ademola’s research group in 2017 and worked on genetics
of malaria among under-five years children in Ibadan. During this period, I discovered that till
today, of all the countries in the world, Nigeria has the highest burden of malaria – especially
among children between the ages of 0 - 5. Therefore, studies that will provide more insight into
our understanding of malaria pathophysiology will be of utmost importance in malaria endemic
regions such as Nigeria. Genetic studies on malaria offer this hope. While in Dr. Ademola’s
laboratory, as my Master’s thesis, I genotyped three Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) of
interleukin 10 (IL-10) gene and discovered that one of the polymorphisms of the gene was
significantly associated with protection against malaria symptoms in individuals with the
polymorphism. In addition, I observed evidence of recombination among the SNPs showing that
malaria might be placing a selection pressure on this gene. The result of this finding is yet to be
published being part of bigger project which is currently going on in the group. This research
opportunity exposed me to several hands-on experiences which include: DNA extraction from
different sources, DNA amplification using PCR machine, genotyping using PCR coupled
Ligation Detection Reaction (LDR-PCR) and analysis using Horizontal Agaros Gel
Electrophoresis Technique.
Furthermore, the Master’s Degree Program in Public Health Biotechnology at the University of
Ibadan broadened my knowledge with courses that include Molecular Genetics, Population
Genetics, Bioinformatics and Medical Statistics. I have been using some of this knowledge in my
current position as a Research Assistant to Dr. Akande, who is currently developing hepatitis B
registry in his laboratory here at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. Some of my research efforts
also include designing and constructing low cost genomic analysis equipment which I carried out
in collaboration with other scientists. In addition, I had earlier investigated the ameliorative
effects of Antiaris Africana on ischemic reperfusion induced brain damage in Wister rats as my
undergraduate project. I believe this background has adequately prepared me for high
performance in a highly interdisciplinary Genomic Science and Technology Department at the
University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

My research interest borders on development of low-cost point of care biosensor and genomic
analysis equipment that can elucidate molecular architecture of disease-causing pathogens. The
need for high precision but low-cost diagnostic tools in Nigeria and Africa is enormous. Many
states-of-the-art diagnostic equipment that are currently available in developed nations are often
unaffordable for many African hospitals and diagnostic centers in Nigeria. Providing standard
and affordable diagnostic tools for Africa is my driving force for pursuing a career in Genomic
Technology. Having extensively reviewed Genomic Science and Technology (GST) offered by
your University, I believe a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and System Biology or Analytical
Technology research track will help me to realize my goal.

Evidently, there is lack of cutting edge technologies to accomplish my research objective in


Nigeria. This necessitates my desire to attend the University of Tennessee Knoxville, USA,
where my ambition and research interest could be pursued unfettered. My choice of the
University of Tennessee is because of its renowned and cross-disciplinary faculties and robust
state of the art Genomic Science and Technology facilities. In addition, GST offered by your
University also provide a strong training in Bioinformatics, which I considered essential to my
success in Genomic Science. Of equal importance is the generous financial support made
available to the doctoral students at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, which will help me
to work without distractions while benefiting from world class mentoring.
Immediately after my PhD study I would apply for a faculty appointment in a university that
offers Genomic Science and Technology. In about one year after, I will go for my post-doctorate
studies to further enhance my research capability. I would plow back the knowledge and skills
acquired in harnessing the untapped human potential and resources by offering professional and
corporate training in genomic technology for Nigerian and African technicians who had no
opportunity of being college educated. I believe a doctoral degree in Genomic Technology will
position me to win grant to actualize this goal. My ultimate goal is to own a Genomic
Technology company where my research findings as well as that of others could be translated
into useful products. I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the University of Tennessee
will offer me the ingredients that will make me one of emerging global leaders in Genomic
Science and Technology research.

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