Jesse Azebiik Anak
Data Analyst | Researcher | Bioinformatics Specialist
Availability: Open to Data Science roles, research collaboration, Web Development and many more
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
I am a motivated postgraduate researcher with a passion for problem-solving and a strong background in microbiology, molecular techniques, and data-driven research. My interests span antimicrobial resistance, bioinformatics, biotechnology, cell biology, public health, pharmacology, immunology, and child development. With experience in public health, pharmacology, bioinformatics, data science and microbiology and conducting interdisciplinary research, I am committed to advancing scientific knowledge and contributing to societal well-being through impactful research and innovation.
EDUCATION
PhD Biotechnology→ View Research Overview
University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Molecular Data for Infectious Disease
Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
MPhil Infection and Immunity
University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Chemistry
University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
General Science
Sandema Senior High Technical School, Sandema, Ghana
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
Digital & Data Tools
AI-Powered Web Development • R programming • Python • MySQL • Machine/Deep learning • Cloud computing • Power BI • Tableau • Minitab • Proficient in AI tools • Data analysis/visualization • SPSS • STATA • Graphic Design • Video/virtual conferencing • Project management • Cybersecurity awareness • GraphPad Prism • Origin Pro • QGIS/GIS
Professional Skills
Effective Communication • Team Collaboration • Project Coordination • Adaptability • Social media management • Email marketing and digital outreach • Digital document editing and formatting • Automation of workflows and tasks • Search engine optimization (SEO) • Spatial mapping • Conflict Resolution
Core Competencies
Molecular techniques • Bioinformatics • DNA extraction & sequencing • Protein-Protein Interaction analysis • Data science and analytics • HPLC • Mass spectroscopy • LAMP assay • Quantitative research • Qualitative research • Teamwork • Educational research
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
- Analyzing whole genome sequence data to identify genetic backgrounds, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance genes
- Monitoring infections in burn patients as part of routine antimicrobial surveillance
- Researching the prevalence and resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus ST88
Research Assistant / Technical Officer – Central Region
University of Ghana, School of Public Health
- Served as Technical Officer overseeing all field research operations for the Central Region
- Implemented capture–recapture methodology for population size estimation
- Conducted HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Syphilis testing with ethical post-test counselling
Research Assistant – Unpaired Care Work Project
Centre for Learning and Childhood Development, Ghana
- Collected quality survey data using KoboCollect
- Maintained proper management of research files and consent forms
- Adhered to ethical guidelines and confidentiality requirements
Project Statistician
Language of Education Project, UCC, Ghana
- Designed and maintained a functional project website
- Created impactful visual representations of data findings
- Provided statistical expertise for informed decision-making
Research Assistant and Project Statistician
PROMPT-Ghana Project on Child Development
- Analysed app pilot data to evaluate usability and effectiveness
- Generated statistical reports summarizing pilot study findings
- Analysed feedback from children to identify app improvements
Research Assistant
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
- Worked as senior bioinformatician and lead data analyst
- Identified resistant/virulent genes using bioinformatics tools
- Conducted antimicrobial susceptibility tests using Kirby Bauer method
Research Assistant – MEN'S Project
School of Public Health, University of Ghana
- Analysed and interpreted data to provide actionable insights
- Conducted interviews and surveys at various study settings
- Prepared weekly progress reports for the Principal Investigator
Teaching Assistant
University of Cape Coast, Chemistry Department
- Responsible for undergraduate organic and physical chemistry lab sections
- Conducted tutorials and marked assignments with detailed feedback
- Assisted supervisors with teaching activities in chemistry
KEY PROJECT
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance Data System – Ghana
System Developer / Data Analyst | 2025
Designed and implemented a centralized data surveillance system to support antimicrobial resistance monitoring across reference laboratories and sentinel sites in Ghana.
Tools: Python, KoboToolbox, Google Sheets, Dashboard Analytics, Data Validation Systems
PUBLICATIONS
- [1]Essential minerals in colostrum of preterm and full-term Ghanaian mothers and related maternal factors (2025)
- [2]Assessing the Impact of Improved Pre-analytic Tissue Handling on Immunohistochemistry and Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study (2025)
- [3]In vitro antibacterial and synergistic activity of pyrazolyl sulphonamide derivatives against Staphylococcus haemolyticus (2024)
- [4]Modified Sulfonamides as Alternative Antibacterials: Activity of Novel Pyrazole Sulfonamides and their Corresponding Palladium Complexes (2024)
- [5]The Essence of Nourishment: Tracing the Levels of Essential Mineral Elements in the Colostrum Milk of Full-Term Mothers (2023)
- [6]The Essence of Nourishment: Tracing the Levels of Essential Elements in the Colostrum Milk of Full-Term Mothers (SSRN) (2023)
- [7]Assessing The Outcome Of PMTCT Of HIV Therapy At The Eastern Regional Hospital, Ghana (2023)
- [8]Assessing the Implementation of PMTCT of HIV Therapy at Atua Government Hospital, Ghana (2023)
- [9]Emergency Preparedness of Nurses and Midwives in Accra, Ghana (2023)
- [10]Exploring Challenges and Prospects of Solar Energy Entrepreneurship of Accra Metropolis in Ghana (2023)
CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS
- 14th Convention for Biomedical Research, Ghana Conference - NMIMR — 28/08/2024 – 30/08/2024
- Introduction to Biomedical and Health Research (B-HERE) – Zoom cloud — 02/05/2023 – 04/05/2023
- Biosafety, Biosecurity and Good Laboratory Practices — 02/2023
- Strengthening and building research capacities using LAMP technique as a prototype for detecting pathogens — 13/02/2023 – 16/02/2023
- Laboratory Management and Safety Workshop — 01/11/2020 – 05/11/2020
- Workshop on data analysis using SPSS and R Programming — 08/08/2016 – 12/08/2016
LEADERSHIP
President of Builsa Students Union - UCC (2019)
- Co-ordinate the overall work of the Students' Union
- Manage the SU budget and associated finances
- Represent the Students Union at appropriate forums
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Convention For Biomedical Research Ghana (CoBREG) (2023 – present)
- American Society of Microbiology - USA (2023 – present)
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (2024 – present)
REFERENCES
Prof. Nicolas T.K.D. Dayie
University of Ghana Medical School
ntkddayie@ug.edu.gh
(+233) 0208449415
Prof. Dorcas Obiri Yeboah
University of Cape Coast, School of Medical Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
dobiri-yeboah@ucc.edu.gh
(+233) 244527387
Dr. Ewura Seidu Yahaya
University of Cape Coast, School of Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology
e.s.yahaya@ucc.edu.gh
(+233) 244620412
Dr. Nana Ama Amissah
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Department of Bacteriology
namissah@noguchi.ug.edu.gh
(+233) 549420298
PHD RESEARCH OVERVIEW
🎯 Research Topic
CRISPR-Cas13a–Based Targeting of Antimicrobial Resistance Determinants in Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli Isolates from Food-Producing Livestock in Ghana
📚 Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat to public health, food safety, and animal health worldwide. In Ghana, food-producing livestock increasingly serve as reservoirs of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. These organisms are commonly associated with zoonotic and foodborne infections and are capable of transferring resistance genes to humans through direct contact, contaminated animal products, and environmental exposure. The widespread use of antibiotics in animal production has accelerated the emergence and spread of resistance genes that compromise the effectiveness of commonly used antimicrobials. Innovative and targeted approaches are therefore required to complement existing AMR control strategies, especially within the One Health framework.
⚠️ Statement of the Problem
Despite national and regional efforts to address AMR, surveillance and intervention strategies in Ghana remain largely focused on detection rather than targeted mitigation of resistance at its source. MDR K. pneumoniae and E. coli circulating in food-producing livestock harbor clinically important resistance determinants that can enter the human population through the food chain. However, there is limited laboratory-based research in Ghana exploring advanced, gene-targeted approaches for addressing resistance in animal reservoirs. This gap limits the development of effective, context-specific solutions to interrupt zoonotic transmission of AMR.
🎯 Research Objectives
- To isolate and characterize multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae and E. coli from food-producing livestock.
- To determine phenotypic resistance profiles and identify key antimicrobial resistance genes.
- To design CRISPR-Cas13a guide RNAs targeting selected resistance determinants.
- To evaluate the ability of CRISPR-Cas13a systems to silence resistance genes and restore antibiotic susceptibility in vitro.
- To assess biosafety, genetic stability, and potential off-target effects of the CRISPR-Cas13a approach.
🌍 Contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals
💡 Significance of the Study
This study will generate laboratory-based evidence on AMR in zoonotic and foodborne pathogens from livestock, supporting One Health–driven AMR surveillance and control strategies in Ghana. By exploring CRISPR-Cas13a as a precision tool for targeting resistance genes, the research introduces innovative approaches that may complement conventional antimicrobial stewardship efforts. The findings are expected to inform policy, strengthen research capacity, and contribute to national and regional AMR action plans.
🔬 Key Research Areas & Techniques
🤝 Sponsorship & Collaboration Opportunities
The successful execution of this PhD research depends on access to advanced molecular biology and genomics facilities. I am actively seeking research sponsorship, institutional partnerships, and laboratory hosting opportunities—locally or internationally—to support sequencing, CRISPR-related experiments, and biosafety analyses. Collaborative laboratories and funding partners will play a critical role in enabling this work and advancing shared goals in AMR and One Health research.
📈 Expected Outcomes & Impact
- Novel insights into AMR prevalence in Ghanaian livestock populations
- Proof-of-concept for CRISPR-Cas13a-based resistance gene silencing
- Contribution to One Health AMR surveillance frameworks
- Policy recommendations for antimicrobial stewardship in agriculture
- High-impact peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
- Strengthened regional research capacity in advanced molecular techniques
📬 Contact for Research Collaboration
Jesse Azebiik Anak
PhD Candidate, Biotechnology
University of Ghana, Accra
📧 jesseanak98@gmail.com
📱 (+233) 559759592
📍 Central Region, Cape Coast, Ayensu
Open to research collaborations, funding partnerships, and laboratory hosting opportunities. Let's work together to combat antimicrobial resistance.
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