CHIOMA ODO
Houston
Summary
Results-oriented research professional with advanced training in biomedical sciences and biomedical informatics, offering cross-disciplinary expertise to support complex scientific investigations and collaborative research initiatives. Skilled in designing, executing, and evaluating experiments, managing specialized research equipment, and recommending procedural enhancements to optimize outcomes. Adept at working independently, while contributing to team development and cross-functional goals. Committed to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation through rigorous methodology, data-driven insights, and continuous leadership growth.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Administration Intern
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston
02.2025 - 05.2025
- Trained in clinical research Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), subject screening, informed consent, and HIPAA compliance to ensure ethical and regulatory adherence in study enrollment.
- Gained practical experience with Good Clinical Practices (GCP), FDA regulations, and IRB procedures by reviewing protocols, shadowing regulatory analysts, and assisting with regulatory submissions and documentation.
- Trained in managing clinical trial workflows using OnCore and other databases to track approvals, monitor study metrics, and maintain essential documents for study activation and maintenance.
- Shadowed coordinators collaborating with clinicians, researchers, and regulatory teams to streamline study start-up processes, leveraging project management tools to support timely communication and site initiation.
- Received focused training on FDA requirements for Investigational New Drug (IND) and Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) applications to support clinical trial compliance and execution.
Graduate Research Assistant
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston
09.2018 - 09.2024
- Identified a conserved mutation in a carbonic anhydrase gene that underpins an in vitro growth defect in emergent emm4 GAS strains, revealing a shift from virulence-centric to survival-focused pathogen adaptation.
- Uncovered a novel 'survival strategy' in emergent emm4 GAS strains, marked by decreased immune cell killing and enhanced oxidative stress resistance, shifting the paradigm from virulence-driven to persistence-focused models of clonal emergence.
- Identified key genetic and phenotypic adaptations that allow GAS to equilibrate between epidemic peaks, providing critical insight into microbial persistence, mucosal colonization, and the cyclical nature of streptococcal infections.
- Led a preclinical vaccine study investigating Streptococcus mutations using murine models; applied microbiology and molecular biology techniques to design and execute in vivo and in vitro experiments. Served as liaison between research and clinical collaborators, ensuring effective knowledge transfer, regulatory compliance, and translational insights in infectious disease modeling.
- Conducted and supervised immune-based assays (qPCR, ELISA, fluorescence microscopy) to evaluate vaccine efficacy and experimental reproducibility. Maintained rigorous documentation aligned with GLP standards, supported SOP development, and upheld quality benchmarks essential to early-stage research.
- Supervised cross-functional teams, including research scientists, technicians, and trainees by providing mentorship, performance evaluations, and guidance in experimental design, tissue analysis, and manuscript development; fostered a collaborative, high-performance environment with clear communication and accountability across project milestones.
- Secured over $254,000 in research funding through strategic grant writing and protocol design. Presented findings at national scientific conferences and supported pilot study development, aligning with business development goals, stakeholder engagement, and translational research strategies within academic–industry partnerships.
Research Associate, Center for Infectious Diseases
The University of Health Science Center
Houston
06.2014 - 08.2018
- Led analysis of clinical samples to investigate the gut microbiota’s role in IBS pathogenesis, identifying a critical gene and informing personalized preventive strategies. Maintained organized records of project findings, enabling efficient reporting to leadership and contributing to translational research impact.
- Investigated multidrug-resistant Clostridium difficile in Kenyan pediatric clinical samples, identifying vancomycin-resistance genes and reinforcing its role as a last-resort antibiotic. Collaborated across global research teams and maintained precise documentation for leadership review and cross-institutional reporting.
- Designed and executed four murine model experiments, including a pilot study testing a small molecule compound, in coordination with lab members and external collaborators. Oversaw all phases from protocol design and endpoint definition to data analysis (GraphPad Prism/SPSS), aligning with GLP principles and supporting the translation of preclinical safety findings for future therapeutic development.
- Managed a data-driven academic retention research initiative, collaborating with internal stakeholders to define objectives, collect and analyze longitudinal data, and recommend targeted interventions. Maintained project documentation from initiation to reporting, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and cost-effective resource use.
- Collaborated with cross-functional departments and ancillary offices (including IACUC and grants/contracts) to ensure timely, compliant regulatory filings; supported process improvements, contributed to SOP documentation, assisted in training technicians and graduate students on instrument calibration, and maintenance for analytical tools such as microscopes, validation and compliance practices.
Field Application Scientist/Customer Success Specialist
Unigloves (Uni-Medical Healthcare)
Lagos City
04.2011 - 01.2013
- Led the successful launch of a medical product in collaboration with Unigloves Malaysia and the UK, coordinating with cross-regional teams to align strategy, transfer knowledge, and document best practices. Maintained organized records of project milestones and outcomes to support reporting, scalability, and replication by other marketing teams.
- Exceeded sales targets by developing and executing region-specific strategies using hybrid engagement models and territory call plans. Maintained regular communication with internal and external stakeholders, delivering performance updates and aligning outreach with evolving project goals and customer feedback.
- Designed and facilitated targeted clinical training programs—including workshops, one-on-one sessions, and presentations—tailored to the needs of healthcare providers. Served as a liaison between business and clinical teams to ensure timely updates, SOP alignment, and product usage accuracy in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with Product Marketing, R&D, and compliance units to develop and refine scientific content, training materials, and field tools. Actively contributed to cross-functional project planning and supported the preparation of business development materials for ongoing outreach and product growth initiatives.
- Built and sustained positive working relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), therapeutic specialists, and healthcare providers, managing clinical inquiries, communicating updates, and encouraging two-way feedback to drive engagement and improve business outcomes. Demonstrated peer-to-peer accountability and contributed to department-wide collaboration efforts.
Anatomy and Physiology Lecturer
Lagos University Teaching Hospital
Lagos City
10.2009 - 10.2010
- Taught courses in human anatomy, physiology, and embryology to approximately 50 students.
- Analyzed over 60 student quarterly progress reports, tracking academic performance, identifying areas for improvement, and providing individualized feedback and support.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center - Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Houston, TX07.2024
Master of Science - Biomedical Sciences
The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center - Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Houston, TX08.2018
Master of Science - Biomedical Informatics
McWilliams Graduate of Biomedical Informatics
Houston, TX05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Human Anatomy
University of Maiduguri
Maiduguri, Nigeria01.2008
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Illustrator
- Python
- GraphPad Prism
- SPSS
- Tableau
- Image J
- Leica ImageScope
- Mendeley
- Zotero
- EndNote
- BioRender
- Networking
- Collaboration
Certification
- CITI Program Course Human Research Group 1 Biomedical
- CITI Program Course Group 3- IRB Members
- CITI Program Course Group 5 - GCP Good Clinical Practice
- CITI Program Course Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research
- CITI Program Course Responsible Conduct of Research - Laboratory Animal Welfare
- CITI Program Course Human Subjects Biosafety
- CITI Program Course General Laboratory Safety for Non-Laboratory Personnel
Timeline
Research Administration Intern
Houston Methodist Hospital
02.2025 - 05.2025
Graduate Research Assistant
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
09.2018 - 09.2024
Research Associate, Center for Infectious Diseases
The University of Health Science Center
06.2014 - 08.2018
Field Application Scientist/Customer Success Specialist
Unigloves (Uni-Medical Healthcare)
04.2011 - 01.2013
Anatomy and Physiology Lecturer
Lagos University Teaching Hospital
10.2009 - 10.2010
Doctor of Philosophy - Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center - Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Master of Science - Biomedical Sciences
The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center - Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Master of Science - Biomedical Informatics
McWilliams Graduate of Biomedical Informatics
Bachelor of Science - Human Anatomy
University of Maiduguri
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