CHIOMA OKEKE
BC,CANADA
Summary
Detail-oriented Quality Assurance Analyst with expertise in regulatory compliance and root cause analysis. Led implementation of methodologies that improved testing efficiency and developed corrective action plans, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in fast-paced environments.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Analyst
Viva Pharmaceuticals
BC, Canada
01.2025 - Current
- Implemented QA methodologies and processes, improving testing efficiency and ensuring compliance.
- Performed root cause analysis on non-conforming materials, identifying problems and corrective actions.
- Developed corrective and preventive action plans to resolve non-compliance issues, reducing risk of recurrence.
- Utilized quality monitoring system to compile and track performance metrics, informing quality improvement initiatives.
- Analyzed raw materials and finished products using equipment in compliance with GMP standards.
- Calibrated laboratory equipment and stability programs to maintain accuracy.
Senior Chemist
Lite-1 Microbial dye
BC, Canada
04.2024 - 12.2024
- Investigated degradation patterns and products of a compound through photolysis and solar simulation, contributing to material stability insights
- Analyzed the degradation products using 1H NMR, UV-Vis, FTIR, TLC and ESI-MS
- Designed synthesis routes to investigate degradants, enhancing understanding of degradation processes
- Evaluated physical stability of dyes within fibers, ensuring performance reliability in textile applications
- Developed methods to evaluate the performance of the dyes in different textile raw materials
- Established baseline metrics for microbial dye performance
- Collaborated with Lite-1 staff and consultants to address technical issues in projects.
Research Assistant
Tohoku University
Japan
10.2020 - 09.2023
- Optimized experimental designs for the synthesis of biochemical and organic compounds
- Investigated binding kinetics of complexes using stopped flow spectrometry and UV melting experiments to understand their interactions.
- Investigated the competing binding mode and secondary structures of complexes formed after binding using CD spectroscopy and PAGE gel Electrophoresis.
- Analyzed physical and chemical properties of thiazole orange and quinine-based compounds attached to synthesized probes using fluorescence spectroscopy to assess their effectiveness.
- Introduced heat to change the structural composition of ribonucleic acid using the annealing process
- Managed quality systems, performed routine maintenance, and troubleshot equipment for productive laboratory activities.
- Using IASO, laboratory supplies and instruments were arranged, placed, ordered and monitored closely for expiration date to ensure budget maximization.
Visiting Chemistry Researcher
Binghamton University
New York, America
04.2023 - 05.2023
- Investigated the cellular uptake of potential therapeutic probes into different cancer cell lines using confocal microscopy.
- Carried out biophysical analysis of the complex formed between our probe and the target Influenza A Virus (IAV) RNA using isothermal calorimetry (ITC)
- Initiated collaboration, facilitating communication of technical data between laboratories in Japan and America
- Reviewed, interpreted, and analyzed data, representing Japan laboratory in strategic planning meetings
Graduate Analytical Chemistry Researcher
Tohoku University
Japan
10.2018 - 09.2020
- Conducted research identifying novel therapeutic agents targeting Influenza A Virus (IAV), contributing to potential advancements in antiviral treatments.
- Designed and synthesized the strongest set of small molecule oligonucleotide probe binders for the IAV as potential drug candidates using solid phase synthesis.
- Conducted fundamental and applied research into the synthesis and properties of chemical compounds like thiazole orange & BIQ fluorophores.
- Used ESI-MS and NMR for the analysis of several synthesized organic compounds and successfully purified and separated several components of the crude probes using HPLC and TLC
- Confirmed the presence of purified probes using MALDI-TOF and quantified the samples using UV-Vis spectroscopy
- Employed florimetry in the analysis of quinine compounds and calculated their binding strength using fluorescence titration
- Prepared compounds, reagents and test solutions for use in the laboratory
- Prepared scientific documents for submission to publication houses and international science summits, facilitating dissemination of research findings to the broader scientific community.
Laboratory Chemist
Central Research Laboratory
Lagos, Nigeria
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Performed standard wet chemistry techniques and analyzed samples using GC-MS to support research objectives
- Used AAS to determine the elemental composition of industrial, environmental and biological matrixes
- Conducted qualitative and quantitative analysis in organic chemistry, including phytochemical screening, ash, moisture, carbohydrate determination, and extraction of natural products, to characterize chemical properties
- Daily usage of analytical instruments like pH meters, soxhlet extractor, weighing balance & sonicator
- Mentored and guided 3 university graduate students in laboratory techniques, enhancing their practical skills and academic understanding
- University of Lagos
Education
PhD - Analytical Chemistry
Tohoku University
Japan01.2023
MSc - Analytical Chemistry
Tohoku University
Japan01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Chemistry
University of Nigeria
Nsukka, Nigeria01.2016
Skills
- Quality control
- Statistical analysis
- Root cause analysis
- Regulatory compliance
- Data interpretation
- Laboratory management
- Analytical chemistry
- Quality processes
- Process implementation
- Quality management
- Report analysis
- Research methodologies
- Bioanalysis techniques
- Chromatography expertise
- Method development
- Mass spectrometry
- Adaptability and flexibility
Websites
Accomplishments
- WHMIS Certificate, 2025, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
- Publications/Patent
- Https://doi.org/10.1039/D3OB00262D
- Https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05488
- Http://anal197.chem.tohoku.ac.jp/publication.html
- Frontier Laboratory Award, 2022, Exceptional contribution in an international conference
- Pioneering Research Support Project, 2022, Exceptional Tohoku University Students doing innovative studies
- STEM Woman Crush, 2020, Outstanding African female scientist by SWIS Africa
- Graduate program of material science scholarship, 2020, Award of academic excellence for Tohoku uni. Students
References
- Https://stemwomenafrica.medium.com/stem-woman-crush-chioma-okeke-344928d77cfb, website feature
- Https://tinyurl.com/ChiomaOkekePortfolio, Pictures
Volunteer Experience
- Africa of our Dream Initiative, UK, Project Research Facilitator for promoting chemical sciences
- Ketcher Africa, Japan, Panelist and invited speaker for Education beyond borders webinar
- SWIS Africa, Nigeria, Panelist and invited speaker for Research and Scholarship masterclass
Residency
Permanent Resident
Timeline
Quality Assurance Analyst
Viva Pharmaceuticals
01.2025 - Current
Senior Chemist
Lite-1 Microbial dye
04.2024 - 12.2024
Visiting Chemistry Researcher
Binghamton University
04.2023 - 05.2023
Research Assistant
Tohoku University
10.2020 - 09.2023
Graduate Analytical Chemistry Researcher
Tohoku University
10.2018 - 09.2020
Laboratory Chemist
Central Research Laboratory
08.2017 - 06.2018
PhD - Analytical Chemistry
Tohoku University
MSc - Analytical Chemistry
Tohoku University
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Chemistry
University of Nigeria