Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Accomplishments
Additional Information
Conferences and symposiums
References
Timeline
Generic

Daniel Oppong

Glenolden,PA

Summary

Experience spans synthetic and analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical and cell biology to understand the role of protein post-translational modification and protein-protein interaction on cancer cell migration and mitochondrial DNA repair. Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Ph.D Chemistry

Drexel University
09.2019 - 02.2025
  • Cloned and expressed several bacterial and mammalian proteins, including FABP5, SMYD2, HSP90, and the N2A domain of titin protein.
  • Proteins were purified using affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography on FPLC and characterized on SDS-PAGE and western blot.
  • Designed and synthesized fluorescent peptides (solid-phase peptide synthesis) and small molecule probes.
  • Purified and characterized peptides and probes on RP-HPLC-ESI, MALDI, and NMR.
  • Bio-conjugation and activity-based profiling, click reaction and performed in vitro studies (In-gel fluorescence, binding studies (ITC, BLI), ELISA, MS1 & MS/MS) and cellular studies (Fusogenic liposome-based delivery of proteins to cancer cells, western blots, Migration, Immunostaining)
  • Good interpersonal relationships.
  • Experience in scientific writing for publication; I have undergraduate teaching experience and experience preparing SOPs for laboratory instruments; I have experience using software including Microsoft Office, Teams, Chem-Draw, Snap-gene, Graph-Pad Prism, Image J, Max-Quant, and Skyline (proteomics analysis)

MSc. Biochemistry

Central Michigan University
08.2017 - 08.2019

During my MSc. study, human mitochondrial uracil DNA glycosylase activity, a DNA repair enzyme whose inhibition is related to mitochondrial diseases like Alzheimer's, was investigated.

  • Cloned plasmids and expressed proteins in bacterial cells
  • Purified proteins using Affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography on AKTA PURE FPLC
  • Proteins for downstream enzymatic studies on DNA repair pathways
  • Characterized the catalytic efficiency of enzymes and inhibitors of DNA repair enzymes
  • Gained experience and skills using general laboratory instruments, including UV-VIS, pH meter, centrifuge, weighing balances, autoclave, Bradford, and nano-drop.
  • Experience using software, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and GraphPad Prism.

BSc. Chemistry

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
06.2009 - 06.2013
  • During undergraduate studies, secondary metabolites from bacteria and fungi were isolated, and their antimicrobial activity was characterized and tested against disease-causing organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albican.

Skills

  • Research and experimental design
  • Subject matter expertise
  • Analytical and critical thinking
  • Statistical analysis
  • Scientific writing
  • Time management
  • Team building
  • Planning
  • Task prioritization
  • Recordkeeping
  • Interpersonal communication

Accomplishments

    Publications

    Oppong D , Ahn Y.-H Chemical Tool to Synthesize and Investigate Glutathionylated Proteins. RCS Chemical Biology (Under Review)

    Yang J, Cassel J, Boyle B. C, Oppong D , Ahn Y.-H, & Weiser B. P: A Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence Screen to Identify SIRT2 Deacetylase and Defatty-Acylase Inhibitors. PLOS ONE 2024.

    Oppong D , Schiff W, Shivamadhu MC, Ahn YH: Chemistry and biology of enzymes in protein glutathionylation. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023, 75.

    Awards

    Chemistry Department Fellowship Award, Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, 2022-2024

    Excellent Graduate Student Teaching Award, 2020

    BCMB Department Fellowship Award, CMU, 2017-2019

Additional Information

I have extensive undergraduate teaching experience. Some of the courses taught are Chemistry skills and reasoning (General Chemistry), General Organic & Biochemistry, undergraduate studies, Introductory to Chemistry laboratory, Armchair chemistry. The teaching has helped me to be patience, analytical thinker, good time manager and safety cautious.


Apart from teaching, I served as the quality control chemist for a diary and beverage company I established after my undergraduate studies before moving to the USA for advance studies. During this period, I tested several physicochemical parameters, including total dissolved solids, pH, sugar content, and turbidity of finished products. These activities helped me to be industrious and meticulous and improved on my managerial skills.

Conferences and symposiums

ACS Central Regional Meeting. The Conference of Chemistry: Past, Present and Future, November 6-9. University of Pittsburg, Pensylvania

Younger Chemist Committee of Philadelphia ACS Spring Poster Symposium, April 11, 2024. The University of Pennsylvania Noble Laureate Hall

American Chemical Society (ACS), Research presenter (poster), Saginaw Valley State University-SVSU

Drexel College of Arts & Sciences Research Day, May 21, 2024, Behrakis Grand Hall, Drexel University

References


Dr. Young-Hoon Ahn, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Chemistry

Drexel University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

ya426@drexel.edu


Dr. Linlin Zhao, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of Chemistry

University of California – Riverside

Riverside, California

Linlin.zhao@ucr.edu


Dr. John Kenneth Mensah, Ph.D.

Professor

Department of Chemistry

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Jkmensah75@yahoo.com

Timeline

Ph.D Chemistry

Drexel University
09.2019 - 02.2025

MSc. Biochemistry

Central Michigan University
08.2017 - 08.2019

BSc. Chemistry

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
06.2009 - 06.2013

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