Ridhwana Appiah
Orlando,FL
Summary
PhD candidate in Microbiology with a robust background in host-pathogen interactions and antimicrobial resistance. Expertise in experimental design and data analysis, complemented by strong scientific communication skills demonstrated through presentations and manuscript writing. Passionate about translating scientific research into novel therapeutics to improve patient outcomes.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
PhD Candidate
University of Central Florida
Orlando, USA
08.2024 - Current
- Design and lead independent research investigating antimicrobial peptide interactions with multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- Develop and optimize microbiology and molecular biology assays to evaluate bacterial response to antimicrobial compounds.
- Analyze experimental data and communicate findings through presentations, technical reports, and manuscripts.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and external institutions to investigate host-pathogen interactions.
- Mentor undergraduate researchers in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and scientific communication.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Central Florida
Orlando, USA
08.2022 - 07.2024
- Investigated mechanisms of antimicrobial peptide activity against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- Conducted microbial culture experiments, fluorescence microscopy, and high-throughput screening assays.
- Prepared scientific manuscripts and presented research findings at conferences and departmental seminars.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Central Florida
, USA
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Facilitated undergraduate laboratory instruction and provided mentorship in microbiology and biotechnology courses.
- Evaluated laboratory reports and provided individualized academic support to improve student performance.
Research Assistant
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
Accra, Ghana
03.2021 - 06.2022
- Conducted research on Dengue virus using computational and laboratory-based methodologies.
- Performed data analysis and prepared technical reports for departmental research meetings.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support infectious disease research initiatives.
Quality Assurance Officer
Worchar Agro Processing Company
, Ghana
09.2020 - 02.2021
- Improved manufacturing quality systems by implementing staff training programs and standardized quality procedures.
- Identified process inefficiencies and introduced quality improvements that enhanced operational performance.
- Coordinated regulatory audits and maintained compliance with quality standards.
Undergraduate Teaching & Research Assistant
University of Ghana
, Ghana
08.2018 - 09.2019
- Contributed to graduate research on computational drug discovery targeting Mycobacterium ulcerans glutamine synthetase, advancing knowledge in the field.
- Facilitated tutorials and laboratory sessions to enhance student understanding of key concepts.
- Assisted with grading and provided academic mentoring to support student success and engagement.
Education
PhD - Biomedical Sciences
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL08-2027
M.S. - Biotechnology
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL07-2024
B.S. - Biochemistry
University of Cape Coast
Cape Coast05-2018
Skills
- Molecular techniques
- Experimental design
- High-throughput screening
- Confocal microscopy
- Data analysis
- Grant and manuscript writing
- Scientific presentations
- Project planning
- Critical thinking
Research Highlights
- Antimicrobial peptide therapeutics
- Host-pathogen interactions
Publications
Characterization of Proline-Rich Antimicrobial Peptides with SbmA Transporter-Dependent and Independent Antimicrobial Activity toward Klebsiella pneumoniae, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsinfecdis.6c00142
Presentations and Awards
- Southeastern American Society for Microbiology (ASM), 2025, Poster presentation
- Florida American Society for Microbiology (ASM ) 2025, Poster Presentation
- GSK science@scale symposium, 2024, Selected to present my work
- Florida American Society for Microbiology (ASM ) 2024, Selected for oral presentation
- 6th University of Florida Drug Discovery Symposium, 2024, Selected for oral presentation
- Southeastern American Society for Microbiology (ASM), 2024, Selected for oral presentation
- ORCGS Doctoral Fellowship 2024, University of Central Florida
Timeline
PhD Candidate
University of Central Florida
08.2024 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Central Florida
08.2022 - 07.2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Central Florida
08.2022 - 07.2023
Research Assistant
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
03.2021 - 06.2022
Quality Assurance Officer
Worchar Agro Processing Company
09.2020 - 02.2021
Undergraduate Teaching & Research Assistant
University of Ghana
08.2018 - 09.2019
PhD - Biomedical Sciences
University of Central Florida
M.S. - Biotechnology
University of Central Florida
B.S. - Biochemistry
University of Cape Coast