Roberta Koku
Pullman,USA
Summary
Develop innovative vaccines for infectious diseases by integrating molecular biology, genomics, and immunology expertise.
Scientist with demonstrated expertise in advanced research methodologies and data analysis. Strong focus on collaboration and adaptability to meet evolving project goals. Proficient in laboratory techniques, scientific writing, and presenting findings. Reliable team member known for driving impactful results in research settings.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Associate
United States Department of Agriculture
01.2022 - Current
- Noh Lab, ORISE participant
- Communicated complex ideas clearly through oral presentations and written reports, enhancing knowledge sharing among colleagues.
- Investigating mechanisms for blocking pathogen entry and studying host-vector-pathogen interactions in Anaplasma marginale
- Optimized flow cytometry assays to identify immune correlates of protection in collaboration with graduate researchers
- Provided training to graduate students in molecular cloning, DNA extraction from blood samples, and competitive ELISA techniques
- Contributed to research on the localization of adhesion molecules in the Msp1b1 gene of Anaplasma marginale, leading to a co-authored publication
- Applying bioinformatics tools to model protein structures and identify binding domains essential for host cell entry
- Designed and executed assays to study protein interactions between the host and tick vector of Anaplasma marginale
- Routinely implementing protein purification and infection assays for a manuscript in preparation, supporting vaccine development efforts for Anaplasma marginale
- Conducting antibody-dependent complement deposition assays to investigate immune responses in Anaplasma marginale research project
Graduate Research Assistant
Washington State University
01.2016 - 01.2022
Noh Lab, Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Developed an experimental model and assays to evaluate multiple-strain infections in an endemic region, culminating in a peer-reviewed publication and two poster presentations at conferences
- Trained graduate students in molecular cloning techniques, significantly enhancing their laboratory skills
- Utilized advanced statistical software to analyze large datasets, uncovering key insights for informed decisionmaking.
- Analyzed and summarized data from graduate training, leading to two first-author publications
- Contributed to a study on Outer Membrane Protein 854 of Anaplasma marginale by collecting data, performing laboratory experiments, and developing protocols, resulting in a co-authored publication
- Participated in regular meetings with project supervisors, providing progress updates and discussing potential challenges or areas for improvement.
- Delivered research findings through two presentations at the yearly departmental 'Research in Progress' seminars
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews using databases such as PubMed, synthesizing findings to build a strong foundation for research proposals
- Supervised a laboratory technician, providing guidance and oversight for experimental procedures and support activities
- Contributed to professionally-written scientific paper for publication.
- Planned, modified and executed research techniques, procedures and tests.
- Presented research findings at conferences and workshops, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the academic community.
Research Assistant
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Led a three-member research team investigating the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in 200 HIV-infected individuals and 100 healthy blood donors, developing study protocols and genotyping strains in both groups, resulting in a co-authored publication
- Supported public health efforts to combat lymphatic filariasis by participating in mass drug administration in five communities and tracking the impact of drug administration on microfilaria and disease levels over time
- Contributed to a research project on the management of congenital toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, leading to a co-authored publication
- Led an entomological research project focusing on the collection of mosquito samples for a filariasis study
- Coordinated the collection of 500 urine, blood, and fecal samples for further investigation in the lab
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
- Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring proper maintenance and optimal functionality.
Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant
University of Ghana
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Led a research project focused on identifying and testing Outer Membrane genes, contributing to the identification of vaccine-relevant outer membrane proteomes in Anaplasma marginale strains circulating in cattle in Ghana
- Assisted in teaching and grading microbiology and immunology courses for 250 second-year college students
- Trained and mentored four graduate students in laboratory techniques, which resulted in two publications for their graduate programs
- Managed daily laboratory operations, including ordering supplies and overseeing equipment maintenance
- Provided training to students on the proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment
- Trained 15 internship students in molecular techniques, enhancing their practical laboratory skills
- Contributed to a research project focused on developing cytokine-specific ELISA assays to measure immune responses to toll-like receptor agonist-stimulated adjuvants
- Led meetings, recommended experimental designs and models, analyzed data, and compiled research reports
Education
Ph.D. - Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Washington State University
Pullman, WA05-2022
M.Phil. - Microbiology
University of Ghana
03-2013
B.Sc. - Botany
University of Ghana
08-2008
Skills
- Molecular biology techniques
- Genomic DNA extraction
- Total RNA extraction
- Reverse transcription (RT)
- Quantitative PCR (QPCR)
- Molecular cloning
- Southern blotting
- Gel electrophoresis
- Genotyping
- Advanced sequence analysis
- Microinjections
- Flow cytometry
- Data collection and analysis
- Western blotting
- ELISA
- Protein expression
- Protein purification
- Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC)
- Microscopy
- Tick dissection
- Cell culture techniques
- Maintaining cell lines
- Preparing media
- Monitoring cell growth
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
- Vector NTI
- CFX Manager
- Sequencher
- SnapGene
- R
- Minitab
- GraphPad
- FCS Express
- Microsoft Office
- Data management
- Effective communication
- Mentoring
- Facilitating discussions
- Moderating sessions
- Conference presentations
- Laboratory techniques
- Safety awareness
- Experimental work plans
- Data entry
Grants Patents Fellowships Honors
- Member, American Society for Rickettsiology
- Member, American Society for Microbiology
- Member, Association for Women in Science
- Member, National Society for Black Engineers, Washington State University Chapter
- Graduate Student Travel Award, Washington State University (WSU), Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, 05/22
- Travel Grant, American Society for Rickettsiology, 05/22
- Scholarship, Keystone Symposium, 05/20
- International Graduate Scholarship, Washington State University (WSU), Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, 05/20
- Graduate Student Travel Award, Washington State University (WSU), Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, 05/20
- Research Grant, Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation (PEARL program), 05/15
- Research Grant, Welcome Trust Fund, 05/13
- Research Grant, University of Ghana Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, 05/12
- Research Grant, Liverpool School of Medicine, 05/12
- Grants, JICA Official Development Assistant (ODA), 05/11
Professional And Scientific Society Membership
- Member, Royal Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
- Member, American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Selected Published Journal Articles
- Noh SM, Ujczo J, Alperin DC, Jarvis SM, Solyman MSM, Koku R, Akinsulie OC, Hoffmann EE, Identification of Anaplasma marginale adhesins for entry into Dermacentor andersoni tick cells using phage display, Infect Immun, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.00540-23
- Koku R, J, Morrison J, Futse, J. E., Palmer G. H., Brayton K. A., & Noh, S. M., The use of the antigenically variable Major Surface Protein 2 in the establishment of superinfection during natural tick transmission of Anaplasma marginale in southern Ghana, Infection and Immunity, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.00501-22
- Akinsulie, O.C., Olukogbe, O.O., Idris, I., Joshi, M., Williams, R., Koku, R., Shahzad, S., Babawale, P., Banwo, O.G., Gbadegoye, J.O. and Ugwu, C.E., Covid-19 and Cholera Co-Infection and Comorbidity in Africa and Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis, 2024, doi:10.52872/001c.122439
- Koku R, Anaplasma marginale Infection Dynamics in an Edemic Area, 2022, Washington State University ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, https://www.proquest.com/openview/8b2e19f23123d11c9099485312494007/1.pdf?pqorigsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
- Koku R, Herndon DR, Avillan J, Morrison J, Futse JE, Palmer GH, Brayton KA, Noh S. M, Both Coinfection and Superinfection Drive Complex Anaplasma marginale Strain Structure in a Natural Transmission Setting, Infect Immunity, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.00166-21
- Futse, J. E., Buami, G., Kayang, B. B., Koku, R., Palmer, G. H., Graça, T., & Noh, S. M., Sequence and immunologic conservation of Anaplasma marginale OmpA within strains from Ghana as compared to the predominant OmpA variant, PLOS ONE, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217661
- Ayi, I., Kwofie, K. D., Blay, E. A., Osei, J. H. N., Frempong, K. K., Koku, R., Ghansah, A., Lartey, M., Suzuki, T., Boakye, D. A., Koram, K. A., & Ohta, N., Clonal types of Toxoplasma gondii among immune compromised and immune competent individuals in Accra, Ghana, Parasitology International, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2016.01.004
Selected Top Journal Adhoc Reviewer And Editorial Roles
- Role of recognition microRNA in Haemaphysalis longicornis and Theileria orientalis interactions, 2024, Pathogens, MDPI
- The Impact of Altitude on Tick-Borne Pathogens at Two Mountain Ranges in Central Slovakia, 2024, Pathogens, MDPI
- Egg Protein Compositions over Embryonic Development in Haemaphysalis hystricis Ticks, 2023, Animals, MDPI
- Susceptibility of Amblyomma sculptum, Vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, Ticks from a National Park and an Experimental Farm to Different Synthetic Acaricides, 2024, Pathogens, MDPI
- Molecular Detection of Rickettsia spp. and Other Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks from a Nature Reserve: Implications for Zoonotic Transmission, 2024, Animals, MDPI
- Do Commercial Insect Repellents Provide Protection against the Tick Amblyomma sculptum (Acari: Ixodidae)?, 2023, Pathogens, MDPI
Selected Scientific Conference Papers And Poster Presentations
- Inhibiting Anaplasma marginale adhesion: Exploring Msp1a and Msp1b as potential targets for preventing bovine anaplasmosis, Poster Presenter, Chicago, IL, 01/25
- Identification of Anaplasma marginale to tick cells: Understanding host pathogen interaction, Poster Presenter, Williamsburg, VA, 07/23
- Anaplasma marginale infection dynamics in an endemic region, Presenter, Washington State University, 03/20
- Anaplasma marginale infection dynamics in an endemic region, Presenter, Washington State University, 11/21
- Anaplasma marginale infection dynamics in an endemic area, Poster Presentation, Washington State University Research symposium, 03/19
- Anaplasma marginale infection dynamics in an endemic region, Poster Presentation, American Society for Rickettsiology 30th Meeting, New Mexico, Santa Fe, 06/18
- The use of the antigenically variable Major Surface Protein 2 in the establishment of superinfection during natural tick transmission of Anaplasma marginale in southern Ghana, Presenter, American Society for Rickettsiology 31st Meeting, South Carolina, 06/22
Selected Seminars Conferences And Workshops Attended
- American Society for Rickettsiology, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA, 2024
- American Society for Rickettsiology, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, 2023
- American Society for Rickettsiology, South Carolina, USA, 2022
- American Society for Rickettsiology, Santa Fe, Mexico, USA, 2019
- R Workshop for Graduate Students, Washington State University, Pullman, USA, 2019
Local Community Service Leadership And Volunteering Positions
- WSU International Programs Peer Mentor, 2017 - Present, As a peer mentor, I volunteer my time to assist international students in their transition to life at Washington State University.
- Moderator, CRWAD conference, 01/25, Moderated a session by introducing speakers, managing time, and facilitating audience engagement and Q&A discussions.
- National Society of Black Engineers (NESBE), WSU Chapter, 2013 - 2011, Mentored four undergraduate students, offering advice and encouragement to help them excel both academically and professionally.
- Triage Judge, Science Contest in Modelling, COMAP, 2020 - Present, Evaluated and assessed the quality of model-based problem-solving approaches submitted by teams.
- Triage Judge, Interdisciplinary Contest in Modelling, COMAP, 2020, Reviewed submissions from diverse teams of students working on complex interdisciplinary problems.
- Planning Committee Member, NESBE Washington State University Chapter, 2019, Contributed to the planning and organization of chapter events, initiatives, and outreach programs.
- Secretary, College of Veterinary Medicine Student Association, 2016, Maintained clear and effective communication within the student body.
Major Career Goals
- Develop innovative vaccines for infectious diseases by integrating molecular biology, genomics, and immunology expertise.
- Employ One Health approaches to understand and mitigate the transmission dynamics of zoonotic diseases, improving global health security.
- Facilitate the development of immunology and vaccine literacy.
Timeline
Postdoctoral Research Associate
United States Department of Agriculture
01.2022 - Current
Research Assistant
Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
01.2017 - 01.2018
Graduate Research Assistant
Washington State University
01.2016 - 01.2022
Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant
University of Ghana
01.2013 - 01.2015
Ph.D. - Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Washington State University
M.Phil. - Microbiology
University of Ghana
B.Sc. - Botany
University of Ghana
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