Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Awards and Fellowships
Orcid
Researchgate
Publications
Core competencies
Affiliations
Certification
Languages
Quote
Timeline
Generic

Yaw Akosah

New York,NY

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented scientist with extensive expertise in bioinformatics, data analysis, and molecular biology. Proven track record in driving innovative research initiatives, analyzing sequence data using bioinformatics pipelines, and mentoring emerging scientists. Skilled at integrating multidisciplinary datasets to derive actionable insights and advance scientific discovery. Adept at resource and personnel management, seeking to leverage my expertise to lead advancements in bioinformatics and Research and Development.

Experienced professional with a strong foundation in genomics, microbiome and transcriptomics research and project leadership, prepared to excel in managing complex, cross-functional projects. Demonstrated ability to develop computational tools, perform large-scale data analyses, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams. Known for adaptability, strategic problem-solving, and a commitment to achieving high-impact results.

Accomplished investigator and Co-Principal Investigator with a solid history of leading collaborative research projects. Proficient in experimental design, and grant writing to support competitive funding applications. Experienced in producing significant findings by leveraging advanced computational techniques and integrating multi-omics datasets to address biological questions.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Co-Principal Investigator

Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology (NYU)
01.2022 - Current
  • Spearheading research initiatives focused on mitochondrial genetics, dysfunction, and targeted drug development
  • Manage the design, implementation, and analysis of high-impact research projects
  • Supervise and mentor graduate students and laboratory staff, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence
  • Contribute to grant writing efforts, securing critical funding for ongoing research
  • Lead the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals, advancing the field of mitochondrial biology

Laboratory Manager/Research Lead

Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology (KFU)
02.2018 - 09.2021
  • Directed research projects on microbial genomics, microbiome projects, and the development of probiotics
  • Developed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) for assessing biological contaminants in manufactured products
  • Supervised and trained internship graduate and undergraduate students in bioinformatics and techniques in analyzing large datasets

Industrial Instructor

Valley View University (Faculty of Science)
03.2014 - 12.2017
  • Supervised industrial internship for Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biomedical Engineering undergraduate students
  • Taught courses in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics
  • Supervised student research projects, fostering critical thinking and research skills
  • Played a key role in curriculum development and academic program enhancement

Education

Doctor of Philosophy - Biological Sciences (Microbiology)

Kazan Federal University
06.2021

Master of Science - Biochemistry (Integrated Bachelors and Masters)

Kazan Federal University
07.2012

Certificate - Russian Language

Voronezh State University
06.2007

Skills

  • Molecular & Cell Biology assays
  • Microbiological techniques
  • Research Design & implementation
  • Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic genomics
  • Bioinformatics platforms: R, Python
  • NGS pipelines: mitoAnalyzer, mitoScape, QIIME2, phyloseq, DESeq2, MOSCA,
  • Proteomics: XL MS, XlinkX,
  • Sequence data analysis (16S, 18S, ITS, RNA-seq ATAC-seq,

Accomplishments

  • Successfully managed teams of 5-15 research scientists.
  • Developed innovative imaging and genomics assays for studying mitochondrial dysfunction in intact cells.
  • A recipient of scholarships and research grants for young and early-career scientists.

Awards and Fellowships

  • NIH Fellowship Research Grant, 2022, Awarded for research on mitochondrial genomics and permeability transition.
  • Young Scientist Grant (Aspiranti), 2019, Supported research on microbiome studies.
  • Ghanaian Government Scholarship, 2006, Funded undergraduate and graduate studies.

Orcid

0000-0001-8222-7812

Researchgate

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yaw-Akosah

Publications

  • Inorganic polyphosphate and ion transport across biological membranes, Akosah Y., Yang J., Pavlov E., 2024, Biochem Soc Trans, https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20230522
  • Toolkit for cellular studies of mammalian mitochondrial inorganic polyphosphate, Hambardikar, V., Akosah, Y. A., Scoma, E. R., Guitart-Mampel, M., Urquiza, P., Da Costa, R. T., . . .Solesio, M. E., 2023, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2023.1302585
  • Biotechnological Key Genes of the Rhodococcus erythropolis MGMM8 Genome: Genes for Bioremediation, Antibiotics, Plant Protection, and Growth Stimulation, Afordoanyi, D. M., Akosah, Y. A., Shnakhova, L., Saparmyradov, K., Diabankana, R. G. C., & Validov, S., 2023, Microorganisms, 12(1), 88, https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010088
  • Identification, characterization, and genome sequencing of Brevibacterium sediminis MG-1 isolate with growth-promoting properties, Lutfullin, M. T., Lutfullina, G. F., Pudova, D. S., Akosah, Y. A., Shagimardanova, E. I., Vologin, S. G., . . .Mardanova, A. M., 2022, 3 Biotech, 12(11), https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-022-03392-z
  • Data on the genome analysis of the probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis GM5, Hadieva, G. F., Lutfullin, M. T., Pudova, D. S., Akosah, Y. A., Shagimardanova, E. I., Mardanova, A. M., &Sharipova, M. R., 2018, Data in Brief, 1-6, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2018.12.081

Core competencies

  • Experienced in designing and implementing biophysical including electrophysiological experiments to elucidate protein function and cellular architecture.
  • Proficient in R, Python, NGS data analysis, and biostatistics, with experience in genomics, metagenomics, and proteomics.
  • Advanced expertise in microbial identification, product testing, endotoxin testing, aseptic techniques, EPRI testing, environmental monitoring, next-generation sequencing techniques, metagenomic sequence, and microbiome analysis.
  • Advanced expertise in PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, Next Generation Sequencing, CRISPR assays, Immunocytochemistry, ELISA, Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, advanced imaging techniques, and tissue culture.
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex research projects, and drive innovation in molecular biology and microbiology.
  • Successful track record in budget management and employee supervision (up to 15 laboratory personnel).
  • Strong skills in writing scientific publications, and technical reports, and delivering presentations to diverse audiences.
  • Dedicated to mentoring students and early-career researchers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive lab environment.

Affiliations

  • American Society of Microbiology
  • Biophysical Society
  • Hepatitis Alliance of Ghana

Certification

  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certification
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  • Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
  • CITI Program Certification on Working with Laboratory Animals in Research Settings

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Russian
Full Professional
Ukrainian
Limited Working
French
Elementary

Quote

Unless we aspire to the utmost, we shrink to inferiority
Abraham Heschel (1945)

Timeline

Co-Principal Investigator

Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology (NYU)
01.2022 - Current

Laboratory Manager/Research Lead

Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology (KFU)
02.2018 - 09.2021

Industrial Instructor

Valley View University (Faculty of Science)
03.2014 - 12.2017

Master of Science - Biochemistry (Integrated Bachelors and Masters)

Kazan Federal University

Certificate - Russian Language

Voronezh State University

Doctor of Philosophy - Biological Sciences (Microbiology)

Kazan Federal University
Yaw Akosah