Jessica Oppong-Mensah
Accra
Summary
Dedicated to advancing education in the sciences, I aim to leverage my experience as a Laboratory Technologist and strong educational background to excel in a lecturing role. My objective is to deliver high-quality, competency-based training to students, equipping them with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed for success in scientific research and industry applications. With exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, I foster effective collaboration and mentorship within academic environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Laboratory Technologist, Biochemistry Unit
Accra Technical University
08.2021 - Current
- Enforcing a laboratory management system for keeping track of consumables and apparatus being used via effective inventory management, organization systems and maintenance works in the lab.
- Guiding students in the proper usage of lab equipment and in the preparation of reagents and solutions following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
- Coordinating and managing day-to-day laboratory experiments and grading with teaching assistants.
- Assisting lecturers on panels during students' project and thesis defense.
- Contributing to research projects by providing accurate data analysis, aiding in the discovery of crucial findings.
- Assisted lecturers in revising lab protocols and improving existing laboratory processes.
- Demonstrated expertise in various analytical techniques, contributing to a diverse range of testing capabilities for the laboratory.
- Preparing reagents and solutions following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
- Training and supervising teaching assistants in laboratory protocols.
High School Teacher
Canadian Independent College - Ghana
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Grade 12 - Biology, Chemistry; Grade 11 - Biology, Chemistry, Function Mathematics; Grade 9 - Science; Grade 8 - Exploratory Mathematics and Coding
- Planned, developed, and executed lessons reflecting high school curriculum and core educational standards.
- Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and targeted interventions to improve academic performance.
- Developed communicative relationships with students and parents to support learning.
- Organized after-school tutoring sessions for students needing extra help, leading to improved test scores.
- Managed classroom resources efficiently, ensuring that all necessary materials were readily available for lessons and activities.
Graduate Intern, Quality Control Lab
Unichem Industries Limited
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Assisted in various quality control analyses of pharmaceutical samples using equipment, including UV spectrophotometer, disintegration tester, paddle dissolution tester, friability tester, and other equipment to test drug hardness, width, excipients, APIs, in-process samples, and finished samples.
- Documented analytical results of these analyses per established procedures.
- Paid strong attention to detail while reviewing documents or analyzing data, ensuring accuracy in all deliverables.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously with ease, showcasing exceptional organizational skills throughout the internship period.
National Service Personnel, Food Microbiology Lab
CSIR - Food Research Institution
09.2016 - 07.2017
- Prepared and sterilized media for analysis and usage
- Performed microbiological analysis of samples per SANAS regulations
- Ensured proper documentation and compliance with SANAS regulations
- Participated in external sampling of water, and food products and taking of swabs
- Daily monitoring of incubators and fridges
- Followed Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) consistently across daily activities and special products.
- Supervised and trained interns on GLP and lab techniques.
Summer Intern, General Lab
V. R. A. Hospital
06.2015 - 08.2015
- Carried out disinfection and sterilization of re-usable specimen containers and microscope slides
- Assisted in phlebotomy and preparation of various samples for analysis
- Performed various medical laboratory analyses such as urinalysis, stool R/E, and hematology
- Observed the operation of the Clinical Chemistry Analyzer
- Assisted in the documentation of laboratory results
Summer Intern, QA/QC Lab and R&D Lab
Cocoa Processing Company Limited
06.2013 - 08.2013
- Assisted in physical and chemical analysis of cocoa and chocolate samples including fat, moisture, ash, sugar, pH and residue.
- Aided in the preparation of required analytical solutions
- Observed the procedures involved in the external sampling of cocoa seeds
- Created and optimized records management strategies to coordinate and protect information.
Education
Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Lovely Professional University
Punjab, India06.2019
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology
Kumasi, Ghana06.2016
West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination - General Science
Holy Child Senior High School
Cape Coast, Ghana06.2012
Skills
- Laboratory Techniques: Compositional and microbiological analysis, medical lab analysis, titration, chromatography, cell counting, autoclaving, incubating, culturing, staining, media preparation, micro pipetting, proximate analysis, analytical techniques, spectroscopy
- Software Proficiency: MS Office, ChemOffice, Animal Simulator, AutoDock Tools, SPSS
- Equipment Handling: Hematology analyzer, incubator, hot air oven, microscope, spectrophotometer, pH meter, rotary evaporator, various pharmaceutical testing apparatus, gel electrophoresis chamber
- Proficiency in conducting literature reviews and critically analyzing research articles; a thorough understanding of research methods and adeptness at identifying and evaluating relevant literature
Personal Information
Title: CHIEF LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Structural and bioactive characterization of purified polysaccharide from deep-freezed, pre-treated Sorghum bicolor L. leaf sheath (2022)
- Ultrasound aided extraction of polysaccharides
- DEAE-52 cellulose ion exchange and Sephadex G-100 gel-filtration chromatography of extract to yield purified polysaccharides
- Carried out ati-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and congo red assay on purified extract to determine its IC50 values
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Cinnamic Acid and 3-Phenylpropanoic Acid Derivatives (2019)
- Conducted computational-aided drug design to discover novel antimicrobial compounds
- Used ChemOffice software and AutoDock Tools to predict potent compounds targeting proteins 1HNJ, 1MWT, and 4E9A
- Synthesized compounds using oxidation reactions, catalytic reactions, thin-layer chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance, and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance
- Evaluated antimicrobial activity of synthesized compounds against biofilm-forming microbes (S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans, B. subtilis), with para-substituted cinnamic acids derivatives showing highest MIC values.
Tiger Nuts as a Replacement Diet to Aid in Diabetic Patients’ Blood Glucose Level Control (2016)
- Studied the effects of defatted and powdered tiger nuts on Streptozotocin-diabetes induced albino rats
- Observed a positive correlation with Metformin-treated control group
- Utilized spectrophotometry and phytochemical screening to identify components contributing to diabetic management and antimicrobial activities.
Publications
Yarley, O. P. N., Kojo, A. B., Jessica, O., Zhou, C., Yu, X., Joseph, A., Mawufemor, A. C., Ahiable Gabriel, J., Adom, T. F., Joseph, D., Richard, O., & Abraham, Q. (2022). Structural and bioactive characterization of purified polysaccharide from deep-freeze pretreated Sorghum bicolor L. Leaf sheath. Industrial Crops and Products, 185, 115097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115097
JOURNAL PAPERS IN REVIEW
- Antimicrobial activity and physicochemical properties of Myristica fragrans and Syzigium aromaticum methanolic extract soap formulations, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis
- Antimicrobial activity and physicochemical properties of Myristica fragrans and Syzigium aromaticum methanolic extract soap formulations, Phytomedicine Plus
- Antimicrobial activity and physicochemical properties of Myristica fragrans and Syzigium aromaticum methanolic extract soap formulations, Journal of Chemistry
Poster Presentations
- Role of Biofilms and Their Inhibitors in Chronic Microbial Infections, PHYTOCON - 2018, 14th April, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India - 144411
- A Review on Cinnamic Acid and Their Modified Analogues as Antimicrobial Agents, AROGYA SANGASTHI - 2018, 13 - 14 October, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India - 144411
Workshops, Conferences & Short Courses
- Capacity Building On The Use of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and Double Beam Ultra-Violet Visible Light Spectrophotometer (UV-VIS), MES Equipment Limited, Accra, October 2023
- PowerPoint Design, ATU, Accra, March 2023
- Techniques For The Diagnostics of Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Applied Sciences, ATU, February 2023
- Sustainable Technologies, Innovations and Entrepreneurial Development, ATU, ATU, July 2022
- SLT Strategic Plan, Accra City Hotel, Accra, January 2022
- Academic Paper Writing, ATU, Accra, January 2022
- Strategically Positioning ATU as a Top Technical University in Ghana with a strong Regional Influence, Accra Technical University, Accra, October 2021
- ISO 9001: 2015 (QMS) CQI/IRCA Certified Foundation Course, Ghana Standards Authority, Accra, Ghana, December 2019
- Commercialization of Medicinal Plant Products: Lab Technique to Trade - PHYTOCON, LPU, India, April 2018
- Recent Trends in Biomedical Sciences (RTBS), LPU, India, March 2018
- Hands-On Training to Improve Quality of Research Conducted On Experimental Animals, LPU, India, March 2018
Partnerships
- Ad-hoc Committee on Development of Syllabus for Pharmaceutical Technology Programme, Accra Technical University
- Plant Medicine Research Group of the Science Laboratory Department, Accra Technical University
- Ad-hoc Committee for Departmental Community Services, Accra Technical University
- Secretary for the C.T.K. Presbyterian Church of Ghana Scholarship Committee
Community Service
Ussher Fort Hospital and Maternity Clinic, James Town, Accra-Ghana, Volunteer Laboratory Technologist
- Participated in a clean-up exercise to maintain a sterile environment
- Organized and facilitated a blood donation drive to support the hospital's needs
- Coordinated the donation of essential items and cash to aid hospital operations and patient care
Teshie Technical Institute, Teshie, Accra-Ghana, Volunteer Laboratory Technologist
- Conducted sessions to guide senior high school students about prospects at Accra Technical University
- Provided hands-on learning experiences through simple biochemistry lab experiments
- Donated books, stationery, and laboratory consumables to support the school's educational resources
Light In The Tunnel Orphanage Home And School, Mataheko, Accra-Ghana, Community Outreach Volunteer
- Conducted a clean-up exercise to improve the living conditions
- Shared lunch with the children and engaged them in spiritual discussions by sharing the Word of God
- Donated books, stationery, school uniforms, food items, and money incentives for the teachers
References
- DR. PHYLLIS OTU, Head Of Department, Science Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, P. O. BOX GP 561, Accra, potu@atu.edu.gh, 0246780282
- MR. SANJEEV SAKHARKAR, QA/QC Manager, UNICHEM Industries Limited, 17 Dadeban Road, North Industrial Area, Accra, sanjeev.sakharkar@unichemghana.com, 0248911003/0545787080
- DR. LAWRENCE NUGBIENYO, Lecturer, Science Laboratory Department, Accra Technical University, P. O. Box GP 561, Accra, lnugbienyo@atu.edu.gh, 0208683043
- DR. ANDREW GORDON, Senior Lecturer, Science Laboratory Technology Department, Accra Technical University, P. O. Box GP 561, Accra, agordon@atu.edu.gh, 0242572129
Timeline
Chief Laboratory Technologist, Biochemistry Unit
Accra Technical University
08.2021 - Current
High School Teacher
Canadian Independent College - Ghana
09.2020 - 06.2021
Graduate Intern, Quality Control Lab
Unichem Industries Limited
09.2019 - 12.2019
National Service Personnel, Food Microbiology Lab
CSIR - Food Research Institution
09.2016 - 07.2017
Summer Intern, General Lab
V. R. A. Hospital
06.2015 - 08.2015
Summer Intern, QA/QC Lab and R&D Lab
Cocoa Processing Company Limited
06.2013 - 08.2013
Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Lovely Professional University
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology
West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination - General Science
Holy Child Senior High School
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