Owusu-Achiaw Oteng

• Participated in a mentorship program organized by pediatricians and biomedical researchers to conduct research on the prevalence of neonatal jaundice, improving early diagnosis and treatment of neonatal jaundice.
• Operated bilirubinometers to evaluate neonatal bilirubin levels.
• Performed serum bilirubin testing by collecting blood using micro capillary tubes.
• Processed samples using centrifuge and measured bilirubin with spectrophotometer.
• Assisted in phototherapy sessions by setting up and monitoring blue light phototherapy units which helped break down excess bilirubin in jaundiced infants

Overview: This summer project focused on exploring enzyme inhibitors as potential malaria drugs. With increasing resistance to antimalarial drugs, this study seeks to harness bioactive compounds from plants.

• Identified traditional medicinal plants used in malaria treatment, such as Neem tree and Hibiscus.
• Applied maceration technique to isolate bioactive compounds.
• Identified bioactive compounds inhibiting key enzymes critical for parasite survival, including plasmepsin.
• Enhanced understanding of antimicrobial resistance through practical application.

• Mastered hands-on application of PCR technology in field of tropical medicine.
• Specialized in DNA hybridization and gene amplifications.
• Examined prevalence patterns of Hansen’s Disease in endemic regions.
• Spearheaded a team of interns in interviewing patients who had recovered from or were undergoing treatment for Leprosy.
• Developed time-management skills through balancing multiple assignments while consistently meeting deadlines for loads of scientific reports.

• Assisted lab and patient care units, contributing to efficient healthcare processes.
• Performed lab tests on blood and urine samples supervised by Mr Amprah, the head of Laboratories and Biomedical science unit.
• Ensured proper sampling using centrifuges and micropipettes to separate plasma and prepare samples for testing, adhering to all protocols.
• Enhanced laboratory procedures through regular calibration of instruments and maintained log of sample processing time and results
• Generally, this internship, even though my first, deepened my skills in diagnostics and preventive care whilst reinforcing the values of precision and dedication in a work

• Appointed as Vice President of the Green club in my school as part of the Green Ghana Project launched by Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
• Coordinated a number of successful planting projects and increased plant numbers by nearly 60% both on and off campus
• On campus, we embarked on a journey to transform barren spaces into thriving green zones
• Additionally, we cultivated ornamental plants like cactus and peace lily along walkways, giving the campus a more inviting and serene atmosphere
• Off-campus, we collaborated with local authorities to identify areas in dire need of reforestation The Green Club took part in community tree-planting events, where we partnered with residents to revitalize degraded lands
• Joined forces with community residents to maintain cleanliness by weeding and desilting gutters in community where the school was located.
• All in all, the inspiring projects I initiated saw an increase in club membership by 40%

• Utilized leadership roles as Vice President of the Green Club and the Health Prefect to acquire necessary pest control supplies to reduce mosquito breeding and prevalence of snakes and scorpions bites which had been common incidents in the school during evening Preps.
• During my term of office, Opoku Ware School saw a tremendous decline in snake and scorpion bites
• Advocated for establishment of a new sick bay during old boys' association homecoming.
• Employed six needy students at the newly built clinic and sought to secure weekly stipends for food and minor expenses

• As a research fellow in the University of Ghana's Research Mentorship Program, I had the opportunity to work closely with Dr Frimpong on his project investigating the neurotoxic effects of plant extracts using lab animals
• Enhanced precision and reliability in research methodologies through consistent refinement of experimental protocols.
• I was responsible for conducting experiments, collecting data, and performing detailed analyses to identify potential neurotoxic compounds present in the extracts.
• Conducting over 15 experiments, we found three potential neurotoxic compounds: Ricin which is found in castor bean plant; Diaminopropanioc acid which is found in pea and this can cause paralysis; Annonacin, which is commonly found in pawpaw.
• These findings have the potential to influence future studies and contribute to the understanding of neurotoxicity
• This fellowship not only deepened my interest in research but also equipped me with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for a career in scientific research.

• As president of the Catholic Students Union, I spearheaded a community health initiative in Nsuta, where members of the CATHSU partnered with the only 10-bed clinic in the village to deliver vital medical check-ups and health education to over 200 residents
• Enhanced access to essential healthcare for underserved families by establishing a support system.

Overview: We Care Health Foundation is a Non-Governmental Organization set up to raise funds to aid sick but needy people.

• Led a fundraising campaign, successfully raising $4650 to support medical treatment of underprivileged persons at Hope Exchange Hospital
• Worked alongside healthcare professionals to determine individuals needing immediate medical care.
• Ensured financial clarity by developing comprehensive donor reports.

• Co-founded a foundation focused on assisting individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
• Organized national youth initiatives to raise funds from prominent banks and corporate entities.
• Distributed yearly funds collected from solicitations to selected hospitals, aiding in patient treatments.
• Acted as youth ambassador for project's previous year.
• Secured funding that totaled close to $2000.
• Directed monetary support towards Tetrem Health Centre.