Research Interest
My research centers on engineering Clostridium beijerinckii to produce 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB), a versatile precursor for biodegradable plastics, antibiotics and other bioactive compounds. Using CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing, I aim to rewire the native metabolic pathway of this organism to shift carbon flux away from butanol production to 3-HB production. A key component of this work involves using whey permeate from the dairy industry as a low-cost fermentation substrate, allowing me to explore how alternative feedstocks can be integrated into engineered microbial systems. I am motivated by the idea that microbial metabolism can be adroitly redesigned to transform industrial waste into valuable products while reducing production costs and environmental impact. More broadly, I am interested in how metabolic engineering strategies can be applied to build robust and scalable bioprocesses that align with principles of sustainability and circular bioeconomy. Beyond my research, I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring restaurants and trying new foods, listening to podcasts and sometimes watching reality TV.
Experience
Research Assistant
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
MS in Chemistry
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
BS in Biochemistry
University of Cape Coast
Cape Coast, Ghana