Department of Scientific Writing and Data Science
The Department of Scientific Writing and Data Science at the Elite Research and Data Science Institute focuses on making complex research clear, accurate, and accessible. By combining strong communication skills with advanced data science techniques, the department helps researchers analyse data effectively and share their findings in ways that resonate with diverse audiences. It is a place where science meets storytelling, and data becomes actionable insights.
Ebenezer Senu, DS/MLS
Director
Ebenezer Senu is a research and data scientist with multiple publications in top-tier journals and a reviewer. His research expertise spans the molecular, cellular, and immunology of infectious and chronic diseases, with a focus on diagnostic biomarkers. A recipient of several awards for research, leadership, and social impact. He is a member of various top scientific writing and data science organisation
Education
- Postgraduate – University of Texas at Dallas, USA (PhD, Molecular and Cellular Biology) – Currently Enrolled.
- Undergraduate – Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana (BSc. Medical Laboratory Technology)
Professional Experience
- Experienced in computational data analysis using R programming language, SPSS, STATA, GraphPad, etc, for observational/clinical studies and meta-analyses
- Over 2 years experience in teaching postgraduate and undergraduate students biostatistics at KNUST, Ghana.
- Over 2 years experience as facilitator for data science course.
- Over 3 years personalised data analysis leading to over 40 peer-reviewed research publications in top journals.
- R trainer and data scientist, Ghana R Users Community.
Awards and Innovations
- ViCare (2024 SDG Olympiad Generative AI Award Winner, Paris)
- More updating soon!
Socials (Research)
George Kyei Agyen
Member
George Kyei Agyen is a dedicated civil engineer with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in environmental engineering.
Currently pursuing a PhD in coastal engineering at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, George’s research focuses on water and wastewater treatment,
environmental sustainability, and coastal wave dynamics.
An R programming enthusiast, he excels in data analysis and machine learning applications.
Outside of academia, George enjoys sci-fi movies, music, and reading.
Department of Laboratory and Scientific Skills
The department of Laboratory and scientific Skills at Elite Research and Data Science Institute is dedicated to equipping researchers and students with the hands-on techniques and expertise they need to excel in the lab and beyond. From mastering essential lab protocols to developing advanced technical skills, we focus on building confidence and precision in every step of the research process. Whether you are new to the Lab or looking to refine your techniques, our team will support your growth and success in the world of science.
Solomon Akpobi, MLS(ASCPi)CM
Director
Solomon Akpobi is a dedicated biomedical scientist and co-founder of the Elite Research and Data Science Institute (ERDSI). He holds a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (Hons.) from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. He is a licensed member of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Currently, he serves as a Biomedical Scientist at the KNUST IVI Collaborative Center, where he is involved in clinical trials and surveillance studies. Solomon has over three years of experience working on international collaborative research projects focused on infectious diseases. His research interests center on understanding immune responses to infectious diseases such as malaria, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and HIV/AIDS, which disproportionately affect developing countries, including Ghana.
Driven by the belief that vaccines are key to winning the fight against infectious diseases, Solomon’s ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of effective and affordable vaccines to address these global health challenges.
Current Project:
- Project Title: A prospective health facility-based surveillance to estimate the burden of medically attended Shigellosis in children less than 5 years of age in Ghana.
Project Status: In progress
P.I: Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- Project Title: Phase IIa Observer-blind, randomized controlled intervention study (PEDVAC Study) Project Status: In progress
P.I: Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo
Synopsis: A Phase IIa observer-blind, randomized, controlled, age-de-escalation, single center interventional study to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity, and immune response of the GVGH iNTS vaccine against S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis, in adults, children and infants, including dose finding in infants, in Africa.
- Project Title: Severe Typhoid in Africa (SETA) Plus Program
Project Status: In progress
P.I: Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo
Synopsis: To estimate the burden and severity of invasive salmonellosis, report the long-term sequelae and associated cost of illness, and asses the immune response to natural infection.
- Project Title: A cluster-randomized controlled Phase IV trial assessing the impact of a ViPolysaccharide conjugate vaccine in preventing typhoid infection in Asante Akim, Ghana. Project Status: In progress
P.I: Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo
Synopsis: To evaluate the effect of a novel typhoid conjugate vaccine in Africa, specifically Ghana. Aim is to assess the protection for typhoid disease this vaccine provides to children aged 9 months to <16 years.
- Project Title: Seroepidemiology in Africa of iNTS (SAiNTS) Study
Project Status: In progress
P.I: Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo
Synopsis: The aim of this study is to generate typhoid fever and invasive Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) disease burden and immunological data to drive vaccine development and inform evidence-based prevention and control policy.
- Project Title: Environmental Surveillance (ES) of Salmonella Typhi.
Project Status: In progress
P.I: Prof. Yaw Adu-Sarkodie
Synopsis:
- To implement typhoid ES at sites conducting blood culture surveillance over a 12-month period in Ghana.
- Inquire into the site-specific attributes of the ES locations, including the population served, nearby infrastructure, and the chemical as well as physical characteristics of water quality.
- Examine potential correlations between these factors and the identification of Typhi or specific control microorganisms indicating fecal contamination.
- Explore the potential relationship between the quantity and genetic variability of Typhi detected in ES samples and the incidence rates of the disease within the local population.
Previous Research:
Investigating the presence of treponema pallidum pertune DNA on fomites in Ndoda, a yaws endemic community in the Upper West Akim District of Ghana
Social (Research)
Valentine Tamakloe, MLS
Member
Valentine is a licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist who graduated from the Medical Laboratory Science Program at KNUST as the Best Student in the Faculty of Allied Health Science in 2021. He is a Data Scientist with close to half a decade of research experience and over 10 research publications.
He is currently volunteering as a research assistant in the Kukuia Lab at the University of Ghana, which focuses on the neuroscience of learning, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.
He is proficient in using SPSS, XLSTAT, GraphPad, and R for biomedical data analysis. He is passionate about communicating research findings and teaching.
Valentine also serves the role of Coordinator, ERDSI Fellowship.
Social (Research): Researchgate
ERDSI Finance Office
Michael Asare
Financial Controller
Michael Asare is a Senior Research Analyst with a profound understanding of the financial landscape and is an integral member of the Apakan Research Team. With over three years of experience as a Research Lead at Apakan, Michael has been instrumental in producing insightful market research, reports, and analyses that inform investment decision-making for both clients and managers.
Educationally, Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance & Mathematics from the University of Ghana, Legon. He is also a certified member of the Ghana Investment and Securities Institute, further solidifying his expertise in the field.
Michael’s insights and expertise have earned him opportunities to share his market opinions on prominent platforms such as CNBC Africa and Arise News. His skill set is comprehensive, covering areas like Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Econometrics, Financial Modelling, Macroeconometric modelling, as well as Macro & Fixed Income Analysis.
With his strong analytical skills and deep understanding of the financial market, Michael Asare continues to make significant contributions to the Apakan Research Team, driving informed decision-making and providing valuable insights to clients and stakeholders.
Department of Media and Publications
The department of Media and publications at Elite Research and Data Science Institute is dedicated to transforming research into engaging, accessible content for diverse audiences. We specialise in media-focused publications, including writing, editing, and crafting impactful stories for digital and print platforms. We also extend our expertise to graphic design, creating infographics, visual abstracts, and other design-related materials that bring scientific ideas to life. Whether it is producing visually appealing content or preparing media-friendly summaries. The department also manages every aspect of the institute’s media presence (Social Media and Website)
Uwakmfon Paul, MLS
Director
Uwakmfon Paul is a Medical Laboratory Scientist with a BSc degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Uwakmfon is passionate about advancing prostate health, his research focuses on improving diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for conditions affecting the prostate. He is dedicated to contributing to innovative solutions that enhance health outcomes.
He is proficient with statistical tools such as SPSS and GraphPad Prism. He is a volunteer designer for the Ghana R Users Community.
Apart from academics, Uwakmfon is a technology enthusiast. He has also served in various media and editorial positions during his undergraduate years. He is a Visme and Eyako Certified designer, he is also a frontend/website developer.
Uwakmfon is passionate about using technology to address health challenges.
Publication
- Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Wound Infection Isolates: High Resistance to Cephalosporins and Penicillin Among Ghanaian Patients
Undergraduate Thesis
- Effect of Sorghum Bicolor Leaf Extract on Hormone-Dependent Enlargement of the Prostate in Sprague Dawley Rats
Awards and Innovation
Name: ViCare (2024 SDG Olympiad Generative AI Award Winner, Paris)
About: A mobile/web platform that provides relevant, accurate, and precise information about HIV/AIDS to “at-risk populations” and also monitors medication adherence patterns of people living with this condition
Role: Lead User Interface Designer / Team Member
Socials (Research)
Media Portfolio: Behance
Kweku Payne
Member
As a curious and driven individual, Payne has always been passionate about becoming a data analyst. While pursuing his undergraduate course in Medical Laboratory Science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, he is eager to explore the intricacies in biomedical problems and find its solution to real-world problems.
Payne is a graphic designer and has served in different leadership roles among the student body in KNUST. He is the current Deputy Editor-In-Chief for the Health Science Students’ Association (HESA-KNUST) and the immediate past Editor-in-Chief for the Medical Laboratory Sciences Students’ Association (MELSSA-KNUST)
Shylenna Adjana
Member
Updating soon!