Kayode William OLAIFA
Aktau
Summary
Experienced science professional specializing in microbiology and biology research and instruction. Adept at delivering engaging lectures and hands-on lab experiences. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues to develop innovative technologies, teaching methods, and adaptable lesson plans. Recognized for reliability and flexibility in meeting the dynamic needs of the educational environment. Additionally, I am a professional researcher with strong analytical and statistical skills, adept at designing and conducting experiments. Proven ability to collaborate effectively within team environments and adapt to changing project needs. Skilled in data analysis, literature review, and report writing. Recognized for scholarly excellence as a U.S. EB-1A visa beneficiary (Extraordinary Ability category), and currently authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Faculty (Part-time)
Yessenov University
11.2024 - Current
- Conduct classes (lectures and practicals) in accordance with the workload assigned by the Department of Natural Sciences.
- Conduct advanced training courses for teaching staff of the university.
- Prepare and publish scientific articles with the teaching staff of the university.
- Prepare and submit joint applications for participation in grant programs, international projects, and scientific research works.
- Supervise and mentor students and research assistants, guiding them in their research endeavors and professional development.
- Ongoing projects: Development and application of phyto-based nanoparticles for control and management of multidrug-resistant microbial pathogens
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Biology Instructor (teaching and research)
Nazarbayev School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
01.2023 - Current
- Develop and deliver lectures, laboratory sessions, and seminars in biological and chemical sciences.
- Assess student performance through various evaluation methods and provide constructive feedback to promote academic growth and understanding.
- Mentor and advise students on academic, research, and career development matters.
- Lead and participate in research projects within the biological and chemical sciences, with a focus on areas such as bioprocess, nanotechnology and antibiotic resistance.
- Secure research funding through grant applications and collaboration with industry partners, government agencies, and other academic institutions.
- Publish research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to the administration of the school through participation in committees, curriculum development, and other initiatives.
- Engage in outreach activities that promote the school’s research and educational programs to the wider community, including partnerships with local and international organizations.
Research Collaborator (Remote)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
02.2022 - 02.2023
- Project: Nitride-based coating to inhibit biofilm-related microbially influenced corrosion in Ti implants and other biomedical devices
Research Assistant
Nazarbayev University
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Led and executed research projects on bioelectrochemical systems, including the development of microbial fuel cells, and other biofilm-based technologies.
- Investigated the electrochemical behavior of microbial communities and their role in energy production, waste treatment, and bioremediation processes.
- Designed, conducted, and analyzed experiments related to biofilm growth, electrochemical performance, and microbial activity in various environments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams within the university and external partners.
- Mentored students and assist in the supervision of research activities within the laboratory.
- Contributed to the development of grant proposals and funding applications to support ongoing and future research projects.
- Presented research findings at conferences, workshops, and seminars to disseminate knowledge and promote the laboratory's work.
- Maintained laboratory equipment, ensured compliance with safety protocols, and managed research data in accordance with university policies.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Nazarbayev University
06.2022 - 07.2022
- Facilitated discussion sessions to enhance student engagement and comprehension
- Graded assignments and provided constructive feedback to support student learning
- Provided timely and constructive feedback on assignments, enabling students to refine their work and achieve higher grades.
- Documented attendance and completed assignments to maintain full class and student records.
Graduate Research Assistant
Nazarbayev University
08.2019 - 05.2022
- Assisted in designing and conducting experiments related to biofilm formation, control, and eradication, following established protocols.
- Performed sterility testing in compliance with regulatory standards to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results.
- Conducted antimicrobial drug testing, including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, to evaluate the efficacy of new and existing antimicrobial agents against biofilms.
- Prepared and maintained detailed records of experimental procedures, data, and results.
- Analyzed experimental data using statistical tools and software, and present findings in written reports and presentations.
- Collaborated with senior researchers and multidisciplinary teams.
- Maintained laboratory equipment, ensuring all instruments are calibrated and in proper working order.
- Contributed to the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to biofilm control, sterility testing, and drug testing.
- Stayed up to date with the latest research developments in microbiology, biofilm science, and antimicrobial drug discovery.
- Participated in regular team meetings, presented updates on research progress and discussed potential improvements to research methods.
Lecturer
Igbajo Polytechnic
03.2019 - 08.2019
- Successfully delivered lectures and laboratory session on four courses: Virology, mycology, microbial physiology and genetics, and microbiological quality control.
- Successfully supervised to completion 6
Visiting Lecturer (part-time)
Osun State Polytechnic
01.2018 - 08.2019
- Developed and delivered engaging course materials in accordance with curriculum standards.
- Facilitated interactive classroom discussions to enhance student learning and participation.
- Assessed student performance through examinations, projects, and presentations to ensure academic integrity.
- Increased student engagement by utilizing multimedia resources in lecture presentations and classroom activities.
Education
Ph.D. - Microbial Electrochemical Technology
Nazarbayev University
Astana12.2022
Master of Science - Microbiology and Biotechnology
University of Ibadan
Ibadan, Nigeria04.2019
Bachelor of Technology (BTech) - Microbiology
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Ogbomoso, Nigeria02.2015
Skills
- Microbiology Laboratory Techniques: Aseptic techniques, media preparation, microbial culture maintenance, pathogen screening, and environmental testing
- Electrochemical biosensors for biofilm analysis and antibiofilm testing
- Advanced microscopy, including confocal laser scanning microscopy
- Analysis and interpretation of chemical and biological data
- Bioelectrochemical systems for healthcare and environmental applications
- Microbial fermentation processes for metabolite production, extraction, and characterization
- Biochemical and analytical techniques (eg, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, FTIR)
- Laboratory Equipment: Proficient in equipment calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- Antibiotics/Antibiofilm susceptibility testing
- PCR, DNA extraction and purification, and gel electrophoresis
- Software Proficiency: Microsoft Office, Origin Pro
- Research and project management
Accomplishments
- Contributed to the publication of more than 15 original scientific articles
- Developed an electrochemical methodology and biosensor for fungal biofilms and antifungal testing
- Letter of recognition and appreciation for teaching and research (2024), St. Petersburg State Technological Institute.
- Collaborative research grant on ‘’Bioelectrochemical study of 2D conductive polymer for enhanced wastewater treatment’’ through Fostering Research and Innovation Potential (FRIP) program, Ministry of Education, Republic of Kazakhstan (2022)
- Co-supervised the bioelectrochemical investigation aspect and participated in a supervisory team on ‘Bioremediation of oil using a modified bacterial strain in a bioelectrochemical system’ that saw Nazarbayev University won a gold medal in the global iGEM. The team won the 2021 iGEM impact grant and ranked among top 10 best teams in the world.
- Fully funded Abay Kabanbayev PhD scholarship (2019-2023)
- Departmental Prize for Best Postgraduate student (MSc., 2019), Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Departmental Prize for Best graduating student (B.Tech., 2015) Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria.
Affiliations
- Member, International Society for Microbial Electrochemical Technology (ISMET)
- Member, International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE)
References
Available upon request.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Associate Faculty (Part-time)
Yessenov University
11.2024 - Current
Biology Instructor (teaching and research)
Nazarbayev School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
01.2023 - Current
Research Assistant
Nazarbayev University
08.2022 - 12.2022
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Nazarbayev University
06.2022 - 07.2022
Research Collaborator (Remote)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
02.2022 - 02.2023
Graduate Research Assistant
Nazarbayev University
08.2019 - 05.2022
Lecturer
Igbajo Polytechnic
03.2019 - 08.2019
Visiting Lecturer (part-time)
Osun State Polytechnic
01.2018 - 08.2019
Ph.D. - Microbial Electrochemical Technology
Nazarbayev University
Master of Science - Microbiology and Biotechnology
University of Ibadan
Bachelor of Technology (BTech) - Microbiology
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
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