Aikins Cancer Lab

Primary research in cancer immunology and mechanisms of anti-cancer compounds(natural and synthetic compounds) @waccbip_ug @univofghana

[WACCBIP @WACCBIP_UG]

WACCBIP congratulates our Coordinator for Graduate Admissions & Exams, Anastasia Rosebud Aikins on her promotion to the rank of Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Immunology!

A remarkable achievement and testament to your unwavering commitment to excellence. Cheers!

[Aikins Cancer Lab @aikinslab]

🌟 Congratulations, Crystal! 🌟
We are so proud to celebrate you as our Valedictorian! Your dedication, leadership, and spirit set you apart. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make! 👏
Join us in celebrating this outstanding achievement!

[Aikins Cancer Lab @aikinslab]

Your hard work, creativity, and perseverance have been outstanding. We are proud of the knowledge you’ve gained and the impact you’re poised to make in science.

👏 Join us in congratulating this remarkable group of scholars!

[Aikins Cancer Lab @aikinslab]

🌟 Celebrating the 2025 AIKINSLAB Final Year Project Batch! 🌟

Huge shoutout to the talented undergraduates mentored by Dr. Anastasia Rosebud Aikins:
Corblah Aileen, Paa Kofi Frimpong, Pearl Doe-Thompson, Crystal Gaga Ansah, Lordina Matilda Mensah Gyasi, & Roselyn Tamakloe.

[Aikins Cancer Lab @aikinslab]

Behind every successful project is dedicated mentorship. 🤝

Watch as these brilliant scholars share their gratitude and acknowledge the guidance of Dr. Anastasia Aikins throughout their research journey.

We are so proud of the impact you've made! 🎥⤵️

[Aikins Cancer Lab @aikinslab]

🎓 Congratulations to our Research Assistants on completing their academic journeys! 🌟
We are incredibly proud of:
• Crystal Yassinde Elom Gaga (Valedictorian! 🏆)
• Matilda Mensah Gyasi
• Abena Boamah Abrokwah

Thank you for your invaluable contributions to cancer research.

[Aikins Cancer Lab @aikinslab]

🎓 Congrats to Dr. Bernardine Tuah on her PhD!
Her research reveals new ways to target triple-negative breast cancer using novel chromen-based molecules. Bernardine, your dedication to science is inspiring. We are so proud of this achievement!
👏 Let's all congratulate Dr. Tuah!

[Aikins Cancer Lab @aikinslab]

🎓 MPhil Completed
Benedict Broni Boadi
Thesis: Effect of Doxorubicin-Antibiotic Co-Treatments on MDA-MB-468 Breast Cancer Cells
Proud to celebrate his contribution to breast cancer research at Aikins Cancer Lab.

#WACCBIP #CancerResearch #BreastCancer

[WACCBIP @WACCBIP_UG]

More from our #fellowssession at #WRC2025!
🧬 David Fagdéba Bara presents on cytokine dynamics in malaria-infected children in Togo. His work shows how IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-10 levels shape infection outcomes—deepening our understanding of immune regulation in malaria.
🎗 Nora Whittle explores how chemotherapy affects breast cancer patients in Ghana. Her findings reveal immune activation, especially in HER2+ cases, challenging long-held assumptions and paving the way for African-driven immunotherapy.
🦠 Yusif Mubarik shares how Ochratoxin A, a food contaminant, enhances hepatitis B virus replication by interfering with the IFN-1 pathway, offering critical insight into liver disease risks in our region.
#Malaria #CancerImmunology #HBV #WACCBIP #AfricanScience

[WACCBIP @WACCBIP_UG]

A very timely and engaging panel discussion at #WRC2025 explored the theme: “From Basic Research to Public Health Impact.”
Our panelits:
🔹 Dr. Yaw Bediako – CEO, Yemaachi Biotech
🔹 Dr. Faisal Nuhu – Deputy CEO, National Vaccine Institute
🔹 Dr. Keziah Malm – Former Programme Manager, National Malaria Elimination Programme

[WACCBIP @WACCBIP_UG]

The conversation opens by addressing critical questions such as What is the fundamental difference between doing academic science and doing industry (academic enterprise)? and role of local data in informing policy-making.

Dr. @YawBediako_ elaborates on the first question; the fundamental difference between academic science and industry lies in their primary objectives & metrics of success. For academia; knowledge generation, discovery, and training, measured by publications & citations whereas for industry; market demand, product development and revenue generation, measured by profitability and market share.

For the second, Dr. Keziah Malm draws from a practical experience with the @nmepgh highlighting that the decision to switch from chloroquine to ACTs for malaria treatment was based on drug efficacy research done by @NMIMR_UG.

[WACCBIP @WACCBIP_UG]

We’re back for Day 2 of #WRC2025!
We're welcoming participants for another packed day of science, ideas, and collaboration.
This morning’s keynote is by Dr. George Boateng Kyei — a leading voice in HIV cure science — speaking on “Beyond Treatment: Empowering African Scientists in the Global HIV Cure Quest.”
Let’s go!!
You can also join us online via https://t.co/VZgEEogmPa
#WACCBIPResearch #HIVCure #GlobalHealth

[WACCBIP @WACCBIP_UG]

Prof. Awandare spoke about a big challenge facing African universities: we have the talent, but not the support. Young scientists are full of passion and ideas, yet many are stuck in underfunded systems with limited opportunities to grow or stay in research long-term.

Without reliable local funding, we're too dependent on external donors — and when their priorities shift, our progress stalls. If we want to keep our brightest minds here, we have to create an environment where they can actually thrive. - @gordon_awandare

[Aikins Cancer Lab @aikinslab]

@whitnora Her thesis titled: "Characterizing the Immunological Profile of Different Subtypes of Breast Cancer in Ghanaian Patients on Chemotherapy" is a vital contribution to cancer research in Africa! #ScienceInAfrica #MPhilDefense

[Aikins Cancer Lab @aikinslab]

@whitnora Her thesis titled: "Characterizing the Immunological Profile of Different Subtypes of Breast Cancer in Ghanaian Patients on Chemotherapy" is a vital contribution to cancer research in Africa! #ScienceInAfrica #MPhilDefense

[Aikins Cancer Lab @aikinslab]

🎓✨ Huge congratulations to Nora Owusuwaa Whittle (@Whitnora) on the successful defense of her MPhil thesis!
We’re so proud of the hard work, growth, and impact you’ve shown throughout your journey. 🌱🧬
#WACCBIP #BCMB #WomenInSTEM #CancerResearch

[SANTHE @SANTHEafrica]

Apply for this rare opportunity to be a #SANTHE Fellow. DEADLINE 31 JULY. Appy here: https://t.co/wpUC889s9j
@AHRI_News @UKZNCHS @BotswanaHarvard @KEMRI_Wellcome @EmoryRZHRG @CWRUSOM @cidrzinfo @SciforAfrica @GileadSciences @Aidsfonds
@wellcometrust #EmpoweringAfricanScience

[Asamoah Kusi @KAKusi2012]

*NMIMR ARM2025 is Here!!!*
Please let's all push our RA's and Students to start submitting.
#Don'tWaitForLastMinute

[WACCBIP @WACCBIP_UG]

Throwback to WACCBIP@10 and the 8th Annual WRC!🎉
As we gear up for #WRC2025, hear what participants had to say about their experience at last year’s WRC: https://t.co/GyF0CuHfJ9
It’s only getting bigger and better—don’t miss out this year!
#WRC2025 #WACCBIP

[Aikins Cancer Lab @aikinslab]

Earlier this week, we celebrated the birthday of our amazing PI, Dr. Anastasia Rosebud Aikins 🎂💐
Her leadership and dedication to cancer research inspire us every day. Here’s to more breakthroughs and birthdays! 🧪💜
#AikinsLab #CancerResearch #LabLife @waccbip_ug @univofghana