My name is Muhammad Iluoreh Ahmed. I am from Nigeria. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Benin and a Master’s degree in Virology from the University of Ibadan. During my Master’s, I specialized in genomics, Next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics. I have gained extensive experience in molecular techniques, including culture, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, genome sequencing, and bioinformatics.
Currently, I am a Research Associate at the African Center of Excellence for the Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID). My role involves sequencing genomes of interest, including human, viral, and bacterial, and training scientists to foster capacity building. Additionally, I function as the equipment installation and maintenance manager, overseeing the operation of all the center’s equipment and NGS platforms and products. This blend of education and work experience has equipped me with a robust skill set and a keen understanding of the evolving genomics field.
Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed the profound impact of diseases on individuals and communities. This firsthand experience has fueled my passion for understanding the intricacies of life at the molecular level, hence my reason for studying Microbiology and Virology. My research journey has been dedicated to understanding these diseases’ origins, evolution, and adaptation.
Joining the Australian Research Council Training Centre for Next-Gen Biomedical Analysis was driven by the University of Western Australia and the centre’s commitment to research and interdisciplinary collaborations. At the centre, I can conduct cutting-edge research methodologies, collaborate with leading experts in the field, expand my expertise in molecular biology, and mentor the next generation of scientists.
My proposed research project focuses on developing an innovative barcoded 3D bioprinting technology to redefine high-content screening by spatially resolving cellular response to stimulus and drugs. This Ph.D. project aims to create the world’s first barcoding methodologies for single-cell sequencing and bioprinting. Unlike bulk measurements, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) allows for the analysis of individual cell transcriptomes, revealing variations within cell populations.
Traditionally, high-throughput screening and bioprinting require separate scRNA-seq runs for each sample, making the process labor-intensive, costly, and time-consuming. Due to these challenges, there is an increasing demand for multiplexing samples in scRNA-seq, necessitating methods that pool multiple samples into a single scRNA-seq run. This project addresses these challenges by exploring a multiplexed scRNA-seq method involving the transient transfection of short barcoding oligos (SBOs) to label cells before printing. These SBOs have been developed in scalable quantities by 10X Genomics and will allow for barcoded identification at single-cell resolution within a multi-cellular 3D-printed spheroid.
Using primary skin cells, we will use this innovative methodology to spatially map cellular responses to inflammation and fibrosis induction at both the nuclear and transcriptome levels. By enhancing the precision and efficiency of high-content screening, this technology could accelerate and pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments and deepen our understanding of complex cellular behaviors. Additionally, the ability to spatially resolve cellular responses at single-cell resolution could significantly advance our understanding of cellular responses, ultimately contributing to breakthroughs in the fields of biotechnology and biomedical research.
My proposed research aims to contribute to understanding complex cellular and biological interactions and behaviors and enhancing drug discovery processes, ultimately contributing to molecular biology and cancer research. Through my work, I hope to shed light on fundamental processes underlying diseases and pave the way for innovative therapeutic interventions. The methodology and technology will open new avenues for more efficient and cost-effective research.
The centre’s state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative research environment will be crucial in achieving these objectives. Working under esteemed mentors like Dr. Killugudi Swaminatha-Iyer, Professor Mark Fear, and Dr. Cameron Evans, I will access cutting-edge technology, conduct high-quality research, collaborate with fellow researchers, and translate my findings into practical solutions. The centre will empower me to drive impactful advancements in scientific knowledge and societal well-being by serving as a bridge between academic and research inquiry and industrial applications.
I enjoy practicing new languages, exploring new destinations, sharing knowledge through teaching, and cheering for my favorite football team during match days.
