Profile
Orode Aniejurengho
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About Me:
My friends and family, also I 😊 , would describe me as a bookworm. However, I do enjoy watching movies, cooking and improving meals. I love skipping and making YouTube videos.
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Outside, you’ll usually see me enjoying short walks in nature. I also recently started skipping a lot more this month as part of the Cancer Research UK #skippinghchallenge. I’m no fitness queen but I am thrilled that I have remained consistent throughout. I’m also trying my hand at growing plants and enjoy cooking lovely Nigerian meals like jollof rice! You’ll catch me writing my recipes out like I would have done in science laboratory notebooks. For me, cooking meals is similar to preparing and finally doing my experiments in the lab.
Not too long ago, about 2 years now, my laboratory research focused on discovering new molecules that we could use as drugs in the treatment of cancer. I was responsible for designing the platform to enhance our efficiency. One day I would be in the lab making new molecules, using different types of equipment. The next day, or hours later, I would be in meetings with suppliers presenting our ideas for new equipment, or reporting on my experimental results to my bosses and sharing information with my colleagues. On other days I would be teaching science to students across different levels of education in the UK. My education has given me the tools to apply my knowledge in different aspects from the lab to the online classroom and even teaching in communities in Nigeria
Science can be exciting especially when you see your ideas become real products.
Now, I use most of my time to teach subjects in Biology, infection control and public health to pre-university students, undergraduates and post-graduates. I particularly enjoy sharing my love for science with adults and children. So, you will also see me talking about Superbugs, and organising events, for the Me You and the Superbugs project, which focuses on educating people about the need for the correct use of antibiotics.
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My pronouns are:
Just call me Orode that’s fine. it is pronounced as Or – Raw – Day
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My Work:
In my work, I share interesting stories/facts about our human body in health and disease. I teach students at different levels of education from pre-university to post-graduate level. Today I might be teaching about the nervous system, or methods we use to test ideas in science and tomorrow I am reading a student’s project on ways to improve disinfection in the hospitals
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In a recent Biology class, we studied the digestive system and now we are looking to start talking about the immune system (made up of organs, cells, and tissues in our body that help us fight infections and stay healthy).
Right now, I am still involved in finishing up some research from our Me You and The Superbugs project. This project is dear to my heart as it has enabled my team and me to reach out to people in Nigeria, and promote knowledge about the correct use of antimicrobials such as antibiotics. Since 2018, I have led the organisation of 6 events (both online and face-to-face). This requires that I apply very good team and leadership skills as well as be good at technology to run our online events. I also have to ensure our funds are managed responsibly.
Antibiotics are drugs which we use when we have bacterial infections, but many times people use them for different infections not caused by bacteria. The wrong use of antibiotics promotes antibiotic resistance which means that antibiotics can no longer be used or have limited use for treating infections. This happens because the bacteria change to become resistant to the antibiotics. So it is important that we continue to raise awareness of the correct use of our antibiotics. Here’s a YouTube video of me doing something I love to do – which is demonstrating antibiotic resistance
At school, I was very good at maths but I found Biology easier to work with every day. I think the human body has always fascinated me, although it can be quite complex. It will be good to hear from you all about which topics in science or health that you currently enjoy.
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My Typical Day:
As an academic, On a teaching day, I wake up and get dressed. I start work at 8 am, teaching different biology, science and ethics topics. The day usually ends at 2 pm and then I focus on other things like writing reports, reading, studying and relaxing.
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Depending on the day, I may take a break around 10 am or 11 am. Then I return to my desk and continue my teaching. teaching is usually interactive and students get to share their ideas with one another in small groups. This is a day when I am teaching.
Afterwards, around 2 pm, I take another break and check on emails. Students may have asked me questions about their homework or I might need to share some information with my colleagues. I also prepare my notes for the other classes in the week. On other days, I will focus on marking assignments and finishing up reports for different projects. I am continually using Maths, Literacy and Communication skills in all aspects of my work.
I have lots of flexibility since I work from home, so I try to be well-organised and use my time in a way that makes me happy.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I will use it to support the public engagement project, Me You and The Superbugs, on the safe use of antimicrobials. This will involve holding our 7th public awareness event in Nigeria aimed at secondary school students to have a presentation competition on ways to promote the safe use of antibiotics in their communities.
The first event we had in Ibadan Nigeria for secondary school students was very welcomed and students approached the competition with diverse presentation ideas including the use of local language to promote awareness. The money will go towards, the purchase of competition prizes (such as first aid kits for the schools), hiring a venue and providing a stipend for event volunteers to reach out to schools.
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Education:
I completed nursery, primary and secondary school in Nigeria, Africa. My nursery school was in a small Catholic school in Delta state, and then my mom and I moved to Lagos where I completed primary and secondary school.
Afterwards, I moved to the UK to complete my A-levels, this was done at Bromley College, after which I completed my undergraduate, masters and PhD degrees at Brighton University.
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Qualifications:
I gained 8 O-levels. Then, gained 3 A-levels (Biology, Chemistry and Maths. I did physics at AS-level).
After that I gained my First class in biomedical Science, then a distinction for a Masters in Bioscience Research and finally my PhD.
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Work History:
In secondary school, I sold coconut crisps to my friends (I’m not advising you to do this, at school, now 😊), but I always had an entrepreneurial mind.
For more serious jobs while studying for my A-levels and during my degrees, I worked part-time as a care assistant. I had other short-term work as a sale representative for Avon cosmetics and at Mcdonald’s. Also, worked as a call-centre agent calling customers to complete surveys.
During my Masters and PhD, I began to develop my teaching skills. I worked as a lab demonstrator assisting lecturers to teach experimental skills in the laboratory.
Following my PhD, I worked as a research scientist, focused on producing products that helped us grow human cells outside the body. Then I went on to Oxford university in another research scientist role and my last lab-based job was as a Senior Scientist in a drug discovery company.
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Current Job:
Now, I focus on lecturing online at different institutions and I also want to fulfil my dream of getting my medical degree.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
superbugs loving academic
What did you want to be after you left school?
I wanted to be a Medical Doctor
Were you ever in trouble at school?
hmmm, for not going out for exercise once. I went to a military school so that was a whole experience
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I would still teach in one way or another, but I think I would be a Medical Doctor in addition to teaching and research
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Sinach
What's your favourite food?
I don't think I have one, but I love a well seasoned and spicy jollof rice
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To always enjoy what I do. To keep on doing what I do now. Share science with those who don't have the same opportunities we have
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