Dr. Onyinye M. Ukpai, one of MOUAU's scientists and researchers, is in the UK where she is undertaking a post-doctoral programme. MOUAU UPDATE sent her an e-mail on her mission to the UK and the benefits her study would bring to the University. Her reply is published in this issue:

I came to UK for a 6-month Post-doctoral Fellowship, with a Commonwealth Academic Fellowship Award under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. My Fellowship is based in the University of Bristol where I work with Prof. Wendy Gibson and Dr Eric Morgan.

The main thrust of my plan of study was to acquire and update knowledge and skills in the area of biotechnology with emphasis on Parasitology/entomology since Academic Fellowship awards are not given to support discrete research projects.

In the period that I've been here, I've been exposed to some practical hands-on techniques in biotechnology such as extraction and purification of DNA employing PCR and gel electrophoresis methods; cutting out DNA bands for sequencing; preparing the cut out bands for sequencing and subsequently sending positive sequenced DNA to a data base among others. I am doing some developmental/temperature studies with Toxocara canis eggs- a work which has helped me update and learn new skills in the area of Parasitology. The work will soon be concluded.

I have attended some conferences/seminars. These include a conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases organized by the Royal Society of Medicine which has earned me a one year free student Fellowship of the Society; a seminar on Science, Technology and Innovation for Poverty reduction under the auspices of the Parliamentary office of Science and Technology in conjunction with IOP and EPSRC which took place at the House of Commons.

I have gone on a study visit to Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine where I was privileged to meet and discuss with the Director of the Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases (CNTD). The outcome of the visit may lead to a collaboration between CNTD and MOUAU. Discussions are yet to be concluded.

On benefits of my Fellowship to MOUAU, I'll briefly put it this way- If the collaboration talks are concluded on a positive note as I strongly believe they would be, then MOUAU stands to benefit. Secondly, the knowledge and skills acquired will help strengthen Institutional capacity in biotechnology and molecular biosciences.

It's been a wonderful experience out here, the snow notwithstanding, and would wish that many of my colleagues would be privileged to get a similar opportunity.

I am deeply indebted to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikenna Onyido, for this beautiful and rare opportunity.  Thank you very much Sir.

God bless MOUAU

Dr. Onyinye M. Ukpai sent this mail to pro@mouau.edu.ng

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