Ekow Oppon

Name: Ekow Oppon

Role: Researcher

Contact Details:

Telephone: +27 (0)21 959 2969

Email: ekow(at)sanbi.ac.za

Facsimile: +27 (0)21 959 2512

Mobile: +27 (0)833 404 277

Skype: odokun

Current Mentor: Prof. Vlad Bajic

Research Area:

TB Bioinformatics

Promoter Detection and Prediction

Bioinformatics Support Services

Systems Thinking in Genomics

Identification and mapping of Biomarker

Finally back home to cradle of Bioinformatics and Brains (SANBI) after nearly eight years in the wilderness. First South African to complete a PhD degree in Bioinformatics at SANBI … my equivalent to First African in Space.

TB Bioinformatics

Spent my PhD period researching on TB Genomics with emphasis and specific interest in Promoter Prediction using Markov Modelling and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Not doing that currently but get periodically drawn into the subjects by the Bioinformatics Community. However, the current focus on TB is more on establishing and developing a knowledge base about TB-HIV interaction and complications.

Bioinformatics Support and Services

I have always been part of the school that considers Bioinformatics as a tool rather than a discipline on its own,. As such I have been involved with providing support and services to the “wet science” community since 1998. Still do and if you need a bioinformatics solution to a problem, do not hesitate to give me a shout.

Systems Thinking as Applied to Genomics

Many Scientist look at sections of the complete genome. That is completely acceptable considering the enormity of information on genomes. With my training and and expertise, I prefer to look at the complete picture of organisms instead of sections when carrying out analysis. Its more like Genome hunting e.g. had to scan human genome twice searching for Bipolar microsatellite markers.

Identification and Mapping of Biomarkers (Human)

This area of research is my new focus as the concept and its implications are really breathtaking. My previous experience in Human Genetics will be completely invaluable in pursuing this area of Scientific research. Just started but watch this space for regular updates…