Conrad Achilonu

Led molecular and functional characterization of fungal phosphoglucomutase (PGM) in Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida auris, validated PGM as an antifungal target, and established mouse precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) as an ex vivo model for Pneumocystis pathogenesis and antifungal screening.

Investigated biliary mycobiome in ERCP patients, characterised antifungal resistance genes and evaluated nanoparticle therapeutics and drug combinations against multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens, contributing to clinical research databases and manuscript/grant development.

Developed RNAi spray-mediated SIGS targeting AGO and DCL genes in Alternaria alternata to enhance pecan resistance, demonstrating RNAi pathways' role in pathogen development and host resistance.

Supported undergraduate and postgraduate research by planning and performing experiments, analysing results, maintaining records, and contributing to publications in plant-fungal genetics and pathology.

Analysed postgraduate workshop and student progress data using SPSS to support research capacity development and graduate support programs.

Edited and prepared scientific manuscripts for publication and managed research development workflows using institutional RIMS systems.

Doctoral research on Alternaria alternata associated with black spot disease on pecans, culminating in a PhD in Genetics.

Master's research on identification and expression analyses of CHS and ANS genes in Clivia miniata, awarded an MSc in Genetics.

Honours-level research on biochemical responses of wheat cultivars against Russian wheat aphid biotypes, completed a BSc Hons in Botany.

Undergraduate degree with majors in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetics, awarded a BSc in Biochemistry.