I hold a master degree from the University of Ghana and a PhD in Microbiology (2014) degree, from the University of Basel, Switzerland. Within my project, I established a simple, more efficient and reliable PCR based method compared to the conventional tuberculin skin test for the diagnosis of Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in Ghana. Using this assay together with conventional culture and microscopy as well as other polymorphic DNA target analysis, I determined the prevalence of BTB among cattle from two independent farms in Ghana and also confirmed the public health importance of Mycobacterium africanum(a human pathogen restricted to West Africa) in causing bovine TB. The findings from this work were published in the Onderstepoort Journal of veterinary Research (Asante-Poku et al, Onderstepoort J. Vet. Res 2014 Apr 23;81(2): E1-6. doi: 10.4102/ojvr. v81i2.716. This achievement at that time and even now is not the norm. During my PhD, I held collaboration between Ghana and Switzerland, a relation we have been able to maintain and has benefitted many young Ghanaian scientists to learn new techniques in Switzerland. I established various molecular epidemiological assays (including spoligotying, LSP and SNPs) I learned in Switzerland in country and used them in characterized about 2000 Mtb isolates to the sub specie level. In addition, I evaluated the discriminating ability of the individual 24 MIRU/VNTR targets for studying the molecular epidemiology of TB in Ghana and established a more cost effectivecustomized 8 lineage-specific sets of MIRU-VNTR loci to understand transmission dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex isolates in Ghana. I also evaluated a WHO rapid but simple diagnostic tools for the detection of drug-resistant (DR) tuberculosis. Findings paved way for its inclusion in thenational algorithm for laboratory support for TB case management for the rapid detection of DR cases in Ghana. One major finding from my thesis was the first observation of a strong association between a native West-African ethnic group and Mycobacterium africanum, proving for the first-time that host-factor (s) account for restriction of M africanumto West Africa. I published four manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals out of my PhD in reputable journals as the lead author. I am tireless, independent worker and a good team player and always happy to impart to others. This was recognized by the management of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research that in 2014 I was awarded the 1strunner –up, Best Research Assistant among the over 100 RAs.

Post PhD, I have been involved in several projects: I was a leading member of the laboratory support team for Pre-validation survey for the elimination of blinding trachoma in Ghana, findings published. We are currently the lead laboratory providing support to investigate communities at increased risk of trachoma recrudescence and a model for post-elimination surveillance of trachoma in Ghana.I won a postdoctoral fellowship funded by Wellcome Trust Developing Excellence in Leadership Training and Science (DELTAS; 2016-2019).My project sought to explore the association between selected human/ host genomic variants and TB caused by M. africanumin Ghana. Within this project, I have successfully recruited over 400 TB patients and over 500 non-TB controls and in collaboration with the National TB control program, I have successfully conducted 5 community based outreaches, Radio and TV programs to educate the community on TB. Preliminary data showed that M. africanum still causes up to 21% of all TB cases in Ghana. In collaboration with University of Cape town, selected candidate genes are being explored for identification of genes that make some host more susceptible to TB caused by either M. africanum orM. tuberculosis.I also serve my institute as the Quality Control Manager for the Bacteriology Department, working towards accreditation to ISO 15189 using the 12 components of SLIPTA. Together with a team, we have efficiently gathered necessary documents and records including SOPs on equipment and assays, process control, facility and biosafety, personnel records etc. Our efficient processes earned us 1star on auditing our laboratory

My work has focused more on TB and Buruli ulcer, evident by my 27 publications.

My medium term to long term goal is to combine a good balance of established clinical diagnostics with the latest genome sequencing technology and data analysis to have an in-depth understanding ofthe Bovine Tuberculosis for the accurate diagnosis and management in Ghana