Biography
I am Oladokun Sayo Ebenezer, a passionate researcher and academic with a strong focus on Cell Biology and Genetics, particularly in the field of infectious diseases, zoonotics, and anticancer drug discovery. Born on January 15, 1990, in Nigeria, I have consistently pursued excellence in scientific inquiry and capacity building in biomedical research.
My academic journey began at Obafemi Awolowo University, where I earned my first degree in 2017. I then proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where I obtained my second degree in 2023. Currently, I am a Ph.D. candidate in Cell Biology and Genetics at the University of Ibadan, deepening my research in molecular biology and therapeutic discovery.
Over the years, I have actively contributed to research projects centered on the discovery of novel lead compounds from medicinal plants for the treatment of malaria, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. My work integrates advanced computational biology techniques such as molecular docking, dynamics simulation, and network pharmacology to identify promising phytocompounds with therapeutic potential.
I have authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications, including:
• Afolayan, F. I. D., & Oladokun, S. E. (2024). In silico antiplasmodial effects of phytocompounds derived from Andrographis paniculata on validated drug targets of different stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Infect Dis Res, 5(2), 6.
• Salaam, R. A., Afolayan, F. I., Olaniyi, D. A., Oladokun, S. E., Ebuh, R. P., & Oyetunji, R. A. (2025). In silico Repurposing of FDA-Approved Drugs as Multi-target Inhibitors of Glioblastoma. Scientific African, e02582.
• Salaam, R. A., Tarkaa, C. T., Ebuh, R. P., Olaniyi, D. A., Oladokun, S. E., Sowemimo, R. O., ... & Akangbe, O. A. (2024). In silico discovery of potential androgen receptor and cytochrome P450 17A1 inhibitors from Camellia sinensis for prostate cancer treatment. Next Research, 1(2), 100068.
• Tarkaa, C. T., Oyaniyi, D. A., Salaam, R. A., Ebuh, R. P., Akangbe, O. A., & Oladokun, S. E. (2023). Elucidating the molecular targets of Curcuma longa for breast cancer treatment using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. Precis. Med. Res, 5(2), 8.
• Afolayan, F. I. D., Salaam, R. A., Oladokun, E. S., & Adesoye, S. D. (2024). A review of selected parasitic plants in Nigeria: converting harms to benefits. Nat Ther Adv, 7(3), 14.
I actively participate in scientific conferences and seminars on infectious diseases and zoonotic threats, expanding my expertise and collaborative network. Beyond research, I am deeply committed to science outreach and community engagement. I serve as a volunteer at Anna College of Technology under the Global Scholarship Trust and as a facilitator with the International Veterinary Vaccinology Network (IVVN) African Schools Outreach Program (ASOP) in Nigeria.
My research philosophy is rooted in the belief that natural products, when scientifically explored, can yield sustainable solutions to global health challenges. I am driven by a vision to bridge traditional medicine and modern science through innovation, collaboration, and translational research. Research interests
My research interest spans cell biology, genetics, and translational drug discovery, with a strong emphasis on infectious diseases, cancer biology, and host–parasite interactions. I employ in silico tools such as molecular docking, network pharmacology, and molecular dynamics simulations to identify novel lead compounds from medicinal plants against malaria, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. In addition to therapeutic discovery, I am currently engaged in the epidemiological and molecular characterization of avian haemosporidian parasites, exploring how haemosporidians and ectoparasites affect bird fitness, parasite transmission dynamics, and potential zoonotic implications. This line of research is vital for understanding vector-host relationships, especially within the context of urbanization and climate change. My overarching goal is to integrate computational biology, field-based surveillance, and ethnomedicine to drive affordable, evidence-based interventions for parasitic and neoplastic diseases, with a particular focus on improving public health outcomes in tropical and resource-limited settings. Projects you're working on
Despite the ongoing research across sub-Saharan Africa, there is limited knowledge of how urbanization affects haemosporidians and ectoparasite transmission and diversity in Nigerian birds. To address this gap, the present study aims to carry out epidemiological survey and molecular characterization of haemosporidians and ectoparasites of birds in rural and urban regions of Ibadan, Nigeria. This is to have better understanding of their distribution, prevalence, and impact of these parasites on birds’ population. The findings will contribute to biodiversity conservation, vector surveillance, and public health preparedness under a One Health framework, supporting early detection of zoonotic threats and strengthening local parasitological research capacity. Discipline
Bioinformatics Cellular biology Molecular biology Parasitology Host species
Poultry Wildlife Zoonoses Pathogen
Parasites Stage of vaccine development
Field trials