Michael Baffour Awuah

• Dissertation: Delaying the Inevitable – Lysis Inhibition in Bacteriophage N4
• Advisor: Dr. Jolene Ramsey

• Dissertation: Physicochemical, Functional and Nutritional Analysis of a Juice Blend and Mixed Fruit Nectar Formulated From Pineapple and Underutilized Tropical Fruits
• Mini Project: Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis, Total Antioxidant Activity and Total Phenolics of Terminalia catappa
• Advisor: Dr. Jerry Ampofo-Asiama

• Identified and characterized the minimal gene set required for Bacteriophage N4 lysis through systematic CRISPR-based deletion analysis and functional genomics, discovering a novel lysis regulator.
• Performed RNA-seq transcriptomic profiling to uncover transcriptional differences between wild-type N4 and rapid-lysis lineages, revealing key regulatory networks governing lysis timing.
• Engineered bacteriophage N4 mutants using combinatorial genetics, designing complex genetic circuits to study how bacterial growth phases affect translation machinery availability during infection.
• Isolated, purified, and characterized three novel E. coli 4s-infecting bacteriophages from environmental samples using TEM, restriction analysis, and lysis phenotype assays.
• Quantified LPS/endotoxin content and total protein in phage lysates via BCA assays, comparing disruptin vs. spanin LPS-quenching properties.

• Performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing on sixteen drug-resistant bacterial strains from the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, providing data-driven disinfectant recommendations for infection control.
• Determined MICs of three commonly used disinfectants against bacteria isolated from nose masks, contributing to public health research.

• Conducted molecular characterization of H. pylori virulence and antibiotic resistance genes from clinical gastroduodenal specimens, linking genotypes to pathology severity.
• Investigated qualitative and quantitative phytochemical properties of methanolic leaf extracts of Anthocleista nobilis, its extraction kinetics, and antimicrobial susceptibility against selected bacterial strains.
• Assisted in optimizing ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity from Solanum torvum.
• Served as field and laboratory assistant for MPhil Fisheries Science studies on genetic diversity and microbiome of small pelagic fish species and nutritional quality of oysters in Ghana.

• Deduced phytochemical composition of almond pulp extracts and elucidated antioxidant activity through DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content via chemical and spectrophotometric methods.
• Optimized mixing ratios and formulated juice blends and mixed fruit nectars from underutilized tropical fruits (pineapple, pawpaw, soursop).
• Studied the effects of blending and blending ratios on the nutritional quality of the product.
• Investigated changes in physicochemical properties — color, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and viscosity — resulting from blending and nectar formulation.

• Completed rotations in general parasitology, entomology, molecular biology, vector, and parasite culture laboratories.
• Executed techniques including DNA & RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, urine filtration, urine chemistry, microscopy for malaria diagnosis, and Kato-Katz analysis for Schistosoma egg identification.
• Cultured Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma spp. to assist in ongoing research across multiple parasitology laboratories.
• Established vector breeding colonies for transmission studies at the Vestergaard Vector Laboratories.

• Managed laboratory decontamination procedures, monitored equipment performance, and documented data.
• Handled sample intake, assigned pathology numbers, and distributed samples for analysis.
• Prepared reagents and conducted routine diagnostic tests.
• Established and managed a mobile laboratory unit during high-demand periods.
• Conducted phlebotomy and performed cross-matching assays for blood transfusion compatibility.
• Documented test results to support medical diagnosis.

• Managed workspace decontamination, equipment monitoring, and data documentation.
• Handled sample acceptance, allocation of pathology numbers, and distribution for analysis.
• Prepared reagents for tests and conducted routine diagnostic tests.
• Conducted phlebotomy for blood sample collection.
• Documented test results for medical diagnosis support.
• Administered client feedback questionnaires.

Debrah MA, Awuah MB, Koh A, Ramsey J. Complete genome sequence of Escherichia Siphophage Serwaa. Microbiology Resource Announcements. 2026;e01222-25. doi: 10.1128/mra.01222-25.

Awuah MB, Martin C, Chamblee JS, Tomaszewski AJ, Sullivan TE, Emilia Q, Tran S, Snowden JH, Niemiec KA, Zhu J, Ramsey J. Phage N4 uses a SAR endolysin-holin system for host cell lysis. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 Nov 12:2025.11.12.688109. doi: 10.1101/2025.11.12.688109. PMID: 41292803; PMCID: PMC12642591.

Facilitated microteaching training for new TAs (2023–present).

• Academy For Future Faculty, Texas A&M University (Fall 2023)
• IBRO-ARC Workshop on Zebrafish as a Tool for Neuroscience Research in Africa (Nov 2021)
• GHABSA Annual National Congress (Feb 2020)
• Training on Food Value Chain Standards (Nov 2019)
• NMIMR Biosafety Training (Jun 2018)
• AI Fluency Framework & Foundations Certificate
• Strategic Thinking Certificate
• Biomedical Research Investigators and Key Personnel Certification

American Society for Microbiology (ASM) — January 2021 – Present

Letters from Texas A&M University and the University of Cape Coast, including my dissertation advisor, are available on request.