Professional Summary
Background
PLUMI MAGRET OLADIPOE is an Experienced molecular biologist with over 6 years of hands-on expertise in microbiology, bioinformatics, and functional genomics. Demonstrated success in developing innovative diagnostic tools for bacterial and viral pathogen detection, including species-specific assays and genome-based identification methods. Highly skilled in combining molecular and computational approaches to investigate gene expression, microbial evolution, and host-pathogen interactions. Strong
PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO is a collaborator and communicator, with a proven record of mentoring students and driving research projects in both laboratory and bioinformatics settings.
Education
PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO is doing a Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan – 08/2022-Present
PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO has a BSc (Hons) in Microbiology, University of Lagos, Nigeria – 09/2015-11/2018
Professional Experience
PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO is a Graduate Research Assistant at Wayne State University, Michigan, United States 08/2022- Present
Project 1
– Research focused on characterisation and understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of Escherichia marmotae.
• Led the development of novel molecular assays to accurately identify Escherichia marmotae, a misclassified pathogen often mistaken for E. coli, by designing species-specific quantitative PCR primers and identifying a unique MALDI-TOF-MS biomarker peak.
• Collaborated with clinicians at Henry Ford Health Hospital to retrospectively screen all E. coli clinical isolates using a novel assay I developed, leading to the first confirmed identification of Escherichia marmotae in a human sepsis case in the United States, previously misidentified as E. coli.
• Implemented bioinformatics pipelines for genome assembly, annotation, phylogenetic analysis, genomic island prediction, pan-genome analysis, variant calling, RNA-sequencing analysis and proteomics using R, Python, and command-line tools.
• Established a successful Lambda Red-mediated recombineering protocol and bacteria transformation to perform gene knockouts in E. marmotae.
• Drafted SOPs and regulatory protocols (IACUC, IBC); trained and supervised 4 undergraduate students in microbiological techniques, zebrafish dissection, and bioinformatics.
• Published findings in two peer-reviewed articles.
Project 2
– Research focused on the application of molecular aquatic technologies to detect markers of SARS-CoV-2, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Norovirus, and Influenza in wastewater.
• Developed the SwabM2 passive sampling method using tampons for virus detection in wastewater, achieving a 4× increase in sensitivity over grab sampling, especially near the limit of detection.
• Contributed to Nanopore sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), including library preparation, sequencing run setup, and data analysis.
• Developed expertise in using Chemagic 360 Nucleic Acid Extractor, Real-Time PCR, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), Microplate Reader, Nanodrop Spectrophotometers, and Transmission Electron Microscopy.
• Performed quantitative microbial source tracking using ddPCR and ddRT-PCR to compare human fecal markers (HF183, crAssphage, and PMMoV) across sewersheds to normalize SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance data.
• Published findings in one peer-reviewed article and a submitted article
Microbiologist – 08/2019- 06/2022 (PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO)
Environmental Accord Nigeria Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
• Covered offshore/onshore field sampling/data gathering, microbial analysis of water and soil, and supervision of the laboratory operations.
• Developed expertise in several analytical techniques, such as Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and UV/VIS Spectrophotometer.
Successfully maintained, isolated, enumerated, and identified organisms such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and other microorganisms in water and soil.
• Ensured continuous ISO 17025:2015 compliance, secured strategic partnerships, led critical audits, and strengthened key relationships with multinational clients and government regulators.
• Managed several laboratory services and environmental quality monitoring in projects like Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM), and Environmental Auditing (EA).
• Trained and supervised junior technicians in laboratory safety, aseptic technique, environmental microbiology protocols, and proper data documentation.
Undergraduate Researcher (PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO)
University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. Department of Microbiology 12/2017- 11/2018
• Engaged in culture media preparation, sample inoculation, identification of microorganisms, and interpretation of the results.
• Identification of microorganisms using Bergey’s manual of systematic bacteriology.
• Dissected the guts of American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
• Isolated cellulolytic bacteria and fungi from the hindgut of the cockroach
Medical Laboratory Scientist (Intern) 10/2017 – 12/ 2017
Central Research Laboratory, University of Lagos, Nigeria
• Performed laboratory tests to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific investigations.
• Handled clinical specimens for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, and Cholera.
• Worked across BSL 1,2 level laboratories.
Teaching Experience (PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO)
Graduate Teaching Assistant 08/2024 – Present
Wayne State University, School of Medicine
• Delivered lectures and facilitated laboratory sessions for 2nd-year medical students, focusing on practical applications in medical laboratory sciences.
• Engaged with students in research on infectious diseases, specifically focusing on gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract infections, central nervous system pathologies, and immune response mechanisms.
• Provided comprehensive feedback on student presentations, emphasizing critical thinking, scientific accuracy, and effective communication.
Technical Skills (PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO)
• Molecular biology Skills: Quantitative PCR, DNA/RNA Extraction, Plasmid preparation, Ligation, DNA Sequencing, RNA Sequencing, Cloning, Transformation, Electroporation, Gene-Knockout, RT-PCR, MALDI-TOF MS, AAS, UV/VIS Spectrophotometry
• Bioinformatics Skills: Primer design, DESeq2, Phylogenetic Analysis, Bacteria bioinformatics, Python, and R Programming.
• Microbiology Skills: Environmental monitoring, Bacterial staining, Antibiotic susceptibility test, biofilm assay, Growth curve, and Motility assays
• Microscopy: Light Microscopy, Electron Microscopy
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GraphPad Prism, and Zotero
Professional Affiliations of PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO
• Full Membership- Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society 2025
• Member – Royal Society of Biology 2025
• Member- Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) 2024 – Present
• Member – International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) 2024 – Present
• Member – American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2024 – Present
• Member/Editorial Board – American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 2021- Present
Honors and Awards for PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO
• Travel Grant Award, ASM Microbe 2025 2025
• Scholar Mentoring & Diversity Program Scholar 2025
• Graduate Student Professional Travel Awards ($1000), Wayne State University 2025
• Honorable Mention Award (Poster Presentation), GSRPD Conference 2025
• ASM Young Ambassador to Michigan (A prestigious award given to only one person in Michigan) 2024
• Travel Grant Award for ASM Conference 2025, entirely funded. 2024
• Sharon L.Ram Aquatic Sciences Fund -$24,000 2024
• Graduate Ambassador of Wayne State Ubniversity (Awarded $2000) 2024
• Graduate Student Professional Travel Awards ($1000), Wayne State University 2024
• ASM Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF) Program 2024
• Travel Grant Award, ASM Microbe 2024 2024
• Wayne State University Graduate Research Fellowship (only two awardees in the year 2022) 2022-2027
Selected Leadership Experience by PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO
• Peer Reviewer for Journals (PLOS ONE, Wiley, Scientific Report, and BMC Molecular and Cell Biology) Evaluated scientific manuscripts for quality, rigor, and contribution to the field
• Elected Executive Board- ASM Michigan Chapter 2024-Present Advanced Branch objectives -including professional development, networking, and supporting microbial science
• Vice President, BMI Graduate Student Organization 2025
• Laboratory Teaching Assistant- WSU School of Medicine 2024
Delivered lectures on advanced topics—gastrointestinal and genitourinary infections, CNS pathologies, and immune response mechanisms—demonstrating recognized subject-matter expertise in microbiology and medical science.
• EmpowerSci Detroit 2024-Present
Provided hands-on interactive lab sessions to Detroit Public High Schools
• Judge- 2024 Medical Education Research and Innovation (MERI) Conference 2024
Served as a judge at a prestigious research event with 500+ participants, providing expert feedback on poster and oral presentations to recognize excellence and guide improvements.
• Appointed Graduate Student Ambassador, Wayne State University 2024- Present
Represented Wayne State University at recruitment events, sharing experiences with prospective students and promoting academic excellence, leadership, and innovation.
• Appointed Seminar Chair – BMI Graduate Student Organization 2024-2025
Organized and hosted seminars featuring renowned experts, fostering engagement between students, faculty, and invited speakers.
Selected Professional Training by PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO
• Stanford Data Ocean – Precision Medicine Fundamentals Certificate Program
• Advancing Approaches to Broad Pathogen Detection
• SciPhD Certificate Program- Business of Science
• Bacteria Bioinformatics
• African American Women in Clinical Microbiology
• Cell Culture Basic Virtual Lab
• ISO 9001-Quality Management System
• Bioinformatics for Biologists
• ISO 45001- Principles of Occupational Health & Safety
Selected Conference Presentations/Publications by PELUMI MAGRET OLADIPO
• Onohuean, H., Onohuean, F.E., Olot, H., Anyanwu, C., Kade, A., Oladipo, P., Naik Bukke, S.P., Akinsuyi, O.S., Igere, B.E. & Ugwu, P.-C.O., 2025. Demographic characteristics of regional prevalence of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli infection in East Africa: A guided linear mixed-effect and meta-regression model. In final Review BMC Urology.
• Oladipo, P. M., Jomaa, A., Withey, J., & Ram, J. (2025). Genome organization, virulence genes, and temperaturedependent physiology of an emerging pathogen, Escherichia marmotae. Submitted and under review in Applied and Environmental Microbiology Journal.
Oladipo, P., Tibbetts, R., Sivertsen, A., Fite, A., Sims, M., Zervos, M., & Ram, J.. New Diagnostic Methods for Escherichia marmotae and the First Report of its Identification in Clinical Isolates in North America. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.10.25331261– Submitted and under review in Frontiers in Microbiology.
• Oladipo, P. M., Jomaa, A., Withey, J., & Ram, J. (2025). New Diagnostic Data and Functional Differences Distinguish the Emerging Pathogen, Escherichia marmotae from its cryptic relative, Escherichia coli. American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Conference 2025.
• Alamin, M., Oladipo, P., Hartrick, J., Islam, N., Bahmani, A., Turner, C.L., Shuster, W., Ram, J.L., 2024. Improved passive sampling methods for wastewater to enable more sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Sci. Total Environ. 950, 175044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175044.
• Oladipo, P. M., Jomaa, A., Withey, J., & Ram, J. (2025). Functional Differences Provide Insights into the Pathogenic Potential of Escherichia marmotae. 28th Annual Chuan-Pu Lee Endowed Graduate Student Research 2025.
• Ram, J. L., Alamin, M., Bahmani, A., Mossing, M., Namayandeh, A., Oladipo, P. M., et al.. (2025). Identification of an individual human patient infected with a rare SARS-CoV-2 variant in a sewershed with thousands of potential community inputs.
• Oladipo, P. M., Withey, J., & Ram, J. (2024). Not So Cryptic Anymore: Genetic and Functional Differences Between Escherichia marmotae and Escherichia coli. American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Conference.
Patent
• Egbosiuba, T.C., Ojukwu, C.O., Oladipo, P., Folorunso, O.C., Uwaoma, I.A., Unegbu, C.C., (2025). Smart Conversion Process of Plastic Bottles to Nanofilter for Wastewater Treatment to Sustain Public Health. Patent No. RP: NG/PT/NC/O/2025/17744. Federal Republic of Nigeria. Issued: June 24, 2025. Status:
Granted
