Mrs Patience Awafong

I am a Biomedical Scientist and doctoral researcher with a strong background in medical laboratory science, biomedical research, and infectious disease diagnostics. I hold a Master of Biomedical Science in Medical Microbiology and Parasitology and a Bachelor of Biomedical Science from the University of Buea, Cameroon, both obtained with distinction. My master's research focused on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Shigella in the Buea Health District.

I have over four years of professional experience as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in a busy clinical diagnostic laboratory, where I developed expertise in microbiology, hematology, clinical chemistry, parasitology, blood banking, quality control, laboratory management, and diagnostic testing. I have also contributed to biomedical research, laboratory training, scientific presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Technology at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, where my research focuses on green nanotechnology and applying medicinal plant-derived nanoparticles to control and detoxify aflatoxins in food commodities. My research explores the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using medicinal plants and their potential antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic activities, with the broader aim of developing sustainable approaches to improving food safety and mitigating mycotoxin-related health risks.

My broader research interests include green nanotechnology, mycotoxin contamination and detoxification, food safety, antimicrobial resistance, and innovative biomedical technologies. I am passionate about interdisciplinary research that bridges biomedical science, nanotechnology, and food safety to generate sustainable, evidence-based solutions to public health challenges.