Characterising pathogen interactions with the host at an atomic, molecular, and tissue level to tackle infection and antimicrobial resistance
Maame Ekua Acquah’s research focuses on molecular diagnostics in infectious diseases. She is currently pursuing her PhD at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens. Acquah’s research also focuses on host-pathogen interactions in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Her scientific journey began with a bachelor’s in Biological Sciences and a Master in molecular biology. At a national research institute, she developed molecular diagnostic tools for neglected tropical diseases, including Schistosomiasis and Onchocerciasis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role in establishing a diagnostic laboratory, an experience that inspired her to pursue doctoral studies to make more substantial contributions to pandemic response. At EMBL, Acquah is working with Eva Kowalinski to master protein expression and purification techniques for viral and host genes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. She’s also developing expertise in structural biology through in silico analysis of protein structures. Upon returning to Ghana, she will apply these new skills to her PhD research and share her knowledge through technology transfer presentations, strengthening infection biology research capacity in her home region.