Joshua A. Babalola

Experience & Activities

My research focuses on Age related degenerative diseases of the brain especially Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD). I have also conducted research in bacterial infections and prion diseases, a debilitating and fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects people between 6^th-7^th decade of life. During my PhD, l used molecular and cell biology techniques to investigate the combinational effects of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and post-translationally modified amyloid beta species in the progression and pathophysiology of AD, a debilitating neurodegenerative disease. I also provided insights on the combined effects of diet and modified amyloid beta peptides in the pathophysiology of this most common cause of dementia. Furthermore, I assessed the neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin, a flavonoid compound in ameliorating these effects. I am interested in translating life science skills into solving real life problems relating to microbial infections, aging, metabolic dysfunctions and neurodegenerative diseases. Aside these, l advocates for inclusive science and lifestyle changes. My educational background includes an MSc. in Medical Microbiology from Hallym University, South Korea and a PhD. in Human Medicine from Medical University of Graz, Austria. I also hold a BSc. in Microbiology from Ekiti State University, Nigeria. As a Microbiologist and neuroscientist with over 12 years of experience in basic and translational research, I am uniquely trained in the use of cutting-edge molecular techniques. I am proficient in in vitro and in vivo based bio-assays. Currently, l am a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Neurology Department, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston where l investigates the contributions of microbial infections and inflammation in the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.