Dr Henry Madubuike
School of Science, Engineering & Environment
Current positions
Teaching fellow
Biography
A Chartered Scientist (CSci) with a doctoral degree in Biological Sciences. My research interest is in bioprospecting novel enzymes towards achieving sustainable biocatalysis. My research journey has equipped me with a diverse skill set in molecular bioscience, including expertise in PCR, qPCR, gene cloning, and recombinant protein expression using various expression systems. In addition to my laboratory proficiency, I am adept at computational and modelling techniques such as molecular dynamic simulation (MDS), and bioinformatics in characterising and computing protein properties.
I have actively contributed to the science community through teaching and leadership roles. I currently teach in various undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research project students. I am passionate about mentoring aspiring scientists, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, and driving collaborative efforts towards innovative solutions in biotechnology.
Areas of Research
My research interest is focused on developing novel biocatalysts for biotechnological applications which supports the use of biomass as a suitable replacement to fossil materials for the development of energy, fuels, and chemicals. I developed a novel acetyl xylan esterase which showed unique and valuable properties such as high thermostability and moderate tolerance to organic solvents compared to other characterized enzymes in the acetyl xylan esterase family. To present this enzyme better suited for industrial applications, using protein engineering strategies, I developed mutants which showed improved activity and stability in hydrophilic organic solvent. My research has produced a novel enzyme which showed interesting properties suitable for industrial applications and further engineered same to confer enhanced activity and stability in organic solvent. The success of this research birthed the interest in developing novel platform chemicals using biocatalysis. Currently, I am working on a family of enzyme known as dioxygenases. Dioxygenases are involved in ring-opening of aromatic groups with application in the synthesis of platform chemicals such as muconic acid used in the development of bioplastics.
I have developed and demonstrated a broad range of teaching and lecturing skills through experience in classroom teaching and hands-on laboratory support across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. In my role as a teaching fellow in biomedicine, I lecture and deliver tutorials in various undergraduate and postgraduate taught and research modules. I
teach in L5 Clinical and Molecular Genetics, L7 Molecular Biology and Proteomics, L7 Medical Biotechnology, research project UG and PGT, L7 Research design and delivery, L6 Applied Biomedical Science, L5 Translational research skills, L4 Professional skills, L7 Infectious disease and control, and L7 Green Biotechnology. I lead modules such as L5 Clinical and Molecular genetics and L6 Applied Biomedical Science that spans large cohorts (e.g., over 250 students in L5 Clinical and Molecular Genetics) and diverse learning needs (e.g. large international students in the MSc programs).
Qualifications
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PG Cert in Academic practice
2024 - 2025 -
PhD in Biological Sciences
2018 - 2022 -
MSc in Biotechnology
2015 - 2016 -
BSc in Applied Biochemistry
2008 - 2012