Olumayowa Olawumi IGADO

Enthusiastic neuroscience researcher, eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Clear understanding of experimental procedures and training in laboratory skills. Motivated to learn, grow and excel in the research and academic industry. Dynamic and focused veterinary anatomy Lecturer with four postdoctoral years of successful neuroscience research experience. Known for interesting and interactive lectures with helpful supporting materials and detail-oriented classroom management. Dedicated to individual student success and comprehensive understanding.

As a neuroscientist and environmental toxicologist, with a keen interest in the public health implications, with colleagues, I was also able to demonstrate the presence of vanadium in relatively un-industrialised areas in Nigeria, using domestic goats as sentinels. I have investigated the use of some natural plants to combat neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits associated with environmental pollution. I was also able demonstrate that the co-administration of some natural products (Garcinia kola seeds, Moringa oleifera leave-derivative) with vanadium resulted in reduced attendant neurodegenerative deficits associated with vanadium, in laboratory rodents. I am currently working on the use of a pure compound (MIMO2) I obtained from the methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaf to combat neurodegeneration and associated cognitive deficits. With my current research on Moringa oleifera leaves, I was able to isolate a phenolic compound [p-Hydroxyphenyl acetic acid butyl ester code-named Mayowa Igado Moringa Oleifera (MIMO2)] with very high antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and myelin-regeneration properties, which hitherto have been unreported. These properties were confirmed using in vitro and in vivo methods.

As a vertebrate morphologist, I have focused on brain morphology, osteology (study of bone), anthropometrics, and the study of other structures of the head and neck (gross linear morphometrics and histology), to demonstrate the uniqueness of some selected wildlife (greater cane rat, the Nigerian local dog, the fruit bat, catfish, pangolin), and the varied means by which they adapt to their environment. Of importance, I have related my findings to applied anatomy, which are relevant in surgical manipulations and manoeuvres, especially involving structures of the head (in dental, ophthalmic and other maxillofacial interventions). I was able to highlight a unique difference in the way the sternum of the Eidolon helvum bat articulates with the first rib, a feature not previously reported in other mammals or avian.

Wuerzburg University, Germany (worked in the laboratories of Profs. Ulrike Holzgrabe and Helga Stopper)

University of Verona, Italy (worked with Prof. Marina Bentivoglio)

As a hobby, I love reading novels, especially the classics and "old-contemporary" ones like The Godfather (Mario Puzo) and Agatha Christie novels.

I love listening to music, different genres, it helps me to relax.

I really enjoy traveling and seeing the sights, it makes me appreciate nature more, and also reminds me that there is a lot that we can give back to fellow human beings and the environment. The world can be a very beautiful place!!!