JOY AMARACHI OKEBUGWU

Youth Researcher & Data Consultant
Abuja, NG.

About

Results-driven Data Researcher and Youth Advocate with expertise in comprehensive data lifecycle management, from collection and analysis to visualization, across complex multi-stakeholder environments. Leverages technical proficiency in Python, R, and data science, combined with active leadership in Africa-wide youth networks, to synthesize qualitative and quantitative findings and drive impactful scientific communication. Proven ability to design research instruments, influence policy, and strengthen youth participation in global governance, delivering actionable insights and fostering collaborative solutions.

Work

Africa CDC – Youth in Digital Health Network (YiDHN)
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Ambassador

Summary

Represents and promotes youth participation in digital health policy across Africa, contributing to equitable healthcare systems and policy engagement.

Highlights

Selected to represent and promote youth participation in digital health policy across Africa, contributing to equitable and resilient healthcare systems.

Supported innovation, collaboration, and policy engagement, mirroring the consultation and rapporteur functions required for global governance processes.

National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research & Development (NIPRD)
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Research & Data Intern

Abuja, FCT, Nigeria

Summary

Led data collection, analysis, and communication for phytochemical research, contributing to ongoing institutional projects and rigorous scientific reporting.

Highlights

Designed and executed robust data collection and documentation protocols for phytochemical research, supporting ongoing institutional projects with high data integrity.

Synthesized complex experimental findings into structured reports, enabling precise pharmacological interpretation and rigorous scientific communication.

Performed systematic data collection, cleaning, and multi-variable dataset analysis, ensuring integrity and reliability of research outcomes.

Presented research findings at two national platforms, NIPRD Abuja Symposium (Sept 2025) and ACS Nigeria Symposium (Jan 2025), effectively communicating complex data to expert audiences.

African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)
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Ambassador

Summary

Advocates for improved diagnostic services and public health outcomes, driving knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement across Africa.

Highlights

Advocated for improved diagnostic services and public health outcomes, engaging stakeholders at a continental level to conduct interviews and focus groups with diverse UNCCD youth constituencies.

Drove knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement across Africa, building skills in organizing inclusive consultations and fostering collaborative solutions.

Iwadii Research Lab, JOSTUM
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Research Intern

Jos, Plateau, Nigeria

Summary

Managed and analyzed over 50 DNA samples, applying bioinformatics tools to generate actionable research insights and structured reports.

Highlights

Managed and analyzed data from 50+ DNA samples using NCBI BLAST and Excel-based tools, reinforcing strong data organization and analytical skills directly transferable to survey data management.

Produced structured sequencing reports, synthesizing quantitative outputs into actionable research insights for scientific interpretation and further study.

Tanimu Foundation Diagnostics Laboratory
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Laboratory Intern

Summary

Managed and processed laboratory data and samples, ensuring data integrity and efficient workflow under time pressure.

Highlights

Recorded and verified over 100 test entries weekly with strict attention to data integrity, establishing disciplined data documentation practices.

Coordinated sample preparation for 50+ patients per week, demonstrating ability to manage high-volume data processes under time pressure and maintaining accuracy.

NOMFRO Technologies
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Technical Intern

Summary

Developed data-driven web applications and utilized Git/GitHub for collaborative project management in distributed team environments.

Highlights

Developed data-driven web applications using React, JavaScript, and APIs, building foundational digital tools useful for survey circulation and online consultation platforms.

Utilized Git/GitHub for collaborative project management, demonstrating ability to work effectively in distributed team environments.

Volunteer

American Chemical Society – JOSTUM Chapter
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Secretary

Jos, Plateau, Nigeria

Summary

Coordinated events and managed grant proposals for the chapter, demonstrating strong organizational and institutional reporting skills.

Highlights

Coordinated the Green Chemistry Day event and other chapter programmes, managing grant proposals and outreach activities.

Demonstrated strong organizational skills and experience with institutional reporting and programme execution.

Beulah Future Leaders Foundation
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Project Manager Volunteer

Summary

Planned and coordinated multi-year youth leadership and educational programmes, managing logistics, timelines, and stakeholder communication.

Highlights

Planned and coordinated youth leadership and educational programmes, managing logistics, timelines, and stakeholder communication across a multi-year initiative.

Supported capacity building, mentorship, and community engagement for young people, providing direct experience in youth-centred programme design and delivery.

Education

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi
Makurdi, Benue, Nigeria

B.Sc.

Biochemistry

Grade: 4.4/5.0

Courses

Thesis: GC-MS and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of D'General Bitters - requiring rigorous data collection, instrumental analysis, and technical report writing.

Awards

Best Seminar Presentation Award

Awarded By

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University

Awarded for exceptional presentation skills, recognized as a top 5 graduating student.

Publications

In Silico Characterisation of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in E. coli Isolates from Nigeria

Published by

Nigerian Implementation Science Alliance (NISA)

Summary

Presented research findings on the in silico characterisation of antibiotic resistance genes in E. coli isolates from Nigeria.

GC-MS and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of D'General Bitters

Published by

NIPRD Abuja; ACS Nigeria Symposium

Summary

Presented findings from GC-MS and quantitative phytochemical analysis of D'General Bitters at national symposia.

Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Development

Published by

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University

Summary

Presented research on the molecular mechanisms of cancer development at the university level.

Languages

English

Certificates

Data Science

Issued By

ALX

Fundamentals of Data Science in Precision Medicine & Cloud Computing

Issued By

Stanford Medicine

Biology Meets Programming

Issued By

University of California San Diego (Coursera)

What is Generative AI

Issued By

LinkedIn Learning

Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage

Issued By

American Chemical Society

Responsive Web Development

Issued By

freeCodeCamp

Skills

Data Analysis & Visualization

Python, Pandas, Seaborn, Matplotlib, R, Excel, NCBI BLAST, Data Visualisation.

Research & Survey Tools

Survey Design & Circulation, Data annotation, Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis, Qualitative synthesis, Report Drafting & Documentation, Scientific Communication, Focus Group Facilitation.

Web Development & Digital Tools

React, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Git, GitHub.

Project & Program Management

Project management, Project & Programme Coordination.

Communication & Engagement

Stakeholder Consultation, Stakeholder engagement, Team collaboration, Scientific writing, Youth Engagement & Advocacy.

Projects

Malaria Surveillance Data Pipeline

Summary

Built a Python-based tool to track malaria case trends using public health open datasets, designing an end-to-end data pipeline from collection through to visualization.

Machine Learning for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Prediction

Summary

Processed and analyzed large genomic datasets (FASTA/FASTQ), synthesizing multi-variable findings into structured reports and heatmap visualizations.

DNA Sequence Web Tool (React App)

Summary

Designed a web application for biological sequence analysis, integrating BioPython and delivering a user-friendly interface.