Interviews with Scientists: Pearl Akazue
Pearl Akazue is a biochemist and a final year PhD Fellow at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens. She is also a lecturer at the University of Benin with a passion for teaching and research. She also writes a regular science and lifestyle blog and is a keen designer.
We spoke to Pearl about the final stages of her PhD research, and she told us how creating a herbal treatment for measles as a child spurred her on to pursue a career in science as an adult! She also shares the positive lessons she has learned from the COVID-19 crisis and offers valuable advice to young life scientists at the start of their careers...
Thanks for speaking with us, Pearl! Firstly, please tell us a bit more about your current role...
I am a PhD Fellow at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), a final year PhD student of Molecular and Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases at the University of Ghana and also a Lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry in the University of Benin in Nigeria. As a PhD fellow, my primary responsibility is to conduct cutting-edge research (required for the award of my degree) and to disseminate my research findings via reputable scientific journal publications, conference presentations, and to non-scientific audiences.
What is the focus of your PhD research?
My PhD research seeks to identify new antitrypanosomal leads from locally used herbal medicines in Ghana and from a synthetic library of compounds. Also, I hope to provide insights into the mode of action of the identified leads to facilitate the discovery of new replacements for the currently used failing drugs for managing human and animal African trypanosomiasis.
What is it about your field of work that excites you most?
The aspect of my research I enjoy the most is the mode of action studies, which helps me to understand how the treatments kill trypanosomes. It has challenged me to learn various techniques, and I am still learning, but with each successful experiment, I demystify a missing piece in the puzzle that gets me closer to seeing the big picture, which is really exciting.
Did you always want to work in science when you were younger, and if so, why?
Interestingly, I have always wanted to be a scientist. As a child, I was pretty inquisitive, and one thing that particularly baffled me was how treatments worked. One of my fondest memories was how I prepared a topical mixture from aloe vera and a few other herbs during a measles outbreak within my home – and the treatment worked! My interest in the biological sciences was further aroused during biology lectures in secondary school. My desire to answer the questions that plagued my mind spurred me to study biochemistry at university. Several years later and I am still trying to unravel the mystery behind how such treatments work….
What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career so far?
That there is no end to research. You just have to know where and when it is reasonable to finish off one story, so that you, or in fact, anyone else, can begin another.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing life scientists today?
I don't think there is a straightforward answer to this question. Challenges are an interplay of so many context-specific factors. For instance, a life scientist working in Africa faces particular challenges compared to a scientist working in another part of the world. In Africa, we have to contend with poor research infrastructures (except for a few places such as WACCBIP where intentional efforts have created more favourable research ecosystems), unsustainable funding for research, significant delays in getting much needed laboratory supplies which are often not available locally…the list goes on.
What advice would you give to a young life scientist just starting out in their career?
You see the sky? It should never be your limit; it should be your stepping stone. You have got everything it takes to make a success of your career. Believe in yourself; put in your best work at every point in time; celebrate every little win, and trust the process. Someday the big wins will come, but until then, aim for progress rather than perfection.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your work/research?
I am sure we can all agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives in many unimaginable ways. However, I like to dwell on the positives. One of the most incredible benefits of the COVID-19 pandemic to the scientific community is the ability to participate in courses, conferences, and workshops remotely. This option was non-existent until the pandemic. In the past, I have missed courses and conferences due to visa restrictions and other obligations. However, since last year, I have greatly benefited from participating in symposiums, online journal clubs, workshops, and the likes from the comfort of my home.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
I am currently in the final stages of my PhD programme so I am putting together my thesis. My typical workday is spent writing, writing and more writing. When I am not writing, I am analysing data or keeping myself abreast with the literature.
Outside of your career, what do you enjoy doing most?
Aside from my career, I enjoy creative writing. It helps me express myself, clarify my thoughts and hone my technical writing skills. I have written several articles, which have been published in several blogs and newsletters. I have also been honoured to write a piece for the Hello Bio blog on dealing with feelings of inadequacy - take a look if you have not done so already! In addition, a few of my blog pieces are published on my personal website. I also enjoy reading motivational and self-development books. When I am not doing anything nerdy, I am spending time with my family.
If you weren't a scientist, what do you think you would be doing instead?
I would most probably be a journalist, a communicator (mostly because I enjoy writing) …or maybe even a designer. I really enjoy handcrafts. Some years ago, I started a company that produces hair and fashion accessories. I have not done this in a while as I took a break to focus on my PhD programme, but you can find some of my designs here if you would like to check them out!
Who has been your greatest role model, and why?
I have been blessed to meet and know several amazing people who have positively influenced me, but the people who have had the greatest impact in my life thus far have been my parents. My dad, particularly. I have learnt so much from him. He did not just teach me the importance of hard work, resilience, focus and integrity, but he exemplified it. Quite honestly, I am not yet where I wish to be, but I am striving every day towards that goal, and I am so grateful for this.
What do you think is the greatest scientific discovery of all time?
There have been several transformational scientific discoveries that have significantly impacted our lives. However, I believe the most significant discovery of all is the discovery of one's self. Self-discovery births every other type of discovery. As Socrates puts it, "the unexamined life is not worth living".
What's your favorite science quote?
This is not a science quote specifically, but I love it and find it inspiring: "Life is not designed to make things easy for us but to present us with challenges that help us grow".
Are there any other specific issues in science or academia that you are passionate about?
This is indirectly related to life sciences… but I am increasingly interested in mental health and productivity. Being in academia can be really demanding. I imagine there are similar pressures working in the industry, so the grass isn't always greener on the other side. But I have come to realise that the grass is always greener when it is watered. I am learning to prioritise self-care, to be more intentional about managing my time, and to set realistic goals. I hope to create more avenues to share the lessons I have learnt and am still learning on my journey to self-discovery, and hope that I can inspire others through my experiences.
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Pearl Akazue is a biochemist with a passion for teaching and research. She is a PhD Fellow at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, and is also a lecturer at the University of Benin. She also writes a regular science and lifestyle blog.
Connect with Pearl:
- Website: piakazue.com
- Twitter: @piakazue
- LinkedIn: Pearl Akazue
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