NAME: DIWE, Ihuoma Vivian

eRA COMMONS USER NAME (credential, e.g., agency login): DIWEIHUOMA POSITION TITLE: PhD Scholar / Staff, Lecturer II Biomedical Engineering department

EDUCATION/TRAINING (Begin with baccalaureate or other initial professional education, such as nursing, include postdoctoral training and residency training if applicable. Add/delete rows as necessary.)

1. Personal Statement

I have been privileged to work in laboratories and carried out cell cultures, hydrogel formulations and bio printing as a research student. During the course of my M Sc. research work on, “Mechanical and Microstructural Characteristics of Rice Husk Reinforced and Electro-spun Poly Lactide Nanocomposite for application as a Scaffold in Tissue Engineering”, an electro spinning machine was designed and fabricated by my project team indigenously, which was used for electrospinning the polymeric nanocomposites. I embraced the challenge of researching a difficult project work which is relatively new in my country, Nigeria. I relished each new discovery and how I was able to work through it. My research and writing skills were further honed

through taking courses like Quantitative Research Methods, and Technical Report My research interests include Biomaterials for Biosensors and Point- Of- Care diagnosis, Biodegradable Polymeric biomaterials (Synthesis, characterization and application), Nanotechnology in Biomedical Applications and Additive Manufacturing (3D-Printing).

I come from a continent (Africa) where bio-sensing is relatively new and not yet applied extensively towards diagnosing and therapeutic treatment of basic health care issues thus leading to preventable mortality in some

health issues, particularly in rural areas. This is not the case in developed countries. I intend to change this narrative as an academic research scientist in Biomedical Engineering by developing, synthesizing and characterization of Biomaterials for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in tissue engineering and disease diagnosis; and also utilizing AI in healthcare diagnosis. My research work is on, “Experimental and Modeling of Polymeric Microneedle patch for transdermal rapid diagnosis of Malaria Parasite in Pediatrics”. The aim of this research is to develop a predictive model, design and characterize a micro-moulded low cost, non-invasive, timely, easy to use and biodegradable microneedle patch for malaria parasite rapid diagnostic testing for paediatrics.

I have been opportune to attend these academic training since I joined the University of Lagos:

• First TECHWOMEN Alumni Annual Conference on, “Advancing The Global Leadership of Nigerian Women”. Organized by University of Lagos. (2020)

• nScope, INVENTION AND ACTIVE LEARNING WORKSHOP. Organized by Rice University USA and Biomedical Engineering department, University of Lagos (2020)
• Building Research and Innovation in Nigeria`s Science (BRAINS), Mentoring Workshop. Organized by College of Medicine, University of Lagos (2020).
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Local value. Organized by Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. I was among the top 5 global finalists in the competition. (Virtual, 2020)
• 4th CoNIMS International Conference & Workshop on Computer Applications, Security Management and Data Protection Regulations (CASMDPR) 2021 held at the Centre for Information Technology and Systems, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
• Grant Writing and Innovation Workshop for Lecturers II, organized by Research & Innovation Office University of Lagos, Akoka, (2021).
• RICE 360 / UNILAG design studio Faculty development workshop
• AFRETEC-UNILAG seminar series and workshop

1. Positions, Scientific Appointments and Honors

I am presently an Academic staff (Lecturer II) in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos Nigeria, with research interest in the synthesis and characterization of biomaterials for application in bio sensing and point-of- care diagnosis. Specifically, in the use, fabrication and characterization of 3D micro-printed microneedle patches for transdermal diagnostics purposes. The departmental

SIWES coordinator; and examination officer for Biomedical Engineering department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos.

Professional Memberships and Qualifications:

• 2009 – 2025 Project Management Professional (PMP).
• 2020 AI for Local Value, A global SERS certificate from Carleton University, Ottawa
• 2017 – 2025 Member, Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE)
• 2018 – 2025 Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN                               member (R41976)
• 2009 International Certificate in Occupational Safety, Health and Environmental Management (ICerTOSH) by British Safety Council (Distinction)
• 2009 HAZOP, British Safety Council

My colleague and I came tops during the final reports in the 2020 virtual Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Local Value program, organized by Global SERS group in Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. We were among the 5 finalists in the AI Leader group deliverable presentation out of 58 groups. I also made it to the top 20 finalists out of 138 participants global participants in the individual AI Opportunity deliverable category. The experience was worthwhile and I learnt how to increase the use of AI to initiate meaningful value in my local district, develop data-driven evaluation management methodologies and artificial intelligence set-ups, enlarge and build up my professional and structural networks, enhance my influence on innovation, corporate, entrepreneurship, and skill acquisition in AI.

1. Selected Most Recent Publications /Contributions to Knowledge

1. Polymeric Microneedle Arrays for Transdermal Rapid Diagnostic Tests and Drug Delivery: A Review. Nigerian Journal of Technology (NIJOTECH). 43, No. 2, June, 2024, pp.425 – 436. www.nijotech.com.

CONTRIBUTORS: I. V. Diwe *, H. E. Mgbemere, O. A. Adeleye, and I. C. Ekpe.

2. Analytical Studies of Fluid Conveying Pipes on Viscoelastic Foundation Using Applied Mechanics and Materials. 2024-02-05 | Journal article. DOI: 10.4028/p-TS7pbD

CONTRIBUTORS: Olurotimi A. Adeleye*; Ahmed Yinusa; Ihuoma V. Diwe.

3. Analytical Study of Interstitial Fluid Extractive Microneedle Arrays Using Differential Transform Method Journal of Biomimetic, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering. November 2023, 63:27-48 DOI:4028/p-2SPRuh

CONTRIBUTORS: I. V. Diwe *; O. A. Adeleye; H. E. Mgbemere.

4. Mechanical Competencies and Fluid Absorption Profiles of Electrospun Polylactide Nanocomposite Fibres for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Applications. August Journal of Recent Trends in Mechanics 8(2):29-41. DOI:10.46610/JoRTM.2023.v08i02.005

CONTRIBUTORS: Ihuoma Diwe; Abraham Kehinde Aworinde*; Titus O. Ajewole; Samson O. Adeosun