Oyindamola Adefisayo

B.A. Biology, Clark University

Ph.D. Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Oyinda was born in Lagos, Nigeria but found her way to the US from the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa where she completed her Cambridge A. levels.

She obtained her B.A in Biology from Clark University where she undertook diverse research experiences in order to find her greatest interest. Most of her undergraduate research experience was under the mentorship of Dr. Justin Thackeray where she focused on decoupling the genetic basis of wing and eye development in Drosophila melanogaster. Her other undergraduate research experiences include a summer research experience at the NIH under the guidance of Dr. Patrick Duffy and a marine research experience where she discovered a love for scuba diving.

Oyinda moved to NYC to pursue a Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis in the lab of Dr. Michael Glickman where she fully characterized the contributions of the DNA damage response pathways in mycobacteria to antibiotic resistance and mutagenesis. Using various molecular techniques, she was able to show a requirement for both pathways in the development of antibiotic resistance. Additionally she identified replication fork stalling as a specific activation signal for the PafBC DNA damage response pathway which is the first known indication of the regulation of this pathway.

She joined Dr. Clare Smith’s lab for her postdoctoral studies with a desire to explore the bacterial determinants of host-pathogen interactions particularly in the context of diverse host environments as exhibited by the panel of Cross Collaborative Mice.

Outside of lab work, ballroom dancing and providing hospice care for older and sick dogs remain major passions for Oyinda.

Follow her on Twitter @AdefisayoOyinda 
Contact her: oyindamola.adefisayo@duke.edu