Dr Jessica Lenka
- Title
- Teaching Fellow in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Location
- Huxley building (HUX101)
- Contact me
Biography
Dr Jessica Lenka is currently a Teaching Fellow in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology since her appointment in September 2023 following a brief role as hourly paid academic and teaching technician at the University of Salford, UK. Dr Lenka obtained her PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Salford in 2022 which was funded by the prestigious Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF Nigeria) where she worked on identifying lignin degrading enzymes from the gut of the African palm weevil for potential application in biomass bioconversion. Dr Lenka's MSc. Biochemistry (2014) and BSc. Biochemistry (2007) degrees were awarded by the University of Lagos and University of Jos, Nigeria respectively. Following her undergraduate degree and completion of mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme in Nigeria, she worked as a customer service officer in a reputable commercial bank before resigning her appointment to join the Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos as a graduate assistant and then lecturer in Biochemistry.
Research and scholarship
My current area of research is in host-microbiome interactions and enzyme bioprospecting from understudied environments. I have previously undertaken research in different areas of biochemistry (toxicology, nutrition, cancer and diabetes).
Teaching
I am involved in teaching of undergraduate students in Biochemistry, Biomedical sciences, and Human Biology programs in a wide range of topics in different modules.
Publications
Supervision
I have supervised undergraduate students in the school of life sciences on systematic review style research projects.
Collaborations and grants awards
Beneficiary of the PTDF overseas scholarship, Funds for women graduates (FfWG) grant, and several bursaries and grants from professional associations I belong to.
Head of School
Professor Pip Beard
Email: p.m.beard@keele.ac.uk
School address
School of Life Sciences
Huxley Building
Keele University
Staffordshire
ST5 5BG
Tel: +44 (0) 1782 734414
Email: lifesciences.office@keele.ac.uk
Enquiries
Tel: +44 (0) 1782 734414
Email: lifesciences.office@keele.ac.uk
You can find information about Programme Directors on our Contact us page.
A full list of School staff is available with details of individual rooms and telephone numbers, email addresses, details of research interests and other information.
