June 2024 – Olutope Arinola Akinnibosun (Australia)

1. Tell us about yourself.

I am in the final stages of my PhD candidacy at Federation University, Australia, with my thesis under examination. Prior to my PhD, I worked in the pharmaceutical industry and also engaged in neuroendocrinology research with a lab group.

2. What are your research interests?

My research interests are primarily centred around applying genomics to improve patient care and outcomes in cardiovascular and kidney diseases. A key aspect is addressing health disparities in these diseases, particularly among underrepresented populations.

3. What are you working on right now?

Currently, I am investigating the relationships between telomeres in blood and kidney tissues and their impact on cardiovascular and kidney diseases. My research aims to identify predictive markers for early detection and to discover potential therapeutic targets that could advance treatment strategies.

4. What do you hope to achieve in the field of hypertension over the next 5 years?

I hope to make significant contributions to developing targeted interventions for cardiovascular and kidney diseases, focusing on personalised treatments. Additionally, I aim to enhance early detection methods for chronic kidney disease (CKD), using genomic technologies to better identify at-risk individuals and improve management approaches.

5. What challenges have you faced in your career to date?

I have faced challenges due to administrative delays that often impact research timelines and disrupt critical milestones. Understanding that this is part of the terrain, I’ve learned the importance of flexibility and proactive planning in managing my research projects.

6. Which of your publications are you proudest of and why (please include paper reference)

Telomere therapy for chronic kidney disease (https://doi.org/10.2217/epi-2022-0073). This review paper, the first publication from my PhD, was completed primarily during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The experience reinforced my belief in research resilience and its ability to advance knowledge under any conditions.

7. What is your favourite manuscript from a lab other than your own?

Genome-wide association analysis identifies novel blood pressure loci and offers biological insights into cardiovascular risk (https://doi.org/10.1038/ng.3768).

8. What are your passions outside of work?

I have a passion for travelling and immersing myself in different cultures, which often involves meeting new people from diverse backgrounds. On a daily basis, I unwind by solving puzzles.