Thecla O. Ayoka

Thecla is a lecturer at the Science Laboratory Technology Department of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. She studied Biochemistry at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science. She proceeded to Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria for her Postgraduate studies, obtaining Master of Science in Biochemistry and presently working on leafy vegetables for the possible formulation of anti-cancer drugs, for her PhD research. Her research interest focuses on Natural Products, which includes extraction, isolation and characterization of the active constituents from plant origin, biological activities of both the isolated compounds as well as the extract prepared from the plants, followed by toxicological studies of the bioactive natural products. She also works on the design and synthesis of novel lead compounds for potential anti-cancer drugs. She is a member of many professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB) and the Organization for Women in Science in Developing Countries (OWSD). She is also a 2019 African Science Literacy Network Fellow (ASLN).

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