Sena Institute of Technology 2022 Annual Report
Read about our work in Ghana here: https://sitghana.org/2022-annual-report/
We thank the Burroughs Wellcome Fund for their generous support for the 2023 FASEB conference on theme “Imaging Cellular and Chromosome Dynamics” scheduled for August 27- September 1, 2023 in Ghana.
Collaboration on African Marine Biodiversity
We are excited to partner with the Ocean Genome Legacy, Northeastern University to sample and sequence marine biodiversity across Ghana. The project will enable us to study the extent of biodiversity in the region and provide data to protect its loss. Material from the work will be deposited at the SIT Sub-Saharan African Genome Repository for future research and also enable us to train the upcoming generation in genetics and biodiversity conservation. Read more about it here
Ethical approval for fibroid research
The Sena Institute of Technology has received its first Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from the Ghana Health Services Ethics Review Committee to study the molecular genetics of fibroid among Ghanaian women, the prevalence of the disease in Ghana, and the burden of the disease on women and its impact on the Ghana Health system.
The work will enable us grow fibroid organelles in the lab, genetically profile them and identify markers of the disease; qualitative research to assess the impact of the disease on women; and establish the prevalence of the disease across multiple regions in the country.
With collaborators such as Fibroid Foundation Africa and University of Chicago Ob-gyn, we will explore fibroid through multifaceted approaches.
National Service Opportunity at Sena Institute of Technology
As we strive to make Penyi a Biotechnology hub in the region, the Sena Institute of Technology is recruiting its first national service staff this year. The interns will be working on the following projects.
- Field research where we are documenting plants and marine organisms for conservation.
- Molecular Biology where we use microscopy and genetic tools in the lab.
- Fibroid prevalence and cell line generation.
- Training of senior high school and undergraduate students.
Contact: info@sitghana.org
FASEB2022 in Ghana!!! Postponed to August 27 – September 1, 2023
Join us in Ghana for a week of talks on cellular imaging, workshops on bioinformatics and microscopy, and an opportunity to network with your peers and established scientists in cell biology, genetics, computational biology and healthcare.
Abstract deadline is September 9th.
Register here >>>
June 2022: SIT installs 20kVA Solar generation system
The Sena Institute of Technology solar power project is now complete at Penyi and can generate 20kVA of solar energy for our research work. We thank all our donors and supporters for making this a reality. The solar installation will take us off the national hydroelectric power grid, limit the frequency of power outages at our facility especially during the dry season and strengthening our capacity to take on daring long-term research projects.
SIT takes delivery of a Biosafety Cabinet
Today we are closer to our goal of generating the first African/Ghanaian Fibroid cell line, conducting gene editing research and generating DNA for genome sequencing at the Sena Institute of Technology Ghana. With the Sterigard III Advance biosafety cabinet installed and calibrated, we can start derivation of human, mammalian, yeast and plant cells and tissues at our molecular biology lab.
We thank Harvard University for donating the cabinet.
International Fellowship and Fibroid Research in Ghana
This summer, we welcome Global Health Fellows from University of Chicago at the institute. The fibroid project is in partnership with Dr. Ayman Al Hendy, University of Chicago Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and Fibroid Foundation Africa. Through this partnership we will document the prevalence of fibroid across Africa especially within Ghana and generate an African fibroid cell line. We thank Ms. Lillian Prince, Ms. Thembi Ndebele and Ms. Narvella Sefah and staff of the Fibroid Foundation Africa especially Ms. Liz Korasare.
This project is supported by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund grant for graduate and postdoctoral fellowships in Ghana.
June 2022: Sena Aquatic Life Conservation Project
The Sena Aquatic life conservation project kicked off with marine life documentation across Ghana Coastline from Denu in the Volta Region through Ada and Prampram (Greater Accra Region) to Cape Coast (Central Region).
This project’s goal is to sequence hundreds of marine organisms and is in partnership with the Ocean Genome Legacy, Northeastern University.
May 2022: SIT celebrates its first training program
We thank Togbuiga Dadzi V, Paramount Chief of Penyi; Togbui Ekle II, Chief of Hatta; Togbui Axorlu II, Chief of Atsiagorme; elders; Hon. Charlotte Dordunoo, assemblywoman; Rev. Fr. Selasi Amegashitsi; representatives of the municipal assembly; and parents for their immense support for the Senior High School students who completed the Junior Training Program at Sena Institute of Technology at Penyi. It is indeed a pleasure to hear from our Paramount Chief words of advice for the students. It is encouraging to see a united Penyi working to give hope to the next generation, Volta Region and Ghana.
The students went through a 1-month intensive training in microscopy, plant database management and molecular biology where they extracted DNA from fruits.
April 2022:
SIT renews its Conservation, Food and Health Grant
SIT renews its grants to documents plants in Ghana and their applications for food, therapy and supplements.
March 2022: SIT receives epifluorescence Microscopes
SIT takes delivery of two widefield microscopes for transmitted and reflected microscopy. The donation is to support the microscopy core facility.
January 2022: SIT takes delivery of an RT-PCR machine
As part of our effort to conduct Covid19 testing in the Penyi-Dzodze area, we received the Strategene Mx3005 RT-PCR machine. The set-up is now available for use in the molecular biology laboratory and for researchers across the country.
Sena Institute of Technology receives a $25,000 grant from Conservation, Food and Health Foundation.
Sena Institute of Technology Foundation receives a $25,000 to develop a Ghanaian crop database and biospecimen repository to help conserve medicinal and food plants.
SIT receives a $100,000 grant from the New England Biolabs
SIT receives a grant from New England Biolabs. We are grateful for the grant which will enable us expand our research into plants and develop capacity to promote local research and technology development.
For more about the award here.
SIT Foundation received a $25,000 grant from Burroughs Wellcome Fund
The grants supports our entrepreneurial exchange experience for international graduate and postdoctoral fellows to visit Ghana.