For the month of March, our PGR Student Spotlights are being taken over by five women, each representing one of our five faculties, in celebration of International Women's Day. Their mission is to inspire inclusion.
Our Faculty of Science and Health Student Spotlight is Rachael Odunmbaku.
What is your research?
Evaluating training interventions for urinary management and potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of urinary tract infections in institutionalised elderly adults.
Tell us a bit more about your research.
Urinary tract Infections (UTIs) pose a significant and often underappreciated health challenge within the elderly demographic of the United Kingdom. As the demographic pyramid in the UK continues to shift towards an ageing population, understanding the heightened vulnerability of elderly individuals to UTIs becomes imperative. Importantly, these infections frequently elude prompt diagnosis due to a combination of factors, including age-related physiological changes and comorbidities, making diagnosis difficult in this population group. My research focuses primarily on developing and evaluating the means to better manage urinary symptoms in older adults in a care home setting, specifically by developing an educational package for care home staff to improve their knowledge in this area. Secondly, through the evaluation of analytical tests (biomarker-based and microbiology-based) for the effective and timely diagnosis of the causes of urinary symptoms such as UTIs.
Key reason behind the passion I have for my research.
Growing up, I had always enjoyed anything to do with health and well-being. Since high school, one of my favourite subjects was biology. I find myself very intrigued and fascinated by how the human body functions, and also the process of identifying and diagnosing infections and diseases. Most especially, I have always wanted to live my life - saving lives!
Performing microbiology experiments on patient samples. This shows the types of bacteria found in 4 patient samples after growing them on Chromogenic agar.
Tell us a bit about you.
My research journey (Believe in your why): This passion and dream of mine then led me to choose a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science at Leeds Beckett University. Shortly after my BSc, I started my MSc program in Medical Biotechnology at the University of Portsmouth where I found exactly what I had wished for. I started my research by evaluating the accuracy and sensitivity of clinically used methods for diagnosing UTIs. This was what gave birth to my interest in clinical research, especially Urological research. I was able to evaluate the currently used clinical methods for UTI diagnoses by evaluating their accuracy using real patient samples. I was able to achieve 95% in my project with the invaluable support of my supervisory team. I never believed I could do it and when I did it, I had more faith in my desire to pursue a career in this field. It did not stop there, I then pursued a PhD in Clinical Urology at UoP. This was where all I dreamt of regarding my passion for diagnosis was coming to life, however, my faith was tested multiple times along this journey. They say nothing good comes easy and if you want something substantial out of anything, you must put in the work. I faced several challenges but with each challenge, I had to remind myself that this is what research is all about. When I struggle, I take a step back, pray, rest and find a solution. I never give up, even when that seems like the next available thing to do. I am self-motivated and I often draw strength and encouragement from my supervisory team, my family and friends. Most importantly, I am where I am because ‘’God’’ is with me.
When I am not a full-time PhD student, lecturer, teacher and mentor I paint abstract art, texturised art, recreate art, sing, cook/bake and take care of my plants. I love nature and art. One thing I would love to do someday is visit an undeveloped country and serve as a medical personnel, helping to perform tests and treating sick people and children, feeding them, clothing them and teaching them in school. This way in turn improves their quality of life. This is where my true passion lies.
Collecting my award from the Faculty of Health and Science as a mentor for postgraduate international students in my department.
The achievements I am most proud of include completing my MSc Medical Biotechnology with a Distinction, and winning 1st prize in the Research Image Competition at the Festival of Doctoral Research in 2022. I have also twice received an award for my role as an International student mentor, where I support MSc students in the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science. I am also proud of my artistic and creative achievements, having published a book on mental health in 2021, and exhibited my artwork in Southsea Cinema and Art Center in 2023.
This is where I had my first art exhibition showcasing my recreated art and original artwork inspired by some of my favourite artists.
If you would like to feature in our student spotlight section please email graduate.school@port.ac.uk to discuss this further.