Welcome to the Mizzou Black Postdoctoral Association (MBPA) – A community for all black and other minoritized postdoctoral fellows on the Mizzou campus.
The Mission
The MBPA was founded in 2023 as a non-profit organization, primarily to establish an inclusive, interdisciplinary community to enhance the experience of black and other historically minoritized postdoctoral fellows, by creating a supportive environment that provides opportunities for career development and peer-to-peer mentorship.
The Goals
The goal of the MBPA is not only to create a space for the exchange of information but also to create a supportive and inclusive community for its members at the University of Missouri by promoting professional development, networking opportunities, mentorship, advocacy, and social well-being.
Core values
Diversity, inclusion, professional development, leadership, and community building.
Meet Governing Board
Ayodeji Adepoju, PhD
Ayodeji Adepoju is a Postdoctoral research fellow in Dhillon lab, Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Ayodeji completed his PhD in Biochemistry from Adeleke University, Nigeria where he studied the effects of garlic on feeding behavior and oxidative stress in high fat diet-fed Drosophila melanogaster. Ayodeji holds bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and master’s degree in chemical pathology from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria. Ayodeji’s current research examines the effect of almond nut on inflammatory and immune responsiveness of adults with Obesity. This research uses biochemical, immunological, hematological and molecular biology approaches, alongside transcriptomics and microbiota profiles to unravel how almond consumption would impact adipose tissue inflammation and immune response to influenza virus and offering adults with obesity improved immunity against seasonal flu and future pandemics.
Olufunke Omolola Arishe, PhD
Olufunke Omolola Arishe is a driven and accomplished Post-doctoral Scholar at NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia. With a Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Benin, Nigeria, in collaboration with Augusta University, Georgia, and prior educational milestones including an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Physiology from the University of Benin, Nigeria, she has cultivated a deep understanding of her field. Olufunke Postdoc research at the Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, University of South Carolina, looked at the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines on vascular dysfunction and hypertension. In subsequent roles at the University of Tennessee Health Center, Olufunke continued to make significant strides. Her current work focuses on studying renal and vascular physiology and pathophysiology characterized by an integrative approach encompassing molecular, biochemical, electrophysiology, imaging, isolated tissue, and whole animal methodologies.
Mulat Alubel Abtew, PhD
Mulat Abtew is a postdoctoral fellow under Future Faculity Inclusive Excellence program in the Textile and Apparel Management (TAM) Department at the University of Missouri. He earned his PhD through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate Program, attaining degrees from three institutions: University of Lille in Automation and Production, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi in Industrial Engineering, and Soochow University in Textile Engineering. Dr. Mulat Alubel Abtew is a highly accomplished academic, recognized for his roles in teaching and research, as well as several international awards for scientific excellence. Dr. ABTEW research interests primarily revolve around addressing intricate challenges related to developing advanced and functional textile materials for industrial products, with a specific emphasis on protective clothing. His goal is to augment their physical, quasi-static, and dynamic performance, while considering critical factors such as cost, accessibility, comfort, and sustainability.
Nikita A. Mc Cree, PhD
Nikita Mc Cree is an international scholar and educator from the island of Trinidad and Tobago. She is currently attending the University of Missouri, Columbia where she is in the final semester of her Ph.D. program in Special Education with an emphasis in Behavior Disorders. Her research interests center on improving the academic and behavioral outcomes for students with emotional behavior disorders, Teacher preparation and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy.