ALEX NYARKO

56 South Forge Street, 44304, Akron, Ohio, USA

an48@zips.uakron.edu (302) 465-7425

Education
The University of Akron, USA
PhD candidate, Polymer Science

September 2013 - present

The University of Manchester, UK

MSc. Polymer Materials Science and Engineering
Thesis: Factors influencing the stress strain curve of paper

December 2012

Alliance Francaise, Ghana

Diploma in French Language, Delf A1

December 2010

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

June 2010
BSc. Chemistry, First Class (Honours)
Thesis: The assessment of the knowledge of hair relaxers and their effects on the
consumer.

Research Experience
The University of Akron, USA
PhD Research, Polymer Science
September 2013 - present
Advisors: Dr. Ali Dhinojwala and Dr. Hazel Barton
Research Topic: C. crescentus adhesive holdfast A potential source for bio-inspired
underwater adhesives

Investigating the chemical and mechanical properties of the C.crescentus

adhesive holdfast as a model for synthetic underwater adhesives
Probing the interaction of the C.crescentus adhesive holdfast to different
surface energy and charge
Investigating the influence of water on the properties of the holdfast
adhesive
Examining the distribution and function of chemical groups within the
holdfast adhesive

The University of Manchester, UK

September 2011 - December 2012
Department of Materials Science
MSc. Research, Polymer Material Science and Engineering
Advisor: Dr. William Sampson
Research Topic: Factors influencing the stress-strain curve of paper

1 | Alex Nyarko

Investigated the effect of tensile force on the stress-strain curves of

different paper formulations at varying fiber orientations
Developed and confirmed the relationship between the energy required
for breakage and the stress-strain behaviour of different paper
formulations

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi,

BSc. Research, Department of Chemistry
September 2010 August 2011
Advisor: Dr. Asare-Donkor
Research Topic: The assessment of the knowledge of hair relaxers and their effects on
the consumer
Studied the extent of consumer knowledge in regards to the effects of
chemicals in hair relaxers in order to inform public policy
Meticulously organised meetings with local hairdresser unions to engage
them in active discussions about the above study
Studied the effects of commercially available relaxers on consumers by
surveying a broad range of user groups

Presentations
C.crescentus secretion; a bio-inspired model for synthetic underwater adhesives
presentation to Kimberly-Clark Corporation, December 2014, University of
Akron, USA
Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature
poster presentation, Covestro seminar series, September 2015, University of
Akron, USA
Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature
poster presentation, Elastomer symposium and Alumni day, College of Polymer
Science and Engineering, October 2015, University of Akron, USA
Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature
poster presentation, SABIC Lectureship, December 2015, University of Akron,
USA

Skills
Extensive hands-on experience with Atomic Force Microscopy, Epifluorescence
Microscopy, Optical Microscopy and Raman spectroscopy
Competency in the use of Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopes
Conversant with the use of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Adept in bacteria culture and growth
Familiar with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Experienced in materials testing with Zero-span and Long-span tensile testers
Skilled in explaining complex ideas and concepts too less technical audiences
Proficient in designing and interpreting experimental results
Fluent in English and Twi, basic and conversational French

2 | Alex Nyarko

Awards
Graduate Education Fellowship, 2011,Ghana Educational Trust Fund
Professional Enrichment Grant, 2015, Graduate School Student Government,
University of Akron, USA

Teaching experience
Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant
Polymer Science General Laboratory,
University of Akron, Department of Polymer Science

September 2013 - present

Guided and instructed over 20 first year PhD and MSc students on the
fundamentals of polymer synthesis and characterization using emulsion
polymerization and attenuated total reflectance infrared Spectroscopy
Ensured the availability of reagents and functioning equipment as well
as the proper assessment of reports
Collaborated effectively with other teaching assistants in a culturally
diverse environment

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant

August 2010 - August 2011
Departments of Chemistry and Human Biology
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

Actively engaged students in tutorial lessons in Instrumental Methods of

Analysis, Titrimetric Methods of Analysis and Environmental Chemistry
Proctored examinations in the above listed courses
Wrote problem sets and tests by gauging the level of understanding of
students, for effective instruction and assessment

Industrial Experience
Production Officer
Latex Foam Rubber Products, Ghana

3 | Alex Nyarko

March - August 2013

Meticulously supervised and directed 8 employees in the Speciality

Foam and Bonded Foam departments, to ensure a consistent supply of
foam products to retail shops nationwide and to neighbouring countries
Successfully synthesised High, Standard and Low Density foams, as
well as High Resistant, Super soft and Low Resistant foams to
efficiently meet the preferences and choices of the consumer
Actively involved in the formulation and prototyping of new foam
recipes to obtain different properties to satisfy consumer preferences

Quality Assurance Officer

Cocoa Processing Company, Accra, Ghana

July - August 2009

Methodically analysed raw, semi-finished and finished cocoa products

using total fat, ash and sugar assays
Conducted inspections of production site to ensure proper production
conditions

Quality Assurance Officer

Fanmilk Ghana Ltd., Ghana

Maintained the consistent operation of the production line for ice cream
and juice products, to guarantee a constant supply chain
Verified the correct amounts of raw materials used in product recipes for
healthy, safe and quality produce

Quality Control Officer

Kinapharma Ltd, Accra, Ghana

June - August 2008

June - August 2007

Performed laboratory analysis using UV-VIS spectroscopy, titrimetric

and dissolution methods to verify the quality of raw materials
Developed assays for drug analysis of emulsions, tablets and capsules
Successfully certified the quality of packaging materials used for drugs
Verified the correct amounts of raw materials used for production

Community and service

Western Reserve District 5 Science Day 2014 -2015, Akron, USA

Actively involved in registration of students and collation of awarded

points for posters presented

American Chemical Society, Project SEED, 2015

Participated as a mentor to methodically engage and supervise a high

school student in hands-on experimental research

Meeting of the Advancement Council, College of Polymer Science and

Engineering, 2015

Participated as student representative to engage council members in

discussions pertaining issues relating to the student experience and needs
within the college

Wooster school district, Family science fair 2015, Wooster, USA

4 | Alex Nyarko

Served as a demonstrator for basic science experiments for elementary

school students

American Chemical society (ACS) on campus, 2015, University of Akron, USA

Engaged in discussions in a student focus group for the successful

organization of the event

Leadership Experience
President, Polymer Science Students Organization, University of Akron, 2014 2015

Ensured the successful organization of seminars and workshops for

students and faculty
Served as the voice of the student body in the Polymer Science
Department
Course representative, Student-Staff Liaison Committee, School of Materials, The
University of Manchester, 2011-2012

Successfully represented the views of course members to members of

faculty and staff in the School of Materials

Researcher representative, Safety committee, School of Materials, The University

of Manchester, UK, 2011-2012

Engaged faculty in discussions relating to laboratory safety challenges

and practices

Chairperson, Teaching Committee, Holy Spirit Cathedral Parish, Ghana, April August 2014

Ensured the successful planning and organization of weekly teaching

sessions for members of the parish community

Music Director, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Kwame Nkrumah University of

Science and Technology, Ghana, 2009-2010

Engaged and managed 60 music group members in the teaching,

learning and performance of songs

Professional membership
American Physics Society, November 2014 -present
ACS Rubber Division, Student Chapter, March 2014 -present
Microscopy Society of Northeast Ohio, July 2015 present
Biophysical society, 2015 - present

5 | Alex Nyarko