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Moses Mayonu, a Ghanaian scientist, is making significant strides in global biomedical research, emerging as one of the country’s leading figures in the field of metabolomics, a cutting-edge area of science that is transforming disease diagnosis and precision medicine.
Mayonu, who is pursuing a PhD in metabolomics at the Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) in Melbourne, Florida, is widely regarded as the first Ghanaian to undertake doctoral-level research in the discipline.
According to a myjoyonline.com report, his work is helping position Ghana on the global metabolomics map and highlights the growing role of African scientists in advanced biomedical research.
Metabolomics is the study of metabolites, small molecules produced during metabolism, which provides real-time insight into cellular and tissue processes.
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Unlike genomics, which predicts potential biological outcomes, metabolomics reveals what is actually happening in the body, making it crucial for understanding disease mechanisms and drug responses.
“At the core of my work is the need to see the full biological picture. Analyzing metabolomics or proteomics data in isolation often limits interpretation. By integrating these datasets using AI-driven models, we can uncover deeper molecular signatures that better reflect disease biology,” Mayonu explained.
At Florida Tech, his doctoral research integrates nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
His research, titled Integrating NMR and LC–MS-Based Metabolomics, Proteomics with Machine Learning/AI-Driven Data Fusion to Advance Biomarker Discovery, addresses one of the biggest challenges in modern biomedical science: making sense of vast and complex biological datasets.
Mayonu’s approach could enhance early disease detection, reduce false discoveries, and support the development of more targeted and personalised therapies.
Experts note that integrated omics research is increasingly central to precision medicine and clinical decision-making worldwide.
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The significance of his work is particularly notable for Ghana and Africa, where access to high-resolution NMR and advanced mass spectrometry systems remains limited.
These constraints have historically restricted participation in metabolomics research on the continent.
By acquiring advanced technical expertise abroad, Mayonu hopes to bridge that gap. His journey from Dadieso in Ghana’s Western Region, where he grew up in a cocoa-farming family, to laboratories in Germany and the United States reflects a growing pipeline of Ghanaian scientists contributing to global innovation.
After earning a chemistry degree from the University of Cape Coast in 2017 and teaching at Apam Senior High School, Mayonu obtained a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Siegen in Germany in 2023 before beginning his PhD in the US.
Beyond his research, he is investing in human capital development. Mayonu co-founded StudyDestinations, an educational mentorship initiative that has supported hundreds of students across Africa and beyond in securing postgraduate and research opportunities.
As Ghana continues to strengthen its science, technology, and innovation capacity, Mayonu’s work underscores both the challenges and possibilities for local researchers on the global stage, serving as proof that Ghanaian talent can compete at the highest levels of modern science.
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