Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Leadership Experience
Publications
Projects
Timeline
Generic

Yannick Belo Nuapia

Johannesburg

Summary

As a distinguished expert with a comprehensive background in in-silico pharmacology, machine learning, small molecule simulations, and pharmaceutical sciences, I bring over a decade of academic and practical experience from esteemed institutions such as the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Limpopo and the University of Kinshasa. My proficiency in Python programming and specialised application of machine learning techniques in pharmaceutical contexts set my professional profile apart. I am well-versed in advanced analytical methods, including UHPLC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, and metabolomics analysis. Motivated by a passion for using innovative technologies to advance drug discovery and development, I am enthusiastic about applying my skill set and proven track record of research and development success to significantly enhance your team's objectives and projects.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Head of In-silico Pharmacology- Machine learning -Small molecule stimulation

University of Limpopo, Department of Pharmacy
9 2022
  • As the Head of the In Silico Pharmacology Research Group, I have successfully led groundbreaking research efforts to identify novel compounds from medicinal plants, significantly advancing the field of drug discovery
  • My achievements include strategically directing research initiatives, managing a multidisciplinary team, and implementing cutting-edge computational methods such as molecular docking and dynamics simulations to predict interactions between plant-derived compounds and biological targets
  • I have established and maintained fruitful collaborations with key industry and academic partners, secured essential funding, and effectively disseminated our findings through numerous publications and presentations
  • Additionally, I have mentored team members and spearheaded the development of innovative computational tools, consistently ensuring that our research meets the latest scientific advancements and adheres to stringent regulatory standards.

Senior Lecturer

University of Limpopo
05.2022 - Current
  • As a Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Limpopo, I have excelled in a pivotal academic role within the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • My contributions have significantly enhanced the institution's academic excellence, characterized by delivering high-quality lectures, engaging in impactful research, and providing valuable mentorship to students
  • My integrated approach to teaching, research, and leadership has not only elevated educational standards but also fostered an environment of academic rigor and innovation within the department.

Pharmacist analyst

LACOMEDA
02.2012 - 08.2022
  • Drug Development and Quality Assurance Achievement: I have played a pivotal role in the production, testing, and analysis of raw materials and finished products for new and enhanced drugs, significantly improving product quality and safety
  • My active involvement has streamlined processes and enhanced the reliability and effectiveness of our pharmaceutical products.
  • Documentation and Presentation Achievement: I have successfully developed and disseminated detailed documents and presentations that clearly outline the advancements and innovations in drug formulations
  • These contributions have facilitated knowledge sharing and driven forward the development of cutting-edge pharmaceutical solutions.
  • Process and Quality Review Achievement: I have meticulously reviewed processes and products to ensure the highest quality assurance standards are consistently met
  • This rigorous oversight has maintained and enhanced product integrity, thereby safeguarding user health and reinforcing the trust in our pharmaceutical offerings.

Postdoctoral Researcher

University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Chemistry
01.2019 - 03.2022
  • Advanced analytical techniques achievement: I successfully spearheaded the utilization of both liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS) techniques, significantly enhancing the systematic screening and quantification of phytochemicals in various plant materials
  • This initiative has greatly enriched our understanding of their potential pharmaceutical applications, paving the way for novel therapeutic discoveries.
  • Predictive modeling achievement: I developed and implemented sophisticated machine learning models to analyze and predict borehole water quality across the Northwest Province of South Africa
  • This contribution has been pivotal in bolstering regional environmental health initiatives, providing actionable insights to sustainably manage water resources.
  • Social media analytics achievement: I engineered cutting-edge natural language processing and deep learning algorithms to monitor and predict public sentiment regarding water quality on social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp
  • This technology has enabled real-time governmental and community response strategies, significantly enhancing public engagement and proactive environmental management.
  • Educational leadership achievement: I led the design and delivery of comprehensive educational modules focusing on data-driven skills, big data analysis, and programming using R and Python
  • Through mentoring and training a diverse group of students, I have equipped them with critical skills necessary for advancing the field of data science in environmental research, contributing to the cultivation of the next generation of data scientists.

Education

Ph.D. -

University of the Witwatersrand

Master of Science - undefined

University of the Witwatersrand

Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences - undefined

University of Kinshasa

Skills

Python programming

Leadership Experience

As the Head of an In Silico Pharmacology Research Group, I lead the charge in discovering and developing novel compounds from medicinal plants. My leadership is characterised by a strategic vision that harnesses the synergy between traditional medicinal knowledge and cutting-edge computational methods. I have successfully orchestrated a dynamic team of scientists, fostering an environment of innovation where data science and machine learning are leveraged to predict the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of new phytochemicals. I am deeply committed to advancing our understanding of natural compounds, steering research from conception to potential clinical application, and championing a collaborative approach that encourages cross-disciplinary research and continuous learning.

Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=new_articles&hl=en&imq=Nuapia+Nuapia&authuser=1

Projects

Adaptive Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for Enhanced Discovery of Aromatase Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy Stacked ensemble learning model for screening natural sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 and dipeptidyl peptidase-iv inhibitor compounds In Silico Exploration of Medicinal Plants for the Discovery of Novel Anti-Prostate Cancer Therapies: A Multifaceted Approach on androgen receptor antagonists Integrative In Silico Strategies for Unveiling the Antituberculosis Potential of Essential Oils: From Molecular Interactions to QSAR Pharmacology and Safety Assessments Molecular Docking Studies on Plant-Derived Alkaloids and Their Potential as Neuroprotective Agents.

Timeline

Senior Lecturer

University of Limpopo
05.2022 - Current

Postdoctoral Researcher

University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Chemistry
01.2019 - 03.2022

Pharmacist analyst

LACOMEDA
02.2012 - 08.2022

Head of In-silico Pharmacology- Machine learning -Small molecule stimulation

University of Limpopo, Department of Pharmacy
9 2022

Ph.D. -

University of the Witwatersrand

Master of Science - undefined

University of the Witwatersrand

Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences - undefined

University of Kinshasa
Yannick Belo Nuapia