In the dynamic world of scientific discovery, few researchers stand out as distinctly as Dr. Temitope Adebambo, who has an impressive academic and research background spanning environmental toxicology, neurobiology, and molecular genetics.
Adebambo has emerged as a leading force in the study of neurodevelopment and neurotoxicity. His groundbreaking work continues to shape the global understanding of how environmental contaminants, such as arsenic, impact brain function and development.
Adebambo’s academic journey began at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, with a focus on Environmental Toxicology. His quest for knowledge led him to pursue a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management at the same institution—solidifying his expertise in the field.
While conducting research at UNILAG, he pioneered the use of Drosophila as a model system for studying toxin-induced responses at both the phenotypic and genetic levels. As a visiting scholar at Duke University in North Carolina, he further advanced the use of imaging systems to study environmental perturbations. His doctoral research, which was supported by the prestigious Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and funds from Duke University, provided crucial insights into the genetic implications of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) exposure, culminating in a well-cited publication in Frontiers in Genetics.
Currently a postdoctoral fellow and research assistant at Emory University, Adebambo has positioned himself at the forefront of developmental neurobiology. As a key investigator in the Department of Cell Biology, his studies focus on how arsenic disrupts neural stem cell mitotic progression and impacts behavioral functions related to neurodegenerative conditions. His pioneering work on arsenic-induced neurotoxicity, currently in press at G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, has drawn significant attention to the molecular pathways affected by chronic exposure, offering potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
His expertise extends beyond the laboratory. Adebambo has presented his findings at prestigious scientific conferences, including the Society for Developmental Biology and the American Society for Cell Biology. His research contributions not only advance scientific knowledge but also highlight the disproportionate burden of environmental toxins on underserved communities, making his work critical for global public health discussions.
In addition to his work on arsenic toxicity, Adebambo is investigating the genetic drivers of neural health, with a particular focus on the role of the CDR2L/Centrocortin (Cen) protein in neurodevelopment. His research explores how this protein regulates neural function and its potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases such as paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD), Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias (ADRD). His findings demonstrate that Cen plays a crucial role in maintaining neural integrity in the developing brain and mirrors CDR2L’s involvement in PCD. This novel discovery was presented to leading researchers in December 2024 at the NeuroNext Initiative Workshop, held at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
Beyond research, Adebambo is a passionate educator and mentor. At Emory University, he teaches courses in modern biology and biomedical engineering while supervising undergraduate researchers. His dedication to training the next generation of scientists is evident in his mentorship through programs such as the Winship Cancer Institute’s LGS-SOAR initiative. As an associate fellow of the NIH-funded IRACDA program, he actively contributes to student development across Atlanta, integrating his research into educational outreach and mentorship.
Adebambo’s contributions to science have earned him several accolades, including the ASCB International Research and Training Grant and the PAIR-UP Training Grant for scientists utilising microscopy imaging to advance their research. He is also an active peer reviewer for high-impact journals, reinforcing his role in shaping the future of scientific inquiry.
As he continues to break new ground in neurodevelopmental research, Dr. Temitope Adebambo’s work remains at the intersection of genetics, toxicology, and neuroscience. His findings highlight the pressing necessity for enhanced environmental regulations and increased funding for public health research.
Through his dedication, Adebambo exemplifies the power of scientific excellence and its potential to drive meaningful change. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and a testament to the impact of research in improving lives worldwide.
