About

Translational Cardiovascular & Metabolic Scientist in Training

Rising third-year Ph.D. candidate in Translational Biology, Medicine & Health (TBMH) at Virginia Tech with a strong background in exercise physiology, cardiovascular biology, and molecular imaging.

Profile

Abigail Oforiwaa Doku

Ph.D. candidate · TBMH, Virginia Tech

Cardiovascular Research Molecular Biology Advanced Imaging

My research explores a novel role of PERM1 in cardiac contractility via cMyBP-C regulation and interaction. At the Warren Lab, I employ high-resolution imaging modalities such as confocal microscopy, STORM, and TEM, alongside robust molecular biology approaches to examine cardiac structure, function, and potential therapeutic strategies for heart failure.

My academic journey spans a B.Sc. in Sports and Exercise Science (KNUST, Ghana), an M.Sc. in Exercise Physiology (Central Michigan University), and my current Ph.D. training at Virginia Tech. Across teaching, research, mentorship, and global ambassadorial roles, I remain committed to scientific excellence, cross-cultural collaboration, and impactful community engagement.

TBMH Ph.D. candidate Peer-Reviewed Publications Awards & Fellowships Leadership & Service

Research Areas

Integrating Molecular Biology, Imaging, and Physiology

My work spans cardiac biology, molecular regulation, and exercise physiology, with a focus on mechanistic insights that can translate to improved cardiovascular health.

Cardiac Contractility, PERM1, & cMyBP-C

Investigating how PERM1 regulates cardiac contractility and sarcomeric function through cMyBP-C interaction, integrating imaging, gene delivery, and functional readouts.

Molecular Biology & Gene Delivery

Applying AAV-mediated gene delivery, qPCR, genotyping, and molecular assays to dissect cardiac signaling pathways and metabolic regulation.

Advanced High-Resolution Imaging

Developing protocols for confocal, STORM, and TEM imaging of cardiomyocytes, enabling quantitative assessment of ultrastructure and remodeling.

Exercise Physiology & Human Performance

Examining how exercise training, cardiovascular responses, and metabolic adaptations influence functional outcomes and verbal memory.

Metabolic & Mitochondrial Adaptations

Studying PERM1-driven changes in mitochondrial biogenesis, energetics, and structural adaptation in cardiac tissue.

Quantitative Analysis & Data Integration

Leveraging ImageJ, Python, R, and MATLAB for image analysis, physiological data interpretation, and integrative translational insights.

Publications

Selected Peer-Reviewed Articles

Sreedevi K, Zaitsev AV, Doku A, Thomas R, James A, Do S, Zhang M, Sedovy MW, Leng X, Dennison CL, Johnstone SR, Kirk JA, Yan Z, Warren JS.
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 2024.

Demonstrates that AAV-mediated PERM1 overexpression improves cardiac contractility and supports mitochondrial adaptations, providing mechanistic insight into PERM1 as a therapeutic target for heart failure.

DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00545.2024

Sreedevi K, Doku A O, James A, Do S, Zaitsev A, Warren J.
Circulation Research, 2024 (conference abstract).

Highlights the dual effect of PERM1 on contractility and mitochondrial biogenesis, linking sarcomeric and metabolic remodeling in the heart.

Doku A, Roupe G, Rankine E, Flemming I, Provost J, Zuhl M, Otani H.
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 2025.

Demonstrates that aerobic exercise yields higher verbal memory performance than muscle stretching, emphasizing the cognitive benefits of cardiovascular-focused physical activity.

Doku A O, Moses M O, Acheampong I K, et al.
Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 2019.

Evaluates training-induced changes in physiological, anthropometric, and balance parameters in healthy bankers following structured fitness programs.

https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.1836572.286

Deku P D, Annani-Akollor M E, Moses M O, Doku A O, et al.
Journal of Applied Sciences and Clinical Practice, 2022.

Explores long-term biochemical, physiological, and anthropometric adaptations associated with years of weightlifting training.

Journal Link

Skills

Technical Toolkit for Modern Cardiovascular Research

Molecular Biology Techniques

PCR, qPCR, genotyping, gene cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, Western blotting, and molecular safety best practices.

Imaging & Microscopy

Confocal imaging up to 100 µm depth, STORM, TEM, and quantitative image analysis of cardiomyocytes and tissue.

Exercise Physiology & Data Analysis

Stress testing, ECG preparation and interpretation, blood pressure and HR monitoring, and quantitative data analysis.

Experience

Education & Professional Journey

Ph.D. 2024 – 2027 (Expected)
Ph.D. in Translational Biology, Medicine & Health

Virginia Tech · Roanoke, VA, USA

Focus on cardiovascular and metabolic science, PERM1–cMyBP-C regulation, and translational imaging approaches in cardiac biology.

Research Jan 2024 – Present
Graduate Research Assistant – Warren Lab

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC

Conceptualizes and executes experiments on PERM1 in cardiac physiology; develops protocols for confocal, STORM, and TEM imaging; manages animal models; performs tissue harvesting, gene expression analysis, and echocardiography data interpretation.

Research May 2023 – Aug 2023
Research Assistant – Yan Lab

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC

Gained expertise in PCR, genotyping, gene cloning, and animal model use in exercise and molecular research, including monitoring, data collection, and analysis.

MSc 2021 – 2023
M.Sc. in Exercise Physiology

Central Michigan University · Mount Pleasant, MI, USA

Combined advanced coursework with research on exercise physiology, cognitive function, and cardiometabolic adaptation.

Teaching Aug 2021 – Apr 2023
Graduate Assistant in Anatomy

Central Michigan University

Taught human anatomy labs using cadavers and models; developed course materials, quizzes, and exams; maintained a high-standard learning environment.

BSc 2014 – 2018
B.Sc. in Sports and Exercise Science

KNUST · Kumasi, Ghana

Built a strong foundation in exercise science, biomechanics, and human performance, alongside leadership as Class President and association organizer.

Early Roles 2013 – 2021
Teaching, Clinical, and Leadership Experiences

Includes private exercise therapy, exercise science internships (hospital & fitness center), teaching and research assistantships at KNUST, administrative roles at Swim Africa Ghana, and multiple leadership positions fostering community health, safety, and student engagement.

Awards

Recognition & Community Engagement

Key Awards & Honors
  • AHA BCVS Travel Grant (Nov 2025)
  • TBMH Student of the Year 2025 – Education Pillar (May 2025)
  • Gaskins Exercise Graduate Fellowship, FBRI (July 2024)
  • Featured in Virginia Tech News (Jan 2025)
  • Best Student – 2018 Academic Excellence Awards, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, KNUST
  • Certificate of Honor – Peer Counsellors, KNUST Counselling Centre (2017/2018)
  • Certificate of Appreciation – Organizing Secretary, Dept. of Sports & Exercise Science, KNUST
Service & Outreach
Ut Prosim Speaker – VT Graduate Representative (2025) ISHR Lecture at FBRI (2025) FBRI Summer Symposium Poster Judge (2024) Governor School Volunteer (2024) AHA Volunteer – STEM Goes Red (2024) American Red Cross – Fire Department CPR Training Volunteer (2024) Roanoke Science Fair Judge (2024)

These roles reflect a sustained commitment to mentorship, community education, and promoting cardiovascular and health science literacy.

Training

Certifications & Professional Development

Key Certifications
  • Certified Exercise Physiologist – American College of Sports Medicine (July 2022)
  • Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED – American Red Cross (March 2022)
  • Biomedical Research – CITI Program (Oct 2021)
  • Physiotherapy Training and Treatment Program – Ghana (2019)
  • St John Ambulance – LIFE SAVERS Course: Sporting Injuries (2016)
Short Courses & Workshops
  • How To Peer Review a Review Article – Elsevier Researcher Academy (June 2022)
  • Introduction to Python – DataCamp (May 2022)
  • Multi-Modal Teaching Methods – Office of Curriculum & Instructional Support, CMU (Jan 2022)
  • Transforming Leadership & Governance Seminar – International Leadership Foundation & University (2016–2017)

Contact

Let’s Talk Science, Collaboration, and Impact

I welcome conversations around collaborations, fellowships, speaking opportunities, and translational projects in cardiovascular and metabolic science.

Send a Message
Contact Details

Email

Location


Virginia, USA

Profiles

Institute Location