Welcome to the Faculty of Science webpage. If you are on this page, it means you are interested to know more about Biosciences at AIU. If you are considering a degree that covers Biology or Health Science, then this is the right place.
AIU Faculty of Science provides instruction in the Biosciences with majors in the areas of Biology and Public Health. For those interested in Medicine, Dentistry or Bio-Engineering we have a strong foundational program that is broad enough to cover the most commonly required courses for Pre-Med and Pre-Dentistry and thus prepares you for transfer to colleges and universities where one can pursue those studies further. We also prepare you to become a bio-medical researcher, research & development laboratory technician, and Biology teacher. Our new major in Public Health is geared towards those who are interested in community health rather than clinical practice careers. This major prepares you for community health work such as with government departments, private institutions, and non-governmental organizations. You can become health educators, environmental health practitioners or epidemiologists. These are just some of the career paths available.
Our faculty, staff and students are a diverse and multicultural group who will make your educational and social experience exceptional. I am confident that you will enjoy your time at AIU and obtain a wonderful, world-class education with us. Along with my faculty and staff, I am committed to ensuring every student’s experience is a positive and fulfilling one.
I invite you to browse our website, explore our academic offerings get in touch. We would also love for you to come to our campus and meet with me, my faculty or even students to answer any of your questions. Let us know how we at AIU Faculty of Science can help you achieve your dreams.
Sincerely,
Elvin Walemba, PhD
Dean, Faculty of Science
Office: SB 105, Extension: 1301
Asia-Pacific International University
My Profile
Summary
Building on an academic interdisciplinary background in the Biological Sciences, I have and continue to develop skills towards expertise in the use of nanotechnology in microbial infection management through the development of materials for use in medicine and dentistry.
Qualifications
2019 PhD in Biology – Loma Linda University, USA
2010 Postgraduate Certificate in Virology – Liverpool John Moores University, UK
2008 Professional Development Diploma, Management Studies – Stratford Business College, UK
2003 Masters by Research in Health Studies – University of Luton, UK
2000 BSc. Zoology – University of Eastern Africa Baraton, Kenya
Academic Positions
2018 to date Dean, Faculty of Science – Asia-Pacific International University, Thailand
2008 – 2013 Instructor, Faculty of Science – Asia-Pacific International University, Thailand
2006 – 2008 Operations Manager – London College of Professional Studies, UK
2004 – 2008 Course Leader/Instructor – London College of Professional Studies, UK
Research Interests
While communicable disease prevalence rates have generally decreased worldwide, communicable diseases still account for over 60 percent across many countries especially countries with low incomes. However, communicable diseases or infections are still a problem in high-income countries due to reducing efficacy of antibiotics. Novel methods of treating bacterial and viral infections are needed. I have a general interest in infection control with specific focus in the use of nanotechnology in the management of infection and how this affects hemostasis. I have been involved in nanoparticle research to develop hemocompatible antibiotic nanoparticles, diagnostic nanoparticles, and dental materials with nanoparticles.
Areas of Research
Antimicrobial development
Hemostasis
Publications
Peer-reviewed journal articles
Megan S. Holden, Jason Black, Ainsely Lewis, Marie-Claire Boutrin, Elvin Walemba, Theodore S. Sabir, Danilo Boskovic, A. Wilson Aruni, Hansel M. Fletcher, and Christopher C. Perry. “Antibacterial Activity of Partially Oxidized Ag/Au Nanoparticles against the Oral Pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis W83,” Journal of Nanomaterials, vol. 2016, Article ID 9605906, 11 pages, 2016. doi:10.1155/2016/9605906
Abstracts
Kwon, S.R., Wang, M., Chi, C., Walemba, E.M., Oyoyo, U., Perry, C., Li, Y. Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles and Nanofibers used alone or with UV-Light Activation. 96th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR). July 25-28, 2018, London, UK.
Walsh, J., Merlos, S., Walemba, E.M., Perry, C., and Kwon S.R. Tooth Stain Penetration Simulated with Gold Nano-Technology. Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, November 1-4, 2017. Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Teaching Activities
I started my teaching career as a Teaching Assistant for undergraduate students at the University of Eastern Africa Baraton where I realized my passion for teaching and research. I have since taught in the UK as an instructor for students in health and social care program, in the US as a teaching assistant for Medical Microbiology for medical students and at Asia-Pacific International University in the undergraduate Biology program. My main areas of teaching are in cell and molecular biology and microbiology.
Professional Memberships
2016 to date American Society of Hematology
2015 to date Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society
Awards
Co-Awardee: “Characterization of microbial contamination in water vending machines of Eastern Coachella Valley.” Total award $13,182. Metropolitan Water District.
The Rickman Award for Excellence in Academic Writing, Loma Linda University, 2016, 2019