Dr. Olusola Ajayi – Chair

Dr. Olusola Ajayi holds a M.S degree in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium and D.V.M degree from University of Ibadan, Nigeria. In 2001, he was a member of a neurodegenerative brain diseases group in the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Antwerp focused on the study of the genetic causal link between amyloid-beta (Aβ or Aβ subspecies) proteins and Alzheimer Disease. Thereafter, Dr. Ajayi has devoted his attention to the teaching and education of students in various colleges like Prairie State College, Olive Harvey College, and of course East-West University (EWU). At EWU, Dr. Ajayi has pursued a radical expansion of educational opportunities available to students in the health and life sciences.

Office – E-405
Telephone – 312.939.0111 ext. 2405
e-mail – olusola@eastwest.edu

Dr. Sanjay Singh – Coordinator, Grants & Internships
Dr. Sanjay Singh holds M.S degree in Biology and Ph.D in Neuroscience from Loyola University of Chicago. A recipient of the American Heart Association grant funding, his research interest include neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in cardiac ganglia, as well as autonomic reinnervation after heart transplantation. Dr. Singh has taught at Benedictine University, Elmhurst College, Loyola University Medical Center, and East-West University. He is also a sailing instructor in Chicago.
Office – E-406
Telephone – 312.939.0111 ext. 2406
e-mail – sanjay@eastwest.edu

Dr. Reddy S. Gurramkonda – Lab Manager & Tutor

Dr. Reddy Gurramkonda holds M.S., Degree in Zoology, Ph. D., in Molecular Physiology & Biochemistry from Sri Venkateswara University, India, M.D., & D.Sc., in Medicina Alternativa from Open International University, Colombo.  He is a recipient of U.G.C Research Fellowship, life member of Indian Science Congress, Comparative Animal Physiologists Association and American Society of Toxicology and Physiology. His research interest includes Biochemical changes and altered metabolic pathways during acute temperature stresses with special reference to Heat burns and Frost bites. Dr. Reddy has published several research papers both in National and International journals. He taught both at undergraduate and graduate levels and guided students for their Ph.Ds. He is also working as an Adjunct Professor in Biology in East West University (EWU).

Office – E – 409A
Telephone – 312-939-0111 EXT-2410
e-mail – reddy@eastwest.edu

Dr. Nizar Handzic

holds B.S. Degree in Zoology from Northeastern Illinois University and Ph.D. in Anatomy and Physiology from Michigan State University. Dr. Handzic is fluent in five languages and has given guest lectures internationally at a number of institutions of higher learning most notably University of Hamburg and University of Milan. He is a recipient of the prestigious Scientific American Award for Outstanding Achievements in Education. Dr. Handzic active research is intimately associated with the conservation of biodiversity. His current research involves the phylogenetic reconstruction of the endangered Sedum integrifolium using ITS markers. In his spare time, Dr. Handzic loves exploring many of the wonderful opportunities that Chicago has to offer from walking in the parks to relaxing at the beaches. Dr. Handzic has taught in the past at Loyola University, but his top priority remains working with the rest of the remarkably talented team helping students exceed their academic potential at the East West University.

Dr. Rizwana B. Rahim

holds B.S., Degree in Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and M.S Degree in Botany (Mycology & Plant Pathology) from Osmania University (India)
She also acquired Ph.D., Degree by presenting her research project on Hyphomycetes of Dehra Dun (India). She published few research papers in both national and international journals. She is associated with the Biology department of EWU since fall 2009 as an Adjunct Faculty

e-mail - Rizwana@eastwest.edu

Prof. Elizabeth Afriyie, Biological Sicences
ABD/EDD – Healthcare Education & Gerontology
ABD/PhD – General Psychology & Health concentration
M.A – General Psychology with Health concentration
M.Ad.Ed – Adult Education & Health Psychology   
B.S – Education & Social Psychology
                                             
Prof. Afriyie’s research interest is biopsychosocial aspects of chronic and infectious diseases; how and why different groups of people experience higher incidence and
mortality rates than others. Currently, she is conducting two researches (1) Prostate cancer and minority men and (2) Biopsychosocial Factors of Wife Caregiving – proudly             
supported by Us Too International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network.

Prof. Afriyie, a former academic advisor for East-West University, has taught at the university for the past 6 years. She is a member of American Psychological Association (APA) and is professionally affiliated with International Council On education for Teaching (ICET).
 
e-mail: elizabetha@eastwest.edu 

Mr Alex Bautista

BS Biology.RPSGT, CCT,NCLE - Clinical Liason-Instructor

Mr Bautista hold a BS Biology at Gregorio Araneta University Foundation. He is a Registered Polysomnographer( since 2001) and Cardiovascular Technologist since 1995.

In addition to his work at EastWest University, Mr Bautista is currently on staff with the sleep laboratory at Advocate Medical Group.

Office- E 409

e-mail - alex@eastwest.edu

Dr. Ruchi Jairath

Dr. Ruchi Jairath completed her Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India in 2005. She worked on the interaction of organotin(IV) compounds with some biologically important ligands in her Ph.D. She also published 6 research articles in the journals of international repute. She joined East West University in January 2008 as an adjunct professor and has taught several Inorganic, Organic and Biochemistry courses in the biological science department since then. She has great interest in teaching and loves to help students achieve their educational goals.

e-mail - ruchi@eastwest.edu