Draft:Felix Effah

Felix Effah

Dr Felix Effah on the day of his PhD celebration. Image was taken in London.

Dr. Felix Effah is a distinguished public health expert, researcher and author recognized for his work in health security and environmental toxicology and neuropharmacology. He is a researcher at the University of Rochester Medical Center, New York [1]. His research has notably focused on the health impacts of e-cigarette flavors on the respiratory system, specifically their effects on bronchial epithelial cells and the role of receptors like TRPA1 in flavor-induced toxicity [2]. He is affiliated with the UK Health Security Agency [3], Imperial College London [4], and St. George's Hospital Medical school [5] contributing to their interdisciplinary research on the impacts of environmental hazards.

In addition to his work on vaping products, Dr. Effah has also explored the gut-brain axis, studying how the microbiome influences neurological health and disease [6] [7][8]. His work in this emerging field underscores the complex interplay between digestive and mental health, revealing new insights that can shape future preventative and therapeutic strategies. Dr. Effah's dedication has earned him recognition in academia and from media figures, emphasizing the societal impact of his scientific contributions​.

Dr. Effah has also published a book, "Overcoming: in a World Full of Limitless Opportunities, Failure is Just an Option. The choice is yours."

Education

Dr. Felix Effah has a solid academic background that has laid the foundation for his Public Health, Toxicology, and Pharmacology expertise. He Holds 4 degrees in Pharmacology, Translational Medicine, Neuropharmacology and Toxicology. His PhD was funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), which is affiliated with prominent institutions like the UK Health Security Agency (previously Public Health England), Kings College London, Imperial College London, University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. This interinstitutional connection provided by the NIHR enabled Dr Effah to obtain expert training from some of the best physicians and scientists in Public Health and Toxicology. Dr Effah was also trained at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, in the Lab of Prof. Terry Gordon, where he developed 3D in vitro lung models for toxicological assessments of potentially harmful environmental substances. His academic journey was shaped by rigorous research that prepared him for a career marked by significant health and environmental science contributions. His accomplishments have been recognized by institutions like the UK Health Security Agency and Imperial College London, the NIHR, the British Toxicological Society, and the British Pharmacology Society. His PhD viva was conducted by two of the most remarkable Toxicologists in the UK: Prof. Alan Boobis, OBE ​[9], and Prof. Matthew Wright.

Achievements

During his Translational Medicine degree in 2019, Dr. Felix Effah faced unforeseen family circumstances that led to his failing an exam in genomics. St. George's University of London had a policy that students who failed any exam couldn't earn a distinction, even if their final grades met the requirement. Despite retaking and passing the exam, Dr. Effah was denied a distinction. Believing this rule contradicted the spirit of education and hindered student progress, he collaborated with the course director, Dr. Axel Nohturfft, to advocate for a policy change. Their efforts succeeded, leading to a shift in the university's rules, ensuring future students wouldn't face the same barriers after overcoming academic challenges. This accomplishment embodies Dr. Effah's determination and passion for fair and equitable educational standards.

Awards

• NIHR 14th Annual Doctoral training Camp - Best Patient and Public involvement 2023
• Royal Society of Chemistry and British Toxicological Society - Best RSC poster Prize 2023
• St. George's University of London - Best Master of Research Project 2019
• University of East London - Best Pharmacology Case Report 2018
• St. George's University of London Pioneering Scholarship 2018

Grants

• NIHR HPRU Research Grant for PhD
• British Pharmacology Society Schatcher travelling grant for New York University

Publications

1. Pulmonary effects of e-liquid flavors: a systematic review F Effah, B Taiwo, D Baines, A Bailey, T Marczylo Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B 25 (7), 343-371 [9]
2. Dynamic changes in the endocannabinoid system during the aging process: Focus on the middle-age crisis P Nidadavolu, A Bilkei-Gorzo, F Effah, E Leidmaa, B Schürmann, .. International journal of molecular sciences 23 (18), 10254 [10]
3. Region‐specific sex modulation of central oxytocin receptor by gut microbiota: An ontogenic study F Effah, NK de Gusmão Taveiros Silva, R Camarini, F Joly, S Rabot, ... Developmental Neurobiology 81 (2), 149-163. [11]
4. HA-MOP knockin mice express the canonical µ-opioid receptor but lack detectable splice variants S Fritzwanker, L Moulédous, C Mollereau, C Froment, O Burlet-Schiltz, ... Communications Biology 4 (1), 1070 [12]
5. Sex‐dependent impact of microbiota status on cerebral μ‐opioid receptor density in Fischer rats F Effah, NK de Gusmão Taveiros Silva, K Vijayanathan, R Camarini, ... European Journal of Neuroscience 55 (8), 1917-1933 [13]
6. Toxicological assessment of E-cigarette flavored E-liquids aerosols using Calu-3 cells: A 3D lung model approach F Effah, J Adragna, D Luglio, A Bailey, T Marczylo, T Gordon. Toxicology 500, 153683 [14]
7. In Vitro high-throughput toxicological assessment of E-cigarette flavors on human bronchial epithelial cells and the potential involvement of TRPA1 in cinnamon flavor-induced … F Effah, A Elzein, B Taiwo, D Baines, A Bailey, T Marczylo Toxicology 496, 153617 [15]