ONYEDIKACHI UCHECHI BLISS (née NWOSU UCHECHI L)
DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE UMUDIKE
UMUAHIA- IKOT EKPENE ROAD (ABIA STATE, NIGERIA (POSTAL CODE: 440109) P.M.B 7267, UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA.
TELEPHONE (MOBILE): +2348062454723 Email: ub.onyedikachi@mouau.edu.ng; ucheonyedi@gmail.com
PERSONAL PROFILE
I am a goal-oriented, focused, hardworking, and highly motivated researcher and teacher seeking to contribute to making the SDGs pertaining to the environment enactable by assessing the health risk and toxicity of environmental pollution and seeking ways to ameliorate and implement of innovative and sustainable remedial strategies. I believe that environmental sustainability and climate action will provide transformative solutions to the global health problems caused by pollution, wealth creation, and the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, thus making the world habitable.
APPOINTMENT (25th August, 2014-To date) Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria (MOUAU).
Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural and Applied Sciences (COLNAS), MOUAU.
EDUCATION
PhD. Environmental Biochemistry (2020); University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria,
M.Sc. Environmental Biochemistry (2014), University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
B.Sc. Biochemistry (2009), Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria.
PGDE Education (2022) Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION
NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF SAFETY PROFESSIONALS (HEALTH SAFETY AND
ENVIRONMENT COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING)
HSE Appreciation (Level 2) 2011
HSE Supervision (Level 3) 2011
PUBLICATIONS
1.Agbor, Gabriel A. Moumbegna, Phillippe. Oluwasola, Eunice O. Nwosu Uchechi L.. Njoku, Rex-Clovis c. Kanu, Shelly. Emekabasi, Ephraim I.Akin, Femi. Obasi, Amarachi P. Abudei, Florence A. (June 1, 2011). Antioxidant capacity of some plant foods and beverages consumed in the Eastern region of Nigeria. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines. 8(4):362-369. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i4.4.
2.Nwaichi, Eucharia. O., Wegwu, Mattew Owhonda. and Nwosu, Uchechi. L. (October 1, 2014). Distribution of Selected Carcinogenic Hydrocarbon and Heavy Metals in an oil Polluted Agricultural Zone. Environmental Monitoring Assessment. Springer Nature. 186: 8697-8706. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-014-4037-6/ Impact Factor: 3.307, SJR:0.59
3.Anthony Cemaluk Chinedum Egbuonu, Chinazum Immaculate Opara, Doris Akachukwu and Uchechi Bliss Onyedikachi (February 1, 2018). Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Avocado Pear (Persea Americana) Seed on Normal and Monosodium Glutamatecompromised Rats ‘Hepatic Histo-morphology and Serum Bio-functional Parameters.
Research Journal of Environmental Science. 12(2):53-62. https://doi.org/10.3923/rjes.2018.53.62
4.Onyedikachi Uchechi Bliss., Belonwu, Donatus Chuka and Wegwu, Owhonda .M. (May 31, 2018). Human Health Risk Assessment of heavy metals in soils and commonly consumed food crops from quarry sites located at Isiagwu, Ebonyi State. Ovidius University Annals of Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.2478/auoc-2018-0002
5.Emmanuel Ejiofor, Ebhohon Shirley, Adanma Obike, Uchechi Bliss Onyedikachi, Atasie Okechukwu, Ajah Obinna, Kanu Michael, Ndukaku Omeh (October 1, 2018). Fatty acids composition profile evaluation of Palm oil in crude oil polluted environment. Asian J Agri & Biol. 26(3):373-378.http://asianjpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/11-59.-Fattyacids-composition-profile-evaluation-of-Palm-oil-in-crude-oil-polluted-environment.pdf.
6.Onyedikachi Uchechi Bliss, Belonwu, Donatus Chuka and Wegwu, O. M. (January 1, 2019). Health risk assessment of Chromium, Manganese and Arsenic through food consumption from Industrialized areas in Southeastern Nigeria. Annual Research and Review in Biology. https://doi.org:10.9734/arrb/2019/v31i630067
7.Onyedikachi, U. B., Belonwu, C. D., & Wegwu, M. O. (January 1, 2019). The determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in some foods from industrialized areas in South Eastern Nigeria: human health risk impact. Ovidius University Annals of Chemistry, 30 (1), 37-43. https://doi.org/10.2478/auoc-2019-0007.
8.Onyedikachi Uchechi Bliss, Chuka Donatus Belonwu and Mattew Owhonda Wegwu, Ejiofor Emmanuel and Awah Favour Mattew (May 11, 2019). Sources and Cancer risk exposure of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in soils from Industrial Areas in South Eastern, Nigeria. Journal of Chemical Health Risk. https://doi.org/10.22034/jchr.2019.668185.
9.Chukwu, C. N., Ogunka-Nnoka, C, U., Ukpabi-ugo, J. C. and Onyedikachi, U. B. (February 1, 2021). Aqueous extracts of processed Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds attenuate haemolytic anaemia in Wistar albino rats. Animal Research International, 18(1), 39553964. Global Impact Factor: 0.562
10.Onyeabo, C., Achi, K. N., Anyiam, P. N., Onyedikachi, U. B., Adimuko, G. C., Nnana, O. O., & Udezuluigbo, C. N. (June 1, 2021). Curcuma Longa Extract Improves Serum
Electrolytes And Hormone Profile Of Dihydrotestosterone-Estradiol Valerate Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Male Rats. Animal Research International, 18(2), 40944103.
11.Achi Ngozi Kalu, Onyedikachi Uchechi Bliss and Daniel-Igwe Gloria. (April 1, 2021). Assessment of lipid, haematological and coagulation parameters following oral administration of Ficus capensis in Male Albino rats. Nigerian Journal of Agriculture. 52:32-37. ISSN: 0300-368X. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/naj/article/view/209940
12.Onyedikachi Uchechi Bliss, Achi Ngozi Kalu, Oriaku Chinwe Edith and Onyeabo Chimaraoke. (April 1, 2021). Health risk assessment of heavy metal contamination of some indigenous vegetables grown in oil spilled agricultural area in Ogoni Land, Rivers State,
Nigeria. Nigeria Agricultural Journal, 52(1), 138-151.
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/naj/article/view/209938
13.Ajah, O., Omodamiro, O. D., Odo, C. E., Onyedikachi, U. B., & Egbuonu, A. C. C. (May 1, 2021). Renal function outcome in isoprenaline induced myocardial Infarction in albino rats and protective effect of methanol leaves extract of Jatropha tanjorensis. Animal Research International, 18(2), 4065-4072. DOI:10.33003/fjs-2021-0503-660
14.Onyedikachi Uchechi Bliss, Favour Matthew Awah, Charles Nnanna Chukwu and Emmanuel Ejiofor (June 28, 2021). Essential Oil Of Cymbopogon Citratus Grown In Umuahia: A Viable Candidate For AntiInflammatory And Antioxidant Therapy. Acta
Universitatis Cibiniensis. Series E: Food Technology, 25(1), 1-
14. https://doi.org/10.2478/aucft-2021-0001 .
15.Ajah, O., Onyedikachi, U. B., Alaebo, P. O., Odo, C. E., Godwin, O. K., & Omodamiro, O. D. (September 1, 2021). Methanol Leaf Extract OF Jatropha tanjorensis Ellis and Saroja possess phytoconstituents with free radical scavenging activity. Fudma journal of sciences, 5(3), 286 – 293. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2021-0503-660
16.Chukwu, C. N., Onyedikachi, U. B., & Ejiofor, E. (January 21, 2022). Evaluation of chemical constituents, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of n-hexane extract of Viscum album L. (Mistletoe) leaves. Chiang Mai University Journal of Natural
Sciences, 21(1), e2022010. DOI: 10.12982/cmujns.2022.010. H index 12, SJR:0.166, Impact score: 0.53
17.Onyedikachi U. Bliss, Ejiofor U. Emmanuel, Njoku G. Chigozie, and Maureen Ejiofor. (Accepted August 3, 2022). GC-MS characterization, in vitro antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities of essential oil from the leaves of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis.
Journal of Mexican Chemical Society. 66(4), ISSN-e 2594-0317. http://dx.doi.org/10.29356/jmcs.v66i4.1822. Impact Factor: 0.869 SJR: 0.172, H index-24, Impact score: 0.78
18.Emmanuel, U. Ejiofor., Samuel, O., Onoja., Ernest, C., Agwamba., Hitler, Louis., Uchechi, B. Onyedikachi., Wisdom E. Onwuasoanya., Chinedu, Aguwamba., ·
Maxwell, T. Kube., Philip, I. Nkume., Martins, N. Ekeleme., Adaora, C. Onodugo., Victor, E. Ihuomah and Maureen, Ejiofor. (2023). Computational, chemical profile, in vitro antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, and anti-inflammatory activity of hexane extract of some selected dark green vegetables. Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43538-023-00169-7.
19.Onyedikachi, U.B, Chukwuebuka, C.N, Chigozie, G.N, & Ikechukwu, U. (2023). Phytochemical, Vitamin and Antioxidant Assessments of the Stems and Leaves of Four
Commonly Consumed Vegetables in Nigeria. Nutrition and Food Sciences Research, 27-
36. http://DOR: 20.1001.1.23830441.2022.9.4.4.5
20.Onyedikachi U.B., Paterson R. (1 Dec, 2021). The Secret to Being an Influencer as a
Science Leader. Science by Women: Stories from Careers in STEM, 125-143. In: Nwaichi
E.O. (eds). Women in Engineering and Science. Springer, Cham.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83032-8 10 (BOOK CHAPTER)
21.Onyedikachi, U.B., Awah F.M and Ijioma, S.N .(2021). Chromium 6+Compound Induced Cardiotoxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats. Proceedings of 5th Biennial Conference of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, OWSD Nigeria National
Chapter Held At Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, 14th – 17th June, 2021.WIS-BPH 54fl, Pages 431-442.(CONFERENCE PROCEEDING)
INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL PEER-REVIEWED CONFERENCE/ABSTRACT PRESENTATION
1.Onyedikachi Uchechi Bliss, Awah Favour Mattew, and Ijioma Solomon Chromium 6+ Compound-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats (WIS-BPH 54FL) was presented at the 5th Biennial Conference Umudike, 2021, of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). (Oral presentation; Abstract accepted.)
2.Onyedikachi Uchechi Bliss, Belonwu, Donatus Chuka, and Wegwu, Owhonda Mattew Risk Assessment of Chromium and Arsenic Deposition on Soils and Crops at Industrialised Locations in South East Nigeria (TP207) was presented at the 39th Annual Meeting of the
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) North America on November 4–8, 2018. (Poster Abstract accepted)
3.Onyedikachi B. Uchechi, Nwankwo Betsy, Nkpaa W. Kpobari and Ejiofor Emmanuel Kpobari. Health Risk Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in Soil and Selected Vegetables from Oil Spilled Areas in Bodocity, Ogoniland, and Rivers State Presented at the 9th Southeast Zonal Conference of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB) held on July 19, 2017. (Oral presentation; Abstract accepted.)
4.Onyedikachi Uchechi BlissM.Chuka,., Belonwu, Donatus Chuka and Wegwu, Owhonda .M. Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in soils and commonly consumed food crops from quarry sites located at Isiagwu, Ebonyi State, presented at the 36th Annual Conference of the Nigeria Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, November 13–17, 2017. (Oral presentation; Abstract accepted.)
5.Onyedikachi, U. B. Chukwu, C.N. Ejiofor, E.U. and Ejiofor M. (2021) “Essential Oils of
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (vervain) Leaves: A Potent Solution to Oxidative StressRelated Diseases” poster presentation at the 2nd symposium and workshop of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) held from July 7–9, 2021, at the National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike.
6.Onyedikachi, B.; Chukwu, C.N.; Ejiofor, E.U.; and Ejiofor, M. (2023). “Nutritional, phytochemistry, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of seed oil of Persea americana (Avocado)” poster presentation (OTDVD 026) at the 34th Annual Conference of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), held from March 13th–16th, 2023, at the Institute for Agricultural Research of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
7.Onyedikachi, Uchechi Bliss.,Onyebuchi Oluchi Chinonyerem, and Nwaichi, Eucharia Oluchi Phytoremediation of Spent Engine Oil Impacted Soil with Two Plant Species: Effect of Pig Dung Bioaugmentation (2023) of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) (Oral presentation; Abstract accepted).
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
1.Onyedikachi, U. B., Egbuonu, A. C. C., Awah, F. M., Ijioma, S. N., & Nkpaa, K. W. (2023). Comparative Evaluation of Vehicle, Dose, and Duration-related Oxidative, Cardiotoxic, Inflammatory, and Histologic Responses of Chromium 6+ oral exposure in Rats’ Hearts (Preprint) https://doi.org/21203/rs.3.rs-2847266/v1
2.Onyedikachi U.B., Paterson R. (1 Dec, 2021). The Secret to Being an Influencer as a Science Leader. Science by Women: Stories from Careers in STEM, 125-143. In: Nwaichi E.O. (eds). Women in Engineering and Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83032-8 10 (BOOK CHAPTER)
3.Obuzor, G. U. and Onyedikachi, U.B (2023). Chemical Leaching into Food and the Environment Poses Health Hazards. Chapter 14 in Modernity in Health and Disease
Diagnosis: The account from STEM Women. Springer Nature. ISBN978-3-031-34962-
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4.Phytoremediation of Spent oil contaminated soil using a phytoremediation strategy using two hyperaccumulating plants, Umbrella sedge (Mariscus Alternifolius) and Little Ironweed (Cyanthillium cinereum), with pig dung (In press)
5.Evaluation and health risk assessments of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metal concentrations in water and selected fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Mugil cephalus) in two rivers connected to abbatoir effluents in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria (in press)
6.Investigation of Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Oil of Persea americana (Avocado) Seeds for Treatment of Occupational Dermatitis (in press)
TEACHING AND SUPERVISION EXPERIENCE
1.National Youth Service Corps, June 2010–JJuly 2011: Junior Secondary School, Egberu, Rivers State, Nigeria Position held: Corp member Class Teacher Assistant (Subjects taught: Integrated Science) During my compulsory, one-year national youth service in my country at the junior secondary school, Egberu, Rivers State.
2.I teach third-year and fourth-year (final year) courses on methods in Biochemistry, which spans through metabolism of nucleic acids (BCM 315); methods in biochemical analytical methods (BCM 316); safety rules in laboratory experiments; and food biochemistry (BCM 317), which encompasses food poisoning and intoxication, food storage, and preservation; a seminar in biochemistry (BCM 417); Bioinorganic chemistry (BCM 418); Tissue biochemistry (BCM 419), such as Adipose tissues, muscles, and mechanisms of contraction; bioenergetics; biosynthesis of macromolecules (BCM 426).
3.I am also involved in Examination supervision, grading students’ exam scripts, and result preparation and compilation. I supervise seminars and research projects for undergraduate and master’s students.
4.I usually give pep talks to students as I conclude each lecture. This is to arouse their interest in working hard in academics, inculcate core values and morals, and discourage them from unhealthy lifestyles and consequences.
5.As a way of enacting SDG 4, I teach the graduating class career talk as a way mentoring them through and guiding them through their career path and their journey towards self discovery.
6.I teach MSc and PHD students Biochemical reasoning (BCH 809), Advanced comparative Biochemistry (BCH 915), Advanced protein chemistry and Biochemistry (BCH 922).
7.I co-ordinate post graduate seminar and off-bench presentation, in preparation for an external examination for their graduation.
HONOURS, GRANTS, AND AWARDS
1.Best Graduating Student Environmental Biochemistry MSc Class of 2011, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State 2014
2.The best paper presented at the Advances in Toxicology and Safety Evaluation plenary session held at the 36th annual scientific conference of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology held at the University of Uyo, Nigeria 2017
3.Distinguished award as Ray of Hope by the Presbyterian Young People Association of Nigeria, Umuahia East Presbytery, Abia State 2021
4.First Cohort mentee of the Nigerian Academy of Science award for strengthening research capacity in Nigeria, supported by Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) and UKaid (2023).
5.Tetfund Institution-Based Research (PI) Characterization and impacts of Microplastics on the Soil, yield, And nutritional composition of cassava in cassava farms in Abia State
Research Grant Number: SAE/03/22 Project number: TETF/DR&D/CE/UNVUMUDIKE/RG/2022/VOL1 under the Soil, Agronomy, And Environmental Management 2022 Programme.
6.Tetfund Institution-Based Research (PI) Production and optimisation of wheat, orange flesh, and sweet potato composite flour for bakery products Agricultural Engineering Project Number:TETF/DR&D/CE/UNVUMUDIKE/RG/2022/VOL1 2022
7.Fellow of the Nigerian Science Leadership Program (NSLP) 2023
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
1.Nigerian Institute of Safety Professionals (Health Safety and Environment Competence Development Training): HSE appreciation (HSE Competence and Development Course
Level 2); HSE Supervision (HSE Competence and Development Course Level 3 (April 2011))
2.Two-day workshop: aligning yourself with the publishing process The Researcher Academy will conduct two days of virtual training on campus (July 23 and 24, 2020).
Presented by Vishal Gupta, Customer Consultant, and Lavanya Trikha, Account ManagerInside Sales, Organised by Elsevier
3.Workshop on using R Studio and the Meta-R statistical package at the 2nd Symposium Organised by the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria held at the National Root and Crops Research Institute Umudike, Nigeria, on July 6, 2021
4.Hands-on training on basic molecular biology and techniques is organised by the Centre for Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology. November,2022
5.AuthorAID short course on data science (2022) organised by the Centre for Health and Development (CHD), University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and Women in Technology Nigeria (WITIN). With the support of the International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP) and AuthorAID UK.
6.AuthorAID short course (4 days) on data science (2022) organised by the Centre for Health and Development (CHD), University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and Women in Technology Nigeria (WITIN) With the support of the International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP) and AuthorAID UK.
7.AuthorAID course (8 weeks) on Research and Proposal writing in the sciences (2022), data science (2022), With the support of the International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP) and AuthorAID UK.
8.African Science Frontiers Initiatives training on the art of Scientific Writing and publishing was held on December 8–9, 2022. 9th edition of the intensive online course of the African scholar’s research course series
9.African Science Frontiers Initiatives training on research quality, productivity, and impact is ongoing from April 15 to July 1, 2023. 10th edition of the intensive online course of the African Scholars Research Course Series
MEMBERSHIPS OF PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
1.Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC)
2.Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)
3.African Science Frontiers Initiative (ASFI)
4.West African Society of Toxicology (WASOT)
5.Society of Toxicology (SOT)
6.Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
7.Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB)
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE/AFFILIATION
1.Staff/Student Adviser, Biochemistry Department, Michael Okpara, University of Agriculture, Umudike 2015-2019
2.Course Adviser Class of 2014/2015 Biochemistry Department, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike 2014-to date.
3.Member of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2014-to-date
4.Member, Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Umudike Chapter. 2015-to-date.
5.Audit committee member, statutory board member, Winners Chapel, Market branch, Umuahia. June 2021 to date.
6.Member of the Logistics Committee on University Accreditation for the Biochemistry Department, Michael Okpara, University of Agriculture, Umudike, May 2017.
7.Current Vice President, Communication and Public Engagement, African Science
Frontiers Initiatives (ASFI), 2023-2025)
NATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
1.During my mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at Egberu Junior Secondary School in Rivers State, where I taught integrated science to junior WAEC classes.
2. Presiding Officer/Assistant Registration Officer in 2010/2011 and also as a Collation Officer (CO) at ward levels for the 2019 and 2023 presidential and gubernatorial elections.
3.Adviser of the Biochemistry Department at MOUAU (2015–2019).
4. Course Adviser Class of 2014/2015, Biochemistry Department, MOUAU.
5.Deputy Postgraduate Coordinator
Languages
English: Proficient in Reading and Writing
Igbo: Native Language, Proficient in Reading and Writing
Other skills and competences
Teaching, Writing, Public speaking (Motivational Speaker), Reading, Research, Singing, and cooking
REFEREES
Available on request
Declaration: I hereby declare that the particulars furnished herein by me are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Dr. Uchechi Bliss Onyedikachi
