CAREER OBJECTIVES:
To develop myself as a first class problem solver, professional research scientist and research project management consultant through extensive skill acquisition in scientific research, technical competence, creative innovative ideas and implementation of leadership skills.
PERSONAL DATA
Date of birth 3rd September, 1982
Sex Female
Civil status Married
State of origin Anambra
Nationality Nigerian
EDUCATION
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra, Nigeria (09/2016)
Ph.D. Nutritional Biochemistry
Diploma in Personal Nutrition, Shaw Academy London (02/2016)
Bayero University Kano, kano, Nigeria (05/2010)
M.Sc. Biochemistry
University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Nigeria (12/2004)
B.Sc. (Hons) Biochemistry
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), (20/05/2013-Present)
Food Technology Department
Nutrition and Toxicology Division
Senior Research Officer, Lagos, Nigeria
Applies scientific expertise and technological principles to the study of food products and processes within research and production
Studies the physical and chemical properties of food and ingredients
Evaluates the nutritional value, colour, flavour and texture of food
Evaluates the quality of raw materials and ensures that food production processes conform to regulatory standards
Explores alternative indigenous technologies
Novel product development
Functional Foods/Nutraceuticals development with clinical approach
Therapeutic diet formulations for disease control and management.
Works closely with other researchers and food production staff including Biochemists, Nutritionist, Microbiologists, Engineers, Packaging specialists, and Industrialists
Establishes cost effective wholesale food production methods
Investigates and sets standards for health, safety and quality on developed food products.
Chida International Hotel Utako, (19/03/2012-19/05/2013)
Sales/Quality assurance Executive, Abuja, Nigeria
Marketed products and services
Handled social media marketing (facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Skype, You Tube, group email, newspaper, magazine etcetera)
Designed, updated and maintained clients’ database
Quality checks on all our Food products & Beverages
Monitored and followed up functions/organizations
Supervised Facility Maintenance
Submitted bills to organizations and followed up payment
Duty Manager
Assisted in front office operation and administrative work.
Evaluated quality of products and services
Family Health International (FHI)/GHAIN), (10/2009-02/2011)
Data Management Consultant, Anambra, Nigeria
Monitored& Evaluated tools inventory management, Real time and backlog data entry into the Lafiya Management Information System (LAMIS)
Data management (Data Import/Export/Storage) with District Health Information System (DHIS)
Provided technical assistance in quality improvement plans to GHAIN supported facilities in south eastern Nigeria
Facilitated in trainings like adherence and HIV counselling &testing
Verified and validated monthly data (Data Quality Assessment), Monitored and implementated workplan using the programme operation control systemand provided programme and administrative solutions
Kumbotso Comprehensive Health Centre, (09/2005–09/2006)
National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), Kano, Nigeria
Collected and analyzed human body fluids such as blood, urine, sputum, semen, cerebrospinal fluid etc.
Carried out tests on HIV, liver function, full blood count, malaria parasite, culture, swaps etc.
World Health Organization (W.H.O), (2005/2006)
Independent monitor, Kano, Nigeria
Implemented, monitored and evaluated polio immunization exercise.
Managed records of all immunized and unimmunized children in a given local government and used the data to write report
National Population Commission (NPC), (2006)
Internal Supervisor, Kano, Nigeria
Monitored and evaluated the census exercise
Collated records of the population of males, females, children, houses (ancient/modern) etc in a given local government
Used the given reporting tool to write reports
St. Charles Borromeo hospital, (2004)
Internship, Anambra, Nigeria
Collected and analysed human body fluids such as blood, urine, sputum, semen, cerebrospinal fluid etc.
Carried out tests on HIV, widal, liver function, full blood count, malaria parasite, culture, swaps etc on patients.
Counseled patients that tested HIV positive and negative.
Emzor pharmaceutical. Ind.ltd. Isolo, (2002)
Internship, Lagos, Nigeria
Carried out quality chemical analysis on raw materials for approval
Carried out quality chemical analysis, microbial analysis on tablets/syrup, and ascertained the micro content of production tanks
Supervised the in-process of the products and general packaging of the products
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/VOLUNTEER WORK (non-paid)
Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFIST)
FIIRO Zonal Secretary, 2016-present
Nutrition Society of Nigeria
Treasurer Lagos State Chapter, 2016-present
Member of Managing committee FIIRO Senior Staff Club, 2014-present
Chairman, Health, Fitness and Environmental Management Lagos, Nigeria
Work with executives and members to bring up extracurriculum
FIIRO Supporters Club, 2013
Vice chairman, Lagos, Nigeria
Work with executives and members to bring up extracurriculum
St. Agnes Catholic Church, 2013-present
Legionary Volunteer, Lagos, Nigeria
Work with Charity and Environmental groups
Family Health International (FHI/GHAIN), (03/2009-09/2009)
Volunteer, Anambra, Nigeria
Assisted in Global HIV/AIDS Initiative in Nigeria (GHAIN) Project in Monitoring & Evaluation unit and other units also
Change Facilitator, (09/2005-09/2006)
Kano, Nigeria
Collaborated with World Bank Institute/British council in implementation of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Change Facilitator, (01/2006-09/2007)
Lagos, Nigeria
Facilitated in LEAP AFRICA’S Youth Leadership/HIV/AIDS awareness programme for community based football captains.
TRAININGS:
Organic Urban farming on Limited Spaces by Nutrition Society of Nigeria/Growest Africa 2017.
Capacity building workshop on Commercial Organic Farming, Application of Organic Fertiliser and Retirement Agricbusiness by Dynapharm International in Collaboration with Nuel Angelo Nigeria Farms Limited supported by FIIRO, 11th May, 2017.
Capacity building workshop on knowledge upgrade on Protein Nutrition by Nutrition Society of Nigeria in collaboration with Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa, 31st March, 2017.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Herbal Medicinal Plants by 2016 Herbfest Organizers Owerri, 13thOctober 2016.
Intellectual property and patent application writing by FIIRO Lagos, September 2015.
Advance Laboratory Technology and Natural Product Chemistry by Sholab South Africa 2014
Capacity building for employees by FIIRO Lagos, 7th -8thApril 2014.
International foundation for Science (IFS) Research workshop by FIIRO Lagos, 18th -19th December 2013.
Employability programme by LEAP AFRICA, Area -1 GarkiAbuja on 27th – 2nd March February, 2012.
District Health Management System DHIS by FHI Enugu on 13th -17thDecember, 2010.
Lafiya Management Information System (LAMIS) by FHI Awka on 17th and 19thNovember, 2009.
Data Entry by FHI Awka, 7th - 9th October 2009.
Monitoring and evaluation by FHI Awka, 5th -6th October 2009.
Integrity and leadership for health by LEAP AFRICA Kano, 2006.
Population census programme by National Population Council (NPC) Kano 2006.
Adverse effect on Measles immunisation by WHO Kano, 2006.
Youth Leadership Programme by LEAP AFRICA Kano, 13th -16th November 2006.
Leadership skills and HIV/AIDS awareness by LEAP AFRICA Kano, 2006.
Independent monitoring in National Polio Immunisation (NPI) by WHO Kano, 2006.
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by World Bank institute in collaboration with British council, Kano on 21st – 25thSeptember, 2005.
SKILLS
Languages: English (Advanced Proficiency), Igbo (Native), French (A2)
Computer:experience with Windows 2000/2003/2007/2010/2013, Windows XP, Windows Vista;Microsoft Office applications; online networking; Lafiya Management Information System (LAMIS); SPSS; Graph-pad statistical software and District Health Information Software (DHIS)
INTERNATIONAL/LOCAL RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Natural product Research and advance laboratory techniques (Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Peninsula Bellville, South Africa)
Research on Oxidative stress and antioxidant activities of plant extracts (Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa)
Research on isolation and characterization of plant bioactive compounds using Column Chromatography, Thin Layer Chromatography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Infra-red Spectroscopy (Kwazulu Natal University, Durban, South Africa)
Food products formulation, functional food and Nutraceutical development, quality evaluation and analytical techniques(FIIRO, Nigeria)
PATENTS
Nwachukwu, V.A., Elemo, G.N., Oluwole, O.B., Mordi, J.I., Raji, F.A., Adoga, J.O., Obode, C.E., Onyibe, J., Onu, L.I., Olotu, O.O. (2016). High Quality Shelf-Stable Wholesome Onion Paste And Processing Method Thereof. RP: NG/P/2016/135, CERT. NO. 000890.
Elemo, G.N., Nicholas-Okpara, V.A.N., Okafor, J.N.C., Elemo, G.N., Ezeanyanaso, C.S., Erukainure, O.L., Omowumi, O., Shode, F.O. (2018). High Quality Shelf-Stable Wholesome Cajanus Cajan Based Instant Antisickling Nutraceutical Food Sprinkler And Processing Method Thereof (In process).
Nicholas-Okpara, V.A.N., Elemo, G.N., Udedi, S.C., Ezeonu, F.C. (2018). Nutraceutical infusion Viola-Emilia Tea And Processing Method Thereof (In process).
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS:
1.Nwachukwu, Viola A., Udedi, S.C., Ezeonu, F.A, Bartholomew I. C. Brai, Ezeanyanaso, C.S., and Elemo, G.N. (2017b). Bioactive Agents, Nutraceuticals Potentials, Phytochemistry, and Food Value of Emilia coccinea Leaf: A Review. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research 4(1): 1-15, 2017.
2.A. Nwachukwu Viola, S. C. Udedi, F. C. Ezeonu, F. A. Orji, C. S. Ezeanyanaso, Bartholomew I. C. Brai, F. O. Shode and G. N. Elemo (2017a). An Analysis of Food Value and Some Selected Secondary Metabolites of Emilia coccinea (Asteraceae) Leaf. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research 2(2): 1-11, 2017.
3.Elemo Olubunmi Olajumoke, Oreagba Ibrahim, Akinyede Akinwunmi and Nicholas-Okpara Viola (2016). Acute Toxicity of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Euphorbia heterophylla L. in Sprague Dawley Rats. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 1(3): 1-10.
4.Olubunmi Elemo, Ibrahim Oreagba, Akinyede Akinwunmi, Gloria Elemo, Viola Nicholas-Okpara (2016). Lactation Failure and Potential of Traditional Herbs as Galactogogues. International Journal of Healthcare Sciences, 4(1): 427-434.
5.Itoandon, Emoleila E., Bankole, Samuel A., Ezeanyanaso, C.S., Nwachukwu, Viola A. and Lasore, Olawale O. (2016). Production and Characterization of Ethanol Biogel, An Alternative Energy Source for Cooking. Journal Environmental Science, Technology and Food Technology, 10(9): 95-101.
6.John A. Ajiboye, Ochuko L. Erukainure, Babatunde A. Lawal, Viola A. Nwachukwu, Adesewa O. Tugbobo-Amisu, Ebelechukwu N. Okafor (2015). Comparative alteration in atherogenic indices and hypocholesteremic effect of palm oil and palm oil mill effluent in normal albino rats. Heliyon Elsevier 10:1-10.
7.Erukainure, O.L., Ebuehi, O.A.T., Adeboyejo, F.O., Nwachukwu, Viola A., Aliyu, M., Elemo, G.N. (2013). Fibre-enriched Cake Attenuates Lipid Peroxidation, Hyperlipidemic and Modulates Redox Activities in Renal Tissues of Diabetic Rats. Pharmacologia, 4(11):601-605.
8.Gwarzo, M.Y., Nwachukwu, Viola A. and Abdullahi, L. (2010). Prevention of alloxan induced diabetes mellitus in rats with Vitamin A dietary supplementation. Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 4(4):190-196.
9.Nwachukwu, Viola A., Udedi, S.C., Ezeonu, Shode, F.O., Karpoormath, R. and Elemo, G.N. A Bioactive Compound Isolated from Emilia coccinea leaf Dichloromethane partitioned fraction: Characterization using NMR (In press).
PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS/CONFERENCE PAPERS:
1.Nicholas-Okpara,V.A.N., Udedi, S.C., Ezeonu, E., Ochuko L. Erukanure, Ezeanyanaso, C.S., Shode, F.O. Jeanine L. Marnewick and Elemo, G.N. (2017). Anti-sickling potential of Emilia coccinea leaf may be as a result of amino acids interaction with sickled hemoglobin and modulation of Redox Homeostasis. International Conference (Humboldt-Kolleg) Federal University of Technology, conference book of abstract.
2.Obode, O.C., Nicholas-Okpara, V.A.N., Eboagwu, L.I., Elemo, O.O., Egbai, H.E., Ogba, K., Oladunmoye, O.O, Oluwole, O.B. and Elemo, G.N (2017).Evaluation of selected Nigerian Medicinal Plants with great anticancer potentials: The need for development of Natural Products. International Conference (Humboldt-Kolleg) Federal University of Technology, conference book of abstract.
3.Ezeanyanaso, C.S., Nicholas-Okpara, V.A.N., Ugokwe, P.U. and Elemo, G.N. (2017). Exploring the potentials and benefits of Local Plant Materials in the development of Nutraceutical Products. International Conference (Humboldt-Kolleg) Federal University of Technology, conference book of abstract.
4.Nwachukwu, Viola A., Udedi, S.C., Ezeonu, F.C., Orji, F.A, Ezeanyanaso, C.S. Itoandon, E.E., Bartholomew I. C. Brai and Elemo, G.N. (2016).Bioactive Agents, Nutraceuticals Potentials, Phytochemistry, and Food Value of Emilia coccinea Leaf: A Review.Herbfest Symposium-Owerri, book of abstract.
5.Nwachukwu, A. Viola, Tugbobo-Amisu, O. A., Itoandon, E. E., Ebenezer I. M., Oluchi A. O., Okafor, J. N., Oluwole, O. B. and Elemo, G. N. (2015). Evaluation of selected under-utilised indigenous fruits and their potential for enhanced nutrition security and commercial exploitation in Nigeria: The Need for re-cultivation practice and post-harvest processing, 45th Nutrition Society of Nigeria National conference and Annual General Meeting, book of abstract.
6.Stanley C. Udedi, Viola A. Nwachukwu, Emeka Ezeonu, Ochuko L. Erukainure, Emoleila E. Itoandon, Francis Shode and Gloria N. Elemo (2014). Proximate Composition and Physicochemical Properties on the Leaf and Stem of Wild Emilia Coccinea grown In Alor-Idemili south Nigeria, 44th Nutrition Society of Nigeria National conference and Annual General Meeting, book of abstract and poster.
7.Viola A. Nwachukwu, Ochuko L. Erukainure, Ijeoma L. Eboagwu, Akinyele Ogunji, Adesewa O. Tugbobo-Amisu, Deborah Ibekwe and Sunday O. Adenekan (2014). Effect of Fermentation on the Chemical and Free Radical Scavenging Properties of Orange Peel – Wheat Composite Flour, 44thNutrition Society of Nigeria National conference and Annual General Meeting, book of abstract.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROJECTS:
1.Isolation, Purification, Characterization of Bioactive Agents; Assessment of Biological Activities and Food Value of Emilia coccinea leaf-2016. (PhD. Thesis-2016)
2.Prevention of alloxan induced diabetes mellitus onset in rats treated with antioxidants. (MSc Thesis-2010)
3.The effect of Sephadex G-50 Blue fraction (peak 1) of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdarifa Dried flower Extract on Tissue levels of MDA and Ascorbic acid in normal and 2,4-dinitro phenylhydrazine treated rats-2004. (BSc Thesis-2004)
RESEACH AND DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTS
1.Wholesome Onion Paste
2.Anti-sickling Nutraceutical from indigenous crops
3.Nutraceutical Infusion Viola-Emilia Tea
4.Isolated, purified and characterized plant steroid
ON-GOING RESEACH AND DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTS
1.Onion powder seasoning
2.Sport drink
3.Functional Cereal-Banana complementary meal
4.Functional Moringa herbal bread for elderly
5.Green pap (Moringa and Emilia)
6.Moringa edible oil
7.M. oleifera seed dehuller
8.Anti-cancer Nutraceutical
9.HIV Immuno food
ONGOING RESEARCH PROJECTS:
1.Development and Evaluation of Anti-Cancer Nutraceutical From Annona Muricata Lin
2.Development and Production of packaged onion powder and other value added onion products from indigenous onion varieties.
3.Development and production of immune booster functional food from indigenous crops for HIV/AIDS vulnerable.
4.Production and packaging of high energy sport drink from indigenous fruits.
5.Effect of high fat diet on some metabolic processes in wistar strain albino rats towards regulation of fat cells using medicinal plant extract
6.Development and production of Functional Cereal-Banana from indigenous crops.
7.Development and production of Functional herbal bread for elderly Nutrition.
8.Development and production of green pap from Orange fleshed potato, pigeon pea and green herbs (Moringa and Emilia leaves).
SEMINAR PAPERS:
Commercial Organic Agriculture, Application of Organic Foliar Fertilizer and post-harvest processing, 2017.
Studies on Cancer Cells: Development and Evaluation of Anti-Cancer Nutraceutical from Annona Muricata Lin, 2017.
Expository seminar on Moringa oleifera; nutrition, phytochemistry and toxicology, FIIRO-2016.
FIIRO SC1 Nutraceutical for management of Sickle cell Anaemia held at May and Baker Pharmaceutical, 2016.
Developments in Diabetes Mellitus Treatment and Management: Recent Molecular Approaches held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, 2015.
FIIRO SC1 Nutraceutical and Product Profile held at FIIRO, 2014.
Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, 2012.
Immuno blot methods held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, 2012.
Prevalence and pollution indicators of Hazardous waste in Anambra state held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, 2011.
Implementation of Millennium Development goals (MDGs) in Nigeria held at Bayero University Kano, 2007.
Radio immunoassay (RIA) held at Bayero University Kano, 2007.
Omega fatty acids and Heart disease held at Bayero University Kano, 2007.
Medicinal properties of Alluim species (allium cepa and allium sativum), University of Benin, 2004.
CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, SYMPOSIUM AND SUMMITS ATTENDED
International Training on Organic farming, Nature cure and Therapeutic foods for disease treatment, Vajaywada, Andrah Pradesh, India 8th March-23rd April, 2018
International Conference for Future Vision for a World in Transition, New Delhi 3rd-5thMarch, 2018
International Conference on World Peace, Health and Happiness World HQs. Shantivan Campus, Abu Road Rajasthan, India, 23rd– 27thFebruary 2018
41stAnnual Conference and General Meeting of Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology-Abuja-Oct 2017
International Conference on Traditional Knowledge-FIIRO Lagos-5th – 6th Oct 2017
47th Nutrition Society of Nigeria National conference and Annual General Meeting-Ibadan-19th -23rd Sept 2017
Organic Agriculture Business Summit-Awka Anambra State-11th – 14thJuly 2017
International Conference (Humboldt-Kolleg) Federal University of Technology Akure 2nd - 6th April, 2017
35th Annual conference of the Nigeria Societyof Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-Ogun State-Sept 2016
40th Annual Conference and General Meeting of Nigerian Institute of Food Scienece and Technology-Kano-Oct 2016
Herbfest Symposium-Owerri-Oct 2016
Research Summit for young scientists-UNIZIK-Jan 2016
National Codex Committee Meeting-NAFDAC Lagos Oshodi-2016
National Codex Committee Meeting-SON Lagos-Dec 2015
45th Nutrition Society of Nigeria National conference and Annual General Meeting-Lagos-2015
44th Nutrition Society of Nigeria National conference and Annual General Meeting-Owerri-2014
Roundtable Expert Scientific Meeting on Nutraceuticals and Sickle cell Disease Management-FIIRO in collaboration with Temitayo Awosika Help Foundation-FIIRO Lagos-2014
PROFESSIONAL BODIES/ASSOCIATIONS MEMBERSHIP:
National Organic Agriculture Practitioner of Nigeria (NOAN)
Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST)
Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN)
American Oil Chemical Society (AOCS)
Young Professionals in Agriculture Research for Development in Africa (YPARD)
World Bank Institute (WBI) Alumni
LEAP AFRICA Alumni (Leadership for Health, Youth Leadership & Integrity Institute)
British Council
South-South Initiative for Infectious Diseases of Poverty
Waste Management Association of Nigeria (WAMASON)
INTEREST & PASSION:
Research, volunteerism, Sports, Travel, Public management, Marketing and Education.
HOBBIES:
Martial art, Cooking, Tour, Volley ball & Lawn Tennis, Dancing, Singing, Writing, Swimming, Body massaging.
REFEREES:
Prof F.C. Ezeonu
Department of Applied Biochemistry,
Faculty of Bio-Sciences,
Nnamdi Azikiwe University,
P.M.B. 5025. Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
**.******@******.***.**
Prof Gwarzo Y. Muhammad
Department of Biochemistry,
Faculty of Science,
Bayero University Kano
P.M.B. 3011. Kano Nigeria
********@*****.**.**
Prof Francis O. Shode
Organic Chemistry Research Laboratory
Faculty of Science
Cape Penisula University of Technology Bellview Campus, Bellview South Africa
And
Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kwazulu Natal University Durban, South Africa
************@*****.***