Nyambane Ontita | Microbiology | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Nyambane Ontita | Microbiology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Researcher at Central South University, Kenya.

Nyambane Clive Ontita 🇰🇪 is a passionate environmental microbiologist 🌱 specializing in microbe-mineral interactions, bioelectrochemical systems ⚡, and resource recovery from industrial waste streams ♻️. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Central South University, China 🇨🇳, Clive focuses on innovative microbial strategies for rare earth element (REE) recovery and pollutant degradation from wastewater 🧪. With over a decade of combined teaching 🎓 and research experience, he bridges science and sustainability in real-world applications. His international exposure 🌍, impactful publications 📚, and hands-on technical skills in environmental analytics and microbial technologies make him a rising figure in green research. Clive is dedicated to interdisciplinary collaboration 🤝 and is driven by a mission to create sustainable, microbially-driven technologies that support clean industry and circular economies 🌎.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Suitability For Outstanding Scientist Award – Dr. Nyambane Ontita

Nyambane Ontita stands out as a committed, innovative, and impactful environmental microbiologist with a decade-long career dedicated to sustainable scientific solutions. His interdisciplinary expertise, combining microbiology, environmental engineering, and materials science, aligns strongly with the core values of the Outstanding Scientist Award—scientific excellence, innovation, real-world impact, and leadership in research.

Education

Clive holds a Ph.D. (ongoing) in Environmental Microbiology 🧫 from Central South University, China 🇨🇳, where he specializes in microbial electrochemical systems and metal recovery. He earned his Master’s degree in Microbiology 🧪 from Kenyatta University, Nairobi 🇰🇪, in 2015, focusing on clinical and environmental microbiology. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Education (Biology and Agriculture) 🌾 from Bugema University, Uganda 🇺🇬, in 2010. His educational path reflects a strong foundation in biological sciences, environmental health, and sustainable agriculture 🌿. With a mix of African and international education, Clive is well-equipped to tackle global environmental challenges using science and innovation 💡.

Experience

Clive has diverse professional experience in academia and research 🔬. Currently, he is a doctoral researcher at Central South University, China 🇨🇳, investigating bioelectrochemical methods for rare earth element recovery and wastewater treatment 💧. He previously served as a part-time lecturer 🧑‍🏫 at Kisii University and JKUAT in Kenya 🇰🇪, where he taught microbiology and supervised student research for over six years 📘. In 2015, he worked as a graduate researcher at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital 🏥, exploring clinical microbiology and antibiotic resistance. His extensive experience includes reactor operation, microbial analysis, and mentorship, positioning him as a skilled educator, researcher, and problem solver 🤝.

Professional Development

Clive is committed to lifelong learning and growth through research and collaboration 📚. He actively participates in international workshops and training programs 🌍, including the AITC course on Carbon Neutrality held in Bangkok (2024) 🌱, and the Graduate Innovation Forum on Low-Carbon Metal Resource Utilization in China (2023) 🌐. His continuous development in cutting-edge techniques like qPCR, bioinformatics 🧬, and surface analytics ensures he remains at the forefront of environmental biotechnology 🔬. Through conferences, academic networking 🤝, and cross-border collaborations, Clive refines his skills and contributes meaningfully to global sustainability conversations 🌎. His ability to merge theory with practical innovation positions him as a leader in his field 🚀.

Research Focus Category

Clive’s research is centered around Environmental Biotechnology 🌍 and Sustainable Resource Recovery 🔄. His work lies at the intersection of microbiology 🧫, environmental engineering 🛠️, and materials science 🧱. He focuses on developing bioelectrochemical systems (BES) to recover rare earth elements like Ce, La, and Gd from mining and industrial wastewater 🧪. Additionally, he investigates microbial processes for the degradation of emerging contaminants and biostabilization of mine waste ⛏️. His research addresses urgent environmental issues like pollution, resource scarcity, and clean energy transitions ⚡. Clive’s contribution directly supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Clean Water), 9 (Industry Innovation), and 13 (Climate Action) 🌿, placing him in the category of applied environmental science with real-world impact 🌎.

Research Skill Category

Clive possesses a wide range of high-level technical and analytical research skills 🔍. His core proficiencies include molecular biology techniques like DNA extraction, qPCR, and 16S rRNA sequencing 🧬, and bioinformatics tools such as PICRUSt for microbial pathway prediction 💻. He’s highly experienced with environmental analytics—operating tools like XPS, FTIR, SEM, XRD, and ICP-OES for metal speciation and surface characterization 🔬. Clive also designs and operates bioelectrochemical systems for pollutant degradation and metal recovery ⚙️. His expertise spans data analysis using SPSS, OriginLab, and GraphPad Prism 📊. His skillset is well-suited for complex, interdisciplinary research requiring precision, innovation, and scalability in environmental microbiology and process engineering 🌱.

Awards & Honors

Clive’s excellence has been recognized through several academic honors 🥇. He was awarded Best Research Student (2024) at Central South University 🇨🇳, acknowledging his innovative work in microbial electrochemical systems. In 2022, he also earned the Best Research Group Presenter title for his impactful research presentations and scientific communication skills 🎤. These awards reflect his dedication, academic leadership, and ability to translate complex research into practical, sustainable solutions 🌿. Clive continues to gain recognition as a rising environmental scientist with a strong academic and research trajectory.

Publication Top Notes

1. High‑efficiency nitrogen removal by cold‑tolerant bacteria consortium at low temperatures

  • Journal: Bioresource Technology

  • Publication Date: June 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132816

  • Authors: Y. Xu; N. C. Ontita; W. Zeng; J. Huang; L. Jiang; X. Huang; Q. Li; P. Hu

  • Summary: Demonstrates effective nitrogen removal via a cold-tolerant bacterial consortium in low-temperature wastewater conditions—critical for improving treatment in cold climates.

2. Mechanistic Insights into Biphasic Effects of Ce(III) on Anode Biofilms…

  • Journal: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution

  • Publication Date: June 2025

  • DOI: 10.1007/s11270-025-08175-9

  • Authors: N. C. Ontita; C. Amanze; R. Anaman; X. Shanshan; F. Kwofie; P. A. Tetteh; W. Zeng

  • Summary: Investigates how Ce(III) exhibits dual roles—enhancing or inhibiting—on anode biofilms in bioelectrochemical wastewater treatment, offering mechanistic insights for optimizing industrial systems.

3. Substrate‑mediated enhancement of bioelectrochemical systems for sustainable rare earth element recovery…

  • Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering

  • Publication Date: June 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.108199

  • Authors: N. C. Ontita; R. Anaman; C. Amanze; H. N. Nyangweso; W. Zeng

  • Summary: Presents substrate-based strategies to improve bioelectrochemical recovery of rare earth elements from mining wastewater—a sustainable alternative to conventional mining.

4. Electrochemically active biofilms responses to gadolinium stress during wastewater treatment…

  • Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials

  • Publication Date: March 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137941

  • Authors: N. C. Ontita; R. Anaman; E. K. Sarkodie; Y. Wang; A. H. Bichi; X. Shanshan; H. N. Nyangweso; Y. Xu; C. Amanze; N. E. H. Bouroubi et al.

  •  Summary: Analyzes how gadolinium (Gd) stress affects electrochemically active biofilms, informing risk-mitigation strategies in wastewater systems using imposed bioelectrochemical processes.

5. Isolation and Whole‑genome analysis of Desmodesmus sp. SZ‑1: Novel acid‑tolerant carbon‑fixing microalga

  • Journal: Bioresource Technology

  • Publication Date: December 2024

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131572

  • Authors: Y. Wang; A. Liu; C. Amanze; N. C. Ontita; W. Zeng

  • Citations: 34

  •  Summary: Presents a novel acid-tolerant, carbon-fixing microalga with whole-genome analysis, offering potential for bioindustrial CO₂ sequestration and bioresource development.

6. Insights into anode substrate optimization in bioelectrochemical systems for efficient cathodic lanthanum recovery…

  • Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering

  • Publication Date: September 2024

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2024.106003

  • Authors: N. C. Ontita; E. K. Sarkodie; R. Anaman; Y. H. Tang; W. Zeng

  • Summary: Explores tailored anode substrates for enhanced cathodic lanthanum recovery—paving the way for valuable metal recovery in wastewater treatment.

Conclusion

Nyambane Ontita is an ideal candidate for the Outstanding Scientist Award. His impactful and innovative contributions to environmental microbiology and sustainable technology—coupled with strong technical capability, leadership potential, and international collaboration—exemplify the spirit of this honor. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also delivers practical solutions for cleaner industries and a more sustainable planet.

Foluso Oluwagbemiga Osunsanmi | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Foluso Oluwagbemiga Osunsanmi | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow at University of Zululand, South Africa.

Dr. Foluso Osunsanmi excels in a broad range of research areas, including biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and biotechnology. His extensive research into medicinal plants and bioinformatics sets him apart as an interdisciplinary scientist with real-world impact. The receipt of prestigious fellowships from the South African National Research Fund and the University of Zululand demonstrates his academic recognition. Additionally, his supervisory role for over 40 postgraduate students highlights his dedication to mentorship. His ability to secure funding for large-scale projects, such as studies on betulinic acid and Parkia biglobosa seeds, further cements his research excellence.

Profile👤

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Dr. Foluso Osunsanmi holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Zululand, South Africa (2016), with a thesis focused on the antiplatelet aggregation activity of betulinic acid derivatives from Melaleuca bracetatavar. He also earned an MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Lagos, Nigeria (2006), where he conducted research on the effects of medical plant decoctions on rabbits. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Calabar, Nigeria (2001), where he explored the effects of monosodium glutamate on rats. His education reflects a solid foundation in both practical and theoretical biochemistry, complemented by certifications in research design, statistical analysis, and doctoral research training from institutions in South Africa.

Experience💼

Dr. Osunsanmi has extensive academic and industry experience. Currently a Research Fellow at the University of Zululand, he coordinates postgraduate research and supervises students. His previous roles include lecturer and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Zululand and a facilitator at Alma International School, where he taught biology and chemistry modules. He also held research associate positions at Durban University of Technology and Sholab Nutraceuticals, contributing to research coordination and product development. His experience in teaching, curriculum development, research management, and supervision has been complemented by practical roles, such as quality control manager at Engineering Services Contractors Ltd in Nigeria, where he was responsible for safety audits and wastewater analysis.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Osunsanmi’s research interests span across several domains of biochemistry and biotechnology. His primary focus lies in clinical biochemistry, medicinal plants, and nutritional biochemistry, with special attention to antiplatelet activity and metabolic diseases. His research also explores bioinformatics, functional food, and ethno-pharmacology, integrating traditional medicinal knowledge with modern biochemical approaches. Other areas of interest include microbiology, proteomics, and organic synthetic studies, particularly in the development of compounds with therapeutic potential. His interdisciplinary approach allows him to contribute to both applied and theoretical aspects of biochemistry, while his work on in silico studies and biotechnology emphasizes innovation in drug discovery and agricultural solutions.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Osunsanmi has received several notable awards, underscoring his research excellence and academic contribution. These include the South African National Research Fund (SA-NRF) Postdoctoral Fellowship Award in 2017, and the University of Zululand’s Research Office Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, which he held from 2017 to 2020. He was also recognized as the Best Oral Presenter at the Faculty of Science Symposium in 2013 and has been awarded various travel incentives by the University of Zululand. His funded projects have focused on antiplatelet aggregation and nutritional analysis, which secured financial support from organizations like the South Africa Medical Research Council and NRF. These awards reflect his commitment to advancing research in biochemistry, particularly in the areas of medicinal plant biochemistry and metabolic diseases.

Conclusion 🔚 

Dr. Osunsanmi has made notable contributions to the fields of biochemistry and biotechnology, particularly through his research on medicinal plants and nutrition-related biochemistry. His mentorship of numerous students and ability to secure competitive research funding demonstrate his capacity as a researcher and educator. With increased international visibility and leadership roles, Dr. Osunsanmi is poised to make an even larger impact on the scientific community, further solidifying his candidacy for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Comparative study on proximate, functional, mineral, and antinutrient composition of fermented, defatted, and protein isolate of Parkia biglobosa seed
BI Ogunyinka, BE Oyinloye, FO Osunsanmi, AP Kappo, AR Opoku
2017, Cited by: 57

Aqueous extract of Monodora myristica ameliorates cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats
BE Oyinloye, AF Adenowo, FO Osunsanmi, BI Ogunyinka, SO Nwozo
2016, Cited by: 52

Protective Effects of Parkia biglobosa Protein Isolate on Streptozotocin-Induced Hepatic Damage and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Male Rats
BI Ogunyinka, BE Oyinloye, FO Osunsanmi, AR Opoku, AP Kappo
2017, Cited by: 22

Modulatory Effect of Methanol Extract of Piper guineense in CCl₄-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats
BE Oyinloye, FO Osunsanmi, BO Ajiboye, OA Ojo, AP Kappo
2017, Cited by: 19

A Lanosteryl Triterpene from Protorhus longifolia Improves Glucose Tolerance and Pancreatic Beta Cell Ultrastructure in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
SE Mabhida, RA Mosa, D Penduka, FO Osunsanmi, PV Dludla
2017, Cited by: 18