Dr. Mariam Oyedeji Amusa | Botanical Pharmacognosy | Best Researcher Award
Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Dr. Mariam Oyedeji Amusa is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg and a part-time Senior Lecturer at Kampala International University. With a Ph.D. in Botany and Plant Biotechnology, and prior degrees in Pharmacognosy and Plant Science, her research focuses on ethnobotany, phytochemistry, molecular taxonomy, and plant-based drug discovery. She has authored over 18 journal articles, contributed to scholarly books, and actively collaborates with international researchers across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Dr. Amusa has led and facilitated numerous workshops on systematic reviews and meta-analysis, mentored postgraduate students, and contributed to capacity building in African scientific communities. Her work addresses critical global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, using indigenous knowledge and modern biotechnology. She is a member of professional bodies including the South African Association of Botanists and SACNASP. Her contributions exemplify academic excellence, scientific leadership, and a commitment to sustainable health solutions through plant-based innovations.
Professional Profile
Education 🎓
Dr. Mariam Oyedeji Amusa holds a Ph.D. in Botany and Plant Biotechnology from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, where she conducted a multidisciplinary study on the Meliaceae family, integrating systematics, anatomy, and antimicrobial research. She also earned a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Pharmacognosy from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, with a thesis focused on the antimicrobial properties of Nauclea latifolia. Her foundational academic training includes a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Plant Science from the University of Ilorin, where she studied seed germination and growth variability in cowpea varieties. Her educational background reflects a strong and progressive focus on plant biology, medicinal botany, and natural product research. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Amusa has developed expertise in diverse areas such as ethnobotany, phytomedicine, molecular biology, and plant taxonomy, forming a solid foundation for her current research in metabolomics, nanotechnology, and drug discovery from natural sources.
Professional Experience 💼
Dr. Mariam Oyedeji Amusa has amassed diverse professional experience across research, teaching, and scientific capacity building. Currently, she serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, where she conducts advanced studies in plant metabolomics, antimicrobial activities, and systematic reviews. She also holds a part-time position as a Senior Lecturer at Kampala International University, teaching courses such as biostatistics, microbiology, and genetics. Previously, she lectured at the Pan African University and tutored at the University of Johannesburg, where she also mentored postgraduate and undergraduate students, supervised fieldwork, and coordinated practical sessions. Dr. Amusa has contributed to academic development through her roles as a facilitator of workshops on systematic reviews and meta-analysis across Africa. Her early career included work as a Development Knowledge Facilitator during Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps, where she trained over 400 graduates in entrepreneurship skills. Her experience reflects a strong commitment to research, education, and scientific empowerment.
Research Interest 🔬
Dr. Mariam Oyedeji Amusa’s research interests center on the discovery of plant-based solutions to global health challenges, with a strong emphasis on natural product research, ethnobotany, and biotechnology. Her work focuses on the therapeutic potential of indigenous medicinal plants, particularly in addressing antimicrobial resistance and promoting sustainable health practices. She has a keen interest in nanotechnology, metabolomics, and drug discovery, exploring the biochemical and pharmacological properties of plant secondary metabolites. Dr. Amusa also engages deeply in molecular taxonomy, using genetic and anatomical approaches to understand plant diversity and systematics, particularly in African flora. An advocate for evidence-based practice, she is actively involved in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, employing tools such as RevMan and Rayyan for research synthesis. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges traditional knowledge with modern scientific techniques, aiming to validate and harness the medicinal value of plants. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to integrative and accessible healthcare innovations from natural origins.
Research Skill🔎
Dr. Mariam Oyedeji Amusa possesses a robust set of research skills that span both laboratory and analytical domains, enabling her to conduct high-impact interdisciplinary studies in plant science and pharmacognosy. She is proficient in phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial assays, and toxicity evaluations, which she applies to investigate the medicinal potential of indigenous plants. Her expertise in molecular systematics and taxonomy is supported by advanced techniques in microscopy (LM and SEM) and DNA-based analysis. Dr. Amusa is also highly skilled in plant metabolomics and bioinformatics, using tools such as QGIS, Excel, and GraphPad Prism for data visualization and statistical analysis. She is an experienced facilitator of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, with strong command over research synthesis platforms like Rayyan and RevMan. Additionally, her mentoring and supervision of postgraduate students reflect her ability to guide complex research projects. Her integrative skillset positions her as a versatile researcher capable of bridging traditional knowledge with modern science.
Award and Honor🏆
Dr. Mariam Oyedeji Amusa has earned recognition for her outstanding contributions to botanical research and capacity building in African science communities. While specific awards are not extensively listed in her profile, her selection as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg itself reflects academic merit and research excellence. She has also served as a facilitator for research capacity development workshops, which underscores her leadership in scientific training and mentorship. Her role as a part-time Senior Lecturer at Kampala International University and past lecturer at Pan African University highlights her continued recognition as a trusted academic in plant science and pharmacognosy. Furthermore, her consistent collaboration with researchers across continents, as well as invitations to contribute to edited scientific volumes, demonstrates the respect she commands in her field. Dr. Amusa’s growing citation metrics, international visibility, and involvement in consultancy projects all reflect professional acknowledgment of her work and emerging global influence.
Conclusion📝
Dr. Mariam Oyefunke Oyedeji Amusa is a strong and promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially considering her interdisciplinary research excellence, global collaborations, and commitment to mentorship and research dissemination across Africa. While there is room for growth in innovation-based outputs and editorial leadership, her profile aligns well with the award’s mission to recognize impactful, globally relevant research in botany and related sciences.
Suggested Category Fit:
✔ Best Researcher Award
✔ Women Research Award (Alternate strong fit)
✔ Excellence in Research Award (If innovation metrics grow further)
Publications Top Noted📚
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Inclusion of nutritional counseling and mental health services in HIV/AIDS management: A paradigm shift
EU Alum, EI Obeagu, OPC Ugwu, AO Samson, AO Adepoju, MO Amusa
2023 – 205 citations -
Effect of Ethanol leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata on lipid profile of streptozotocin induced diabetic wistar albino rats
OPC Ugwu, EU Alum, EI Obeagu, MB Okon, PM Aja, AO Samson, MO Amusa
2023 – 46 citations -
Effect of Ethanol Leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata on hepatic markers in streptozotocin-induced diabetic wistar albino rats
OPC Ugwu, EI Obeagu, EU Alum, MB Okon, PM Aja, MO Amusa
2023 – 27 citations -
Synthesis and computational investigation of N, N-dimethyl-4-[(Z)-(phenylimino) methyl] aniline derivatives: Biological and quantitative structural activity relationship studies
I Waziri, MT Kelani, MO Oyedeji-Amusa, AK Oyebamiji, LCC Coetzee, et al.
2023 – 22 citations -
Medicinal properties of whole fruit extracts of Nauclea latifolia Smith.: Antimicrobial, antioxidant and hypoglycemic assessments
MO Oyedeji-Amusa, AOT Ashafa
2019 – 22 citations -
The ethnobotany and chemistry of South African Meliaceae: a review
MO Oyedeji-Amusa, NJ Sadgrove, BE Van Wyk
2021 – 21 citations -
Antimicrobial activity and toxicity of extracts from the bark and leaves of South African indigenous Meliaceae against selected pathogens
MO Oyedeji-Amusa, S Van Vuuren
2020 – 20 citations -
Exploring natural plant products in breast cancer management: A comprehensive review and future prospects
EU Alum, EI Obeagu, OPC Ugwu, OU Orji, AO Adepoju, MO Amusa, et al.
2023 – 12 citations -
Wood anatomy of South African Meliaceae: evolutionary and ecological implications
MO Oyedeji Amusa, BE Van Wyk, A Oskolski
2020 – 11 citations -
Ethnoveterinary survey of tradomedical importance of Bos taurus L urine, bile and dung in Nigeria and South Africa
MO Oyedeji-Amusa, OT Ojuromi, AO Ashafa
2016 – 10 citations -
Effect of Ethanol leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata on lipid profile…
MO Amusa, AOA, OPC Ugwu
2023 – 10 citations -
Efficacy and safety of Mazdutide on weight loss among diabetic and non-diabetic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
DL Nalisa, N Cuboia, E Dyab, IL Jackson, HJ Felix, P Shoki, M Mubiana, et al.
2024 – 9 citations -
A taxonomic review of South African indigenous Meliaceae using molecular systematics and anatomical data
MO Oyedeji Amusa, RD Stewart, M van der Bank, BE van Wyk
2024 – 5 citations -
Medicinal plants used in the treatment of Typhoid fever in Nigeria: A Systematic Review
M Oyedeji-Amusa, N Cuboia, K Olofinsan
2024 – 4 citations -
Comparative investigation of derivatives of (E)-N-((E)-3-phenylallylidene) aniline: Synthesis, structural characterization, biological evaluation, density functional theory …
I Waziri, MT Kelani, MO Oyedeji-Amusa, AK Oyebamiji, LCC Coetzee, et al.
2024 – 4 citations -
Ethnomedicinal importance and antimicrobial activity of Leonotis ocymifolia
MO Oyedeji-Amusa, SF Van Vuuren, RD Rattray, BE Van Wyk
2024 – 3 citations -
Ethnopharmacological survey on medicinal plants utilization in Freetown, Sierra Leone
A Adepoju, MO Oyedeji-Amusa, O Awotunde, O Ugwu
2023 – 2 citations -
Dietary nutrients, antinutritional factors, and valorization of food waste
AJ Olaseni, M Moses, OA Mariam, SS Oyefunke
2020 – 1 citation -
Adoption of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Household Food Security of Smallholder Poultry Farmers in Lagos and Ogun states, Nigeria
SA Abanigbe, P Orowole, MS Ngidi, M Yusuf-Oshoala, TO Ojo, et al.
2024