Mariam Oyedeji Amusa | Botanical Pharmacognosy | Best Researcher Award

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📚

  • 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
    2023205 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
    202346 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
    202327 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.
    202322 citations

  • Medicinal properties of whole fruit extracts of Nauclea latifolia Smith.: Antimicrobial, antioxidant and hypoglycemic assessments
    MO Oyedeji-Amusa, AOT Ashafa
    201922 citations

  • The ethnobotany and chemistry of South African Meliaceae: a review
    MO Oyedeji-Amusa, NJ Sadgrove, BE Van Wyk
    202121 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
    202020 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.
    202312 citations

  • Wood anatomy of South African Meliaceae: evolutionary and ecological implications
    MO Oyedeji Amusa, BE Van Wyk, A Oskolski
    202011 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
    201610 citations

  • Effect of Ethanol leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata on lipid profile…
    MO Amusa, AOA, OPC Ugwu
    202310 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.
    20249 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
    20245 citations

  • Medicinal plants used in the treatment of Typhoid fever in Nigeria: A Systematic Review
    M Oyedeji-Amusa, N Cuboia, K Olofinsan
    20244 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.
    20244 citations

  • Ethnomedicinal importance and antimicrobial activity of Leonotis ocymifolia
    MO Oyedeji-Amusa, SF Van Vuuren, RD Rattray, BE Van Wyk
    20243 citations

  • Ethnopharmacological survey on medicinal plants utilization in Freetown, Sierra Leone
    A Adepoju, MO Oyedeji-Amusa, O Awotunde, O Ugwu
    20232 citations

  • Dietary nutrients, antinutritional factors, and valorization of food waste
    AJ Olaseni, M Moses, OA Mariam, SS Oyefunke
    20201 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

Li Guan | Botanical Pharmacognosy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Li Guan | Botanical Pharmacognosy | Best Researcher Award

Lecture/Master’s supervisor at Jinzhou Medical University, China

Dr. Li Guan is a dedicated researcher and lecturer at Jinzhou Medical University with a strong academic background in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She earned her Ph.D. from Northeast Forestry University and is currently completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Hunan University. Her research focuses on the pharmacological effects of plant exosomes and protein signal transduction in plant nuclear membrane proteins—fields with growing biomedical relevance. Dr. Guan has published three SCI Q1-indexed journal articles and holds two patents, demonstrating both research quality and innovation. She actively mentors graduate students, one of whom has published under her guidance, and maintains collaborations with institutions such as the Liaoning Collaborative Innovation Center. In addition to her editorial role, she is a member of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Society. With a commitment to cutting-edge research and academic growth, Dr. Li Guan represents a promising early-career scientist with the potential for significant future contributions.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓 

Dr. Li Guan has a solid and progressive academic background that reflects her dedication to the field of life sciences. She began her higher education at Northeast Forestry University, earning a dual bachelor’s degree in Forestry and English in 2014. She continued at the same institution to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which she completed in December 2020. Her doctoral research focused on plant vesicle transport, laying the foundation for her future work in molecular plant science. In January 2021, she commenced a postdoctoral fellowship at Hunan University, where she expanded her research into protein signal transduction in plant nuclear membrane proteins. Since December 2022, Dr. Guan has served as a lecturer and master’s supervisor at Jinzhou Medical University, where she guides graduate students and continues her investigations into plant exosomes. Her academic journey demonstrates a consistent focus on innovative and relevant research in the biological sciences.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Li Guan has cultivated a focused and steadily advancing professional career in academic research and teaching. Her professional journey began with her postdoctoral fellowship at Hunan University in January 2021, where she conducted research on protein signal transduction in plant nuclear membrane proteins. This role allowed her to deepen her expertise in molecular biology while contributing to high-impact scientific publications. In December 2022, she was appointed as a lecturer and master’s supervisor at Jinzhou Medical University. In this role, she has taken on both teaching responsibilities and active research, particularly in the area of plant exosomes and their pharmacological effects. Dr. Guan has successfully mentored graduate students, one of whom has published an SCI Q1-indexed article under her supervision. Her involvement in collaborative research with institutions such as the Liaoning Collaborative Innovation Center further reflects her growing influence in the scientific community and commitment to advancing plant-based biomedical research.

Research Interest 🔬

Dr. Li Guan’s research interests lie at the intersection of plant molecular biology and biomedical science, with a particular focus on the pharmacological effects of plant-derived exosomes and protein signal transduction mechanisms. She is deeply engaged in exploring how plant exosomes—nano-sized vesicles involved in intercellular communication—can influence biological processes and potentially serve as natural drug delivery systems. During her doctoral studies, she concentrated on plant vesicle transport, which laid the groundwork for her continued interest in cellular signaling pathways. Her postdoctoral research expanded into protein signaling within plant nuclear membrane proteins, further enhancing her understanding of intracellular communication. Dr. Guan is especially interested in the potential biomedical applications of plant exosomes, including their role in inflammation, immune modulation, and targeted therapies. Her research aims to bridge the gap between plant science and human health, offering innovative insights into how natural systems can inspire therapeutic advancements in modern medicine.

Research Skill🔎

Dr. Li Guan possesses a diverse set of research skills rooted in molecular biology, biochemistry, and plant science. She is proficient in advanced laboratory techniques such as protein extraction and analysis, gene expression profiling, vesicle isolation, and fluorescence microscopy. Her expertise extends to working with plant-derived exosomes, including their extraction, purification, and functional analysis, which are essential for investigating their pharmacological properties. Dr. Guan also has experience in molecular cloning, Western blotting, and signal transduction assays, particularly in the context of plant nuclear membrane proteins. She demonstrates strong analytical skills in interpreting experimental data and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. Additionally, her ability to manage independent research projects, guide graduate students, and collaborate across disciplines highlights her project management and leadership capabilities. Dr. Guan’s combined technical proficiency, scientific curiosity, and commitment to innovation enable her to contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge research in plant-based biomedical applications.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Li Guan is an emerging researcher who has begun to gain recognition for her contributions to plant molecular biology and pharmacological research. While she is still in the early stages of her academic career, her work has been acknowledged through the publication of multiple high-impact SCI Q1-indexed articles, which is a notable achievement in the scientific community. She has also successfully filed two patents related to her research, reflecting her focus on innovation and applied science. In addition, her appointment as a lecturer and master’s supervisor at Jinzhou Medical University, along with her editorial role in a scientific journal, highlights the professional trust and respect she has earned. Dr. Guan is an active member of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Society, which provides her with opportunities for academic networking and engagement. As her career progresses, she is well-positioned to receive further honors and awards for her valuable scientific contributions.

Conclusion📝

Li Guan is a promising early-career researcher with strong academic credentials, niche research specialization, and quality publications in high-impact journals. Her contribution to the understanding of plant exosomes and protein signaling is commendable and relevant to modern biosciences.

However, for a Best Researcher Award, which typically recognizes sustained excellence and broad impact, the current portfolio may be better suited for categories like:

  • Young Scientist Award

  • Best Research Scholar Award

  • Women Research Award

If citation impact and project volume improve in the coming years, Li Guan would be a stronger contender for the Best Researcher Award. For now, she shows strong potential and a commendable start to her academic career.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Title: FERONIA interacts with NPL4 to regulate immunity gene mRNA nucleocytoplasmic transport in response to plant immunity

  • Journal: Plant Science

  • Publication Type: Journal Article

  • Year: 2025 (August)

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2025.112545

  • Authors: Li Guan, Peilong Wang, Yongliang Li, Sufang Zhang

  • Citation Count: [Citation data not yet available] (As it is an upcoming 2025 publication, citation count may not yet be recorded in databases)