Samuel Umma | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Samuel Umma | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

Dr. Samuel Bem Umma is a dedicated researcher and academician in the field of Fisheries and Aquaculture with over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and academic service. Based at the Federal University Wukari, Nigeria, he has made substantial contributions to sustainable aquaculture through studies on fish nutrition, microbial feed additives, aquatic toxicology, and fish health. His research promotes alternatives to synthetic antibiotics, particularly using bioactive compounds from Escherichia coli and indigenous plants. With over 20 published research papers, several conference presentations, and a book chapter with Springer, Dr. Umma exemplifies interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. His teaching portfolio spans multiple courses across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and he actively contributes to curriculum development and departmental responsibilities. Committed to advancing fisheries science in Africa, he is affiliated with major professional bodies such as the World Aquaculture Society and the Fisheries Society of Nigeria. Dr. Umma continues to champion sustainable aquaculture practices and environmental resilience.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Samuel Bem Umma holds a strong academic background in Fisheries and Aquaculture. He obtained his Bachelor of Fisheries (B.Fisheries) in 2010 from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. He pursued further specialization by completing his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Fisheries and Aquaculture at the University of Ibadan in 2013. Recently, in 2024, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the same field from the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s leading institutions. His academic journey is marked by a consistent focus on aquatic ecosystems, sustainable aquaculture systems, and fish nutrition, forming the theoretical and practical foundation of his current research pursuits. This educational progression reflects both his academic commitment and long-term investment in enhancing aquaculture research and practice in Nigeria and beyond. His education has equipped him with a multidisciplinary understanding of aquatic health, nutrition, toxicology, and biotechnology—all of which are central to his professional and research work.

Professional Experience

Dr. Umma began his academic career in 2015 as a Lecturer at the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. Over the past decade, he has taught more than 20 specialized courses, including Fish Nutrition, Limnology, Aquatic Toxicology, Fish Genetics, Fish Biochemistry, and Advanced Aquaculture. He has served in multiple administrative roles such as Acting Head of Department, Departmental Examination Officer, SIWES Coordinator, and Secretary of the Postgraduate Committee. He has actively participated in departmental curriculum review, project guideline development, and student advising across all academic levels. His contributions extend to the organization of departmental resources, faculty IGR initiatives, and quality assurance in teaching and learning. Beyond classroom instruction, Dr. Umma’s hands-on involvement in research and academic leadership demonstrates a well-rounded professional commitment to both education and fisheries research, which is essential for capacity building in Nigerian aquaculture and higher education.

Research Interests

Dr. Umma’s research interests lie primarily in fish health and nutrition, aquatic toxicology, microbial biotechnology, and phytogenic feed additives. His work is at the intersection of sustainability, biotechnology, and aquaculture, with a focus on reducing antibiotic use in fish farming through natural alternatives. He explores the use of bioactive metabolite extracts from non-pathogenic Escherichia coli and plant-based compounds such as Heinsia crinita to improve fish immunity, growth, and environmental safety. His studies often incorporate water quality analysis, heavy metal bioaccumulation, and the impact of feed formulations on fish physiology. Furthermore, he is interested in optimizing aquaculture systems for rural and commercial fisheries in West Africa. His research aligns with global efforts toward sustainable food systems, addressing both productivity and environmental protection. He also contributes to understanding fish population dynamics, hatchery techniques, and post-harvest preservation—all vital for improving aquaculture output and food security in developing regions.

Research Skills

Dr. Umma possesses a diverse array of research skills that span aquatic sampling, nutrient analysis, microbial screening, toxicological assays, and fish growth performance trials. He is proficient in designing and conducting controlled feeding experiments using plant-based and microbial supplements, evaluating fish health via haematological and biochemical assays. His technical abilities include zooplankton biomass estimation, bioaccumulation studies of heavy metals, and water quality assessments under varying ecological conditions. He is experienced in formulating experimental fish diets and measuring feed conversion efficiency, survival rates, and immune responses. Dr. Umma also has advanced capabilities in data analysis using statistical software, scholarly writing, and scientific communication. His recent collaborative studies show his strength in interdisciplinary research, combining aquaculture with microbial biotechnology and pharmacology. He is adept at publishing in peer-reviewed journals and preparing research findings for conference presentations. These competencies position him as a capable and evolving researcher in sustainable fisheries science.

Awards and Honors

While Dr. Samuel Bem Umma has not yet received major international research awards, his growing academic record and recent Ph.D. conferment in 2024 mark significant milestones in his career. His selection as a speaker and presenter at national and regional conferences, such as the World Aquaculture Society (African Chapter), Aquaculture Ghana, and National Biotechnology Research Conference, reflects peer recognition of his work in sustainable aquaculture. He has also contributed a book chapter published by Springer—a notable academic achievement that demonstrates international engagement. Additionally, his research on plant-based diets and microbial metabolites in fish farming is gaining scholarly attention, as indicated by recent publications in indexed journals and a patent under process. As a member of professional bodies like FISON, ANIFS, and WAS, he is recognized within his field and continues to build his academic visibility and leadership. These achievements collectively position him as an emerging scholar of promise in fisheries research.

Conclusion

Dr. Samuel Bem Umma demonstrates solid credentials and emerging excellence in fisheries and aquaculture research. His work is particularly impactful in sustainable fish production and microbial therapeutics — areas of critical importance to food security and environmental sustainability. While certain metrics such as citation impact and international funding could be improved, his interdisciplinary innovation, growing publication record, and commitment to academic development make him a suitable and promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Noted

  • Adeshina I., Sani R.A., Adewale Y.A., Tiamiyu L.O., Umma S.B. (2018)
    Effects of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf meal as a replacement for soybean meal on growth, body composition and health status in Cyprinus carpio juveniles
    Croatian Journal of Fisheries 76(4), 174–182 – Cited by: 39

  • Umma S.B., Iyiola A.O., Adeshina I. (2023)
    Relationship pattern of enteric bacterial load and assessed micronutrients in the gut of Clarias gariepinus fish sampled in the Ibadan municipal zone
    Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology 84(1):23 – Cited by: 5

  • Adeshina I., Umma S.B., Adesanmi O., Adewale Y.A. (2016)
    Distribution of bacteria load in fish tissues, pond water and sediment in Oyo State, Nigeria – Cited by: 2

  • Olukunle O., Umma S.B. (2016)
    Evaluation of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus Responses to Graded Levels of Zinc Practical Diet
    African Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management 1, 90 – Cited by: 2

  • Paray B.A., Adeshina I., Bhat E.A., Raji A., Umma S.B., Alliy R.O., Tiamiyu L.O. (2024)
    Effect of dietary Lagnaria breviflora leaves extract on African catfish juveniles
    J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 108(4):1164–1175 – Cited by: 1

  • Tyokumbur E.T., Umma S.B. (2017)
    Assessment of Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Wild Fish
    American Journal of Agricultural Science 4(2):23–28 – Cited by: 1

  • Tyokumbur E.T., Umma S.B. (2017)
    Sarotherodon melanotheron from Alaro Stream in Ibadan, Nigeria
    American Journal of Agricultural Science 4(6):120–125 – Cited by: 1

  • Ogunremi J.B., Sadiq H.O., Umma S.B., Oshimagye M.I. (2016)
    Perception on acceptability of extension agents among rural fish farmers
    Nigerian Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture 4(1):59–62 – Cited by: 1

  • Umma S.B., Agbeja Y.E., Iyiola A.O. (2025)
    Sustainable Extraction and Production of Raw Materials for Bio-based Products in the Global South
    Book Chapter – Springer

  • Iyiola A.O., Kolawole A.S., Umma S.B., Iriobe T. (2024)
    Length-weight relationship of Oreochromis niloticus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus
    Aceh Journal of Animal Science 9(2):53–59

  • Umma S.B., Agbeja Y.E., Oyebola O.O., Ametefe G.D. (2024)
    Growth optimization and metabolite yield of non-pathogenic Escherichia coli from African catfish gut
    Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 23(12):2079–2087

  • Umma S.B., Ujah S., Gani B., Agu R.Z. (2023)
    Bacteriological diversity of organs of three fish species from Nigerian rivers
    Nigerian Journal of Fisheries 20(1)

  • Umma S.B., Adeshina I., Samuel S., Poirmozaffar S. (2025)
    Growth and gut bactericidal potential of Heinsia cinita-based diet in Nile Tilapia
    Scientifica

  • Adeshina I., Bhat E.A., Fawole O.O., Paray B.A., Umma S.B., Tiamiyu L.O. (2025)
    Herbal leaves mixture extract improves growth and Gyrodactylus resistance in hybrid catfish
    Aquaculture Nutrition

  • Umma S.B., Adeshina I. (2012)
    Zooplankton production and biomass estimates in Maiduguri, Nigeria
    Int. J. of Science and Development Studies

  • Bem U.S., Omoniyi D.A., Ibagye O.M., Flourizel I., Mamndeyati U.N., Kida D.A.
    Clarias gariepinus production study

  • Iyiola A.O., Umma S.B.
    Overview of triploid fish production processes for aquaculture

  • Tyokumbur E.T., Okorie T.G., Umma B.S.
    Appraisal of heavy and trace metals in sediments and fish

  • Tyokumbur E.T., Okorie T.G., Umma B.S.
    Bioaccumulation of metals in Clarias lazera and Tilapia zilli

  • Tyokumbur E.T., Okorie T., Umma B.
    Trace metal concentration in organs of Heterotis niloticus

Mei Luo | Seed Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mei Luo | Seed Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate prof at HFUT, China
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mei Luo is a distinguished researcher in the field of organic and organometallic chemistry, with a strong emphasis on the synthesis of chiral complexes and their biological applications, particularly anticancer agents. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Hefei University of Technology, Dr. Luo has established herself as a leading academic with a career spanning over two decades. Her research is marked by both scholarly productivity and real-world innovation, as reflected by her impressive portfolio of over 200 patents since 2006. She has collaborated with renowned international scientists and institutions, including postdoctoral and visiting scholar roles at the University of Utah and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Luo’s work bridges fundamental chemistry with applied pharmaceutical research, enabling translational applications in drug synthesis and metal-based therapeutics. In addition to her research, she is actively engaged in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in organic chemistry and structural analysis. Her publications in high-impact journals and commitment to academic mentorship highlight her role as both a scientist and educator. Dr. Luo’s contributions to science continue to be recognized nationally and internationally, positioning her as a valuable asset to the global scientific community.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Mei Luo’s academic background is both extensive and prestigious, reflecting a deep commitment to scientific training and international engagement. She earned her Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Hefei University of Technology, where she laid the foundational knowledge of organic and analytical chemistry. She then pursued and completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Science and Technology of China (1999–2003), one of the most highly regarded research universities in China. Her doctoral research emphasized advanced synthesis techniques and the characterization of metal complexes, setting the stage for her future work in organometallic chemistry. Following her Ph.D., Dr. Luo undertook postdoctoral research at Peking University from 2003 to 2005, further developing her expertise in coordination chemistry and materials science. She expanded her international exposure through prestigious visiting scholar appointments, including the University of Utah under the guidance of Nobel Laureate Peter J. Stang, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2017–2019), working with Kuo-Hsiung Lee in the field of medicinal chemistry. These international experiences have enriched her research perspective, cultivated global collaborations, and allowed her to adopt cutting-edge methodologies into her own research initiatives.

Professional Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mei Luo currently holds the position of Associate Professor at the Hefei University of Technology, where she has been contributing extensively to research and academic instruction in chemistry. With over 20 years of experience in higher education and research institutions, Dr. Luo has established herself as a prominent educator and research leader in the areas of organometallic and medicinal chemistry. Her professional journey includes postdoctoral research positions at Peking University and visiting scholar appointments at internationally reputed universities such as the University of Utah and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. These experiences have not only sharpened her technical expertise but also expanded her academic network and collaborative potential. At Hefei University of Technology, she is actively involved in curriculum development and teaching advanced courses in organic chemistry and structure analysis. Additionally, she supervises graduate and postgraduate students, guiding them through complex research problems related to drug synthesis and metal-ligand interactions. Her engagement in both research and teaching demonstrates a balanced academic profile. Dr. Luo has also contributed as a reviewer for scientific journals, participated in national research projects, and been involved in patent development, all of which underscore her active professional presence in the scientific community.

Research Interest

Dr. Mei Luo’s research interests focus on the synthesis and biological evaluation of chiral organometallic complexes, transition metal-based drugs, and coordination chemistry. She is particularly passionate about exploring the chemical structures and reactivity of organometallic compounds and their potential therapeutic applications, especially as anticancer agents. Her recent work investigates the development of palladium, platinum, and silver complexes with oxazoline-based ligands, evaluating their structure through crystallography and computational modeling, and testing their biological activities via molecular docking and cytotoxic assays. She also explores the green and one-pot synthetic methodologies for producing metal-organic frameworks and other ligand-metal systems. Another important area of her research is the study of aza-heterocyclic ligands and their transition metal complexes for antimicrobial and anti-tumor applications. Dr. Luo integrates computational tools such as DFT (Density Functional Theory) and Hirshfeld surface analysis in her structural studies, enhancing the mechanistic understanding of molecular behavior. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and bioinorganic chemistry, making her research valuable for both fundamental science and real-world pharmaceutical applications. She continuously seeks collaborations that can translate laboratory findings into industrial and clinical use, reinforcing her interest in high-impact, applied chemical research.

Research Skills

Dr. Mei Luo possesses a versatile set of research skills rooted in advanced synthetic chemistry, structural characterization, and biological evaluation. Her expertise includes multi-step synthesis of organometallic and coordination compounds, particularly those with anticancer and bioactive potential. She is proficient in X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, UV-Vis, and mass spectrometry, which she routinely uses to characterize complex molecular structures. In addition to experimental techniques, Dr. Luo employs computational tools such as molecular docking, DFT calculations, and quantum mechanical modeling to predict chemical behavior and optimize lead compounds for drug design. She has significant experience in medicinal chemistry, especially in screening the cytotoxicity of metal complexes against various cancer cell lines. Her methodological strengths extend to one-pot synthesis, chiral catalysis, and ligand design, reflecting a broad technical competence in both organic and inorganic chemistry. Moreover, her successful filing of over 200 patents suggests a strong capability in applied research, innovation management, and intellectual property strategy. Dr. Luo’s ability to combine theoretical, synthetic, and application-driven research makes her a highly skilled chemist with the capacity to lead interdisciplinary and translational research projects.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Mei Luo has earned significant recognition for her research achievements, particularly in the realm of chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical innovation. Her most notable distinction is the accumulation of over 200 granted patents since 2006, marking her as a leading innovator in applied chemistry and drug design. These patents reflect both the novelty and practical utility of her research outputs, particularly in the development of metal-based therapeutic agents. While specific academic or governmental awards are not detailed in her profile, the scale and consistency of her patent activity strongly imply sustained institutional and industrial acknowledgment. Furthermore, her selection as a visiting scholar at top U.S. institutions, including the University of Utah and UNC-Chapel Hill, under the mentorship of world-renowned chemists like Peter J. Stang and K.H. Lee, is a prestigious academic honor in itself. These opportunities are typically awarded to outstanding researchers with proven track records. Her role as corresponding author in several international publications also attests to her leadership and recognition within the scientific community. Dr. Luo’s accolades reflect not only personal excellence but also a meaningful contribution to the global advancement of chemical and pharmaceutical sciences.

Conclusion

Dr. Mei Luo is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly due to her prolific patent record, sustained scholarly output, and internationally recognized collaborations. Her work on metal complexes for anticancer therapy is timely, innovative, and translational. While there is room to enhance global visibility and leadership in large-scale funded research, her current profile demonstrates exceptional merit and potential for higher accolades.

Publications Top Noted

  • Yang, Yanting; Li, Danqin; Luo, Mei (2025). Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity Research of Sulfur-Containing Metal Complexes. Inorganics, 13(1), Article 26.
    DOI: 10.3390/inorganics13010026

  • Nazeer, Amir; Umar, Qasim; Yang, Yanting; Luo, Mei (2024). Zn (II), Cu (II), Co (II), and Ni (II) complexes bearing aza-heterocyclic ligands: synthesis, characterization, and anticancer activities. Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society, 21(6), 1599–1609.
    DOI: 10.1007/s13738-024-03021-x

  • Umar, Qasim; Luo, Mei (2023). A Brief Review: Advancement in the Synthesis of Amine through the Leuckart Reaction. Reactions, 4(1), Article 7.
    DOI: 10.3390/reactions4010007

  • Umar, Q.; Huang, Y. H.; Nazeer, A.; Yin, H.; Zhang, J. C.; Luo, M.; Meng, X. G. (2022). Synthesis, characterization and anticancer activities of Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ complexes involving chiral amino alcohols. RSC Advances, 12, 32119–32128.
    DOI: 10.1039/D2RA05576G

  • Luo, Mei; Zhang, Jing Cheng; Yin, Hao; Wang, Cheng Ming; Morris-Natschke, Susan; Lee, Kuo-Hsiung (2019). Correction to: One-step templated synthesis of chiral organometallic salicyloxazoline complexes. BMC Chemistry, 13, Article 57.
    DOI: 10.1186/s13065-019-0577-8

  • Luo, Mei; Zhang, Jing Cheng; Yin, Hao; Wang, Cheng Ming; Morris-Natschke, Susan; Lee, Kuo-Hsiung (2019). One-step templated synthesis of chiral organometallic salicyloxazoline complexes. BMC Chemistry, 13, Article 51.
    DOI: 10.1186/s13065-019-0565-z