Dr. Okonkwo is a Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria. She started an academic career as an assistant Lecturer in October 2012 and has since grown to the position of a Lecturer 1. She bagged her M.Sc and Ph.D. in Biochemistry with distinctions. Her research interest is in the area of biochemical toxicology especially to the production of Bio-pesticides of botanical origin, intending to produce bio-pesticides that will not only be effective in the management of insect pests and vectors but also harmless to non-target species in the environment including humans. She is also well-schooled in clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology where she has studied and reported the medicinal value of various plants. She has several academic publications in reputable journals. She was recently awarded the Arturo Falaschi short term fellowship at the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology South Africa. Her professional goals include grooming a team of students and young professionals that will confidently proffer solutions to societal problems through research and good scholarship, as well as mentorship to women scientists all over the world through interactions, collaborations, and exchange of ideas with scientist all over the globe. She is a dedicated and hardworking young professional.
