Researcher, at Central University of Technology, Free state, South Africa.
Dr. Gloria Otito Izu is a dedicated researcher and lecturer at the Centre for Quality of Health and Living (CQHL), affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa. With a focus on natural products, drug development, molecular docking, and compound isolation, Dr. Izu’s research aims to uncover therapeutic potentials from natural sources. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Technology, specializing in the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of avocado and litchi fruit peels. Dr. Izu is an active contributor to academic journals and conferences and has received numerous prestigious awards. Passionate about advancing health sciences, she bridges research and teaching with excellence and innovation.
Profile
ORCID
Education
🎓 PhD in Biomedical Technology – Central University of Technology, South Africa (2024)
Dissertation: Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Potentials of Avocado and Litchi Fruit Peels
🎓 MSc in Animal Physiology – University of Ibadan, Nigeria (2015)
Thesis: Gamma-sitosterol–rich fraction from Ficus exasperata restores diabetes-associated pathophysiological alterations
🎓 BSc in Biology – Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria (2011)
Thesis: Instructional materials’ role in biological science education in Ondo State high schools
Experience
🧪 Doctoral Fellow – CQHL, Central University of Technology (2021–2024)
- Advanced natural product extraction and high-content screening assays for drug discovery.
- Conducted molecular docking and computational analyses for antidiabetic compounds.
- Published studies on phytochemical profiling and antioxidant mechanisms.
🧪 Researcher – Biomedical Science Laboratory, University of Ibadan (2017–2020)
- Coordinated multi-site research on medicinal plants for diabetes therapy.
- Developed animal models for Type II diabetes and supervised undergraduate projects.
📋 Project Manager – Amolexis, Nigeria (2019–2021)
- Managed research-driven initiatives to improve health and environmental sciences.
Research Interests
🔬 Natural Product Research
Exploring bioactive compounds for therapeutic potential.
🧬 Drug Development
Focusing on antioxidant and antidiabetic agents from plants.
💻 Molecular Docking and Dynamics
Studying molecular interactions for target-based drug discovery.
🌿 Compound Isolation
Identifying metabolites using advanced chromatographic techniques.
Awards
🏆 International Society of Endocrinology Travel Grant (2016)
🏆 Addgene Seeding Lab Plasmid Grant Award (2018)
🏆 International Foundation of Science Award (2020)
🏆 NRF–TWAS Doctoral Award Grant UID 129951
🏆 CUT Research Grant and Scholarship
Publications
- “Unraveling the Influence of Chlorogenic Acid on Avocado Peel Antioxidant Phytochemistry”
- “Epicatechin Modulation of Glucose Uptake in Chang Cells”
- “Phytochemistry of Litchi Peel in Diabetic Models”
- “Ellagitannin Profiles in Pomegranate Peel Using Chemometrics”
- “Ellagitannins and Antioxidant Properties from Pomegranate Peel”
- “Gamma-sitosterol–rich Fraction from Ficus exasperata“
Conclusion
Dr. Gloria Otito Izu is an exceptional candidate for the Excellence in Research Award. Her impressive track record in natural product research, strong publication portfolio, and commitment to advancing biomedical science through interdisciplinary methodologies make her a standout. By focusing on translational research, securing diverse funding sources, and enhancing global visibility, she could further solidify her position as a leader in her field.