Udodinma Jude Okeke

Dr. Udodinma Jude Okeke

Pure and Applied Sciences/ Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Urbino, Marche, Italy
orcid
Highly motivated to take on the challenges of sustainable fo...

Biography

Dr. Udodinma Jude Okeke is a researcher specializing in green chemistry and sustainable bioprocessing, with a particular focus on the development of novel neoteric deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for the systematic valorization of agrifood and biobased materials. His research integrates the principles of circular economy, green extraction technologies, and material recovery to derive high-value bioactive compounds and ingredients applicable in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, bioenergy, and biofertilizer sectors. Dr. Okeke has pioneered the design and application of custom-tailored DESs that are biodegradable, tunable, and efficient for extracting targeted molecules such as polyphenols, flavonoids, proteins, and other functional biomolecules. His work bridges sustainable solvent innovation with real-world industrial applications, advancing eco-conscious strategies for resource recovery from agricultural and food processing residues. With a multidisciplinary background spanning chemistry, biotechnology, and food science & technology, Dr. Okeke collaborates extensively with academic, industrial, and policy stakeholders to foster scalable, circular solutions that reduce waste and enhance bioresource efficiency. His work contributes to the European Green Deal and global united nations sustainable development goals by enabling the transition to cleaner, safer, and more sustainable biobased value chains.

Affiliations

University of Urbino

Urbino, Marche, Italy

Pure and Applied Sciences/ Biomolecular Sciences

Honors and Awards

honor

President’s National Youth Service Awards

National Youths Service Corps

Outstanding service awards

honor

State Governor’s outstanding Youth Awards

Kaduna State Government

Distinguished award of excellence

honor

Teacher of the year

Girls’ Science College Kaduna,

outstanding teacher service

honor

Australia Awards Africa

Australian Government Master’s Scholarship Award, University of Queensland

Scholarship award of merit

honor

DR Wilf W. Bryan Memorial Prize for best Master Research Thesis

University of Queensland

Award of master thesis excellence

honor

PhD Scholarship

University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy

Merit doctoral scholarship

Experience

Graduate Student or Post Graduate

University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy

01 Nov 2021 - 01 Feb 2025

Product Manager

Federal Ministry of Science & Technology, Abuja, Nigeria

01 Aug 2017 - 01 Oct 2021

Research or Laboratory Scientist

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja, Nigeria

01 Feb 2006 - 01 Jun 2015

University Lecturer

Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria

01 Sep 2003 - 01 Jan 2006