Summary of Academic Profile:

Mrs. Calista O. Itubochi is an eminent Scholar and Lecturer in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ideato, Imo State. She holds a Bachelors of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Applied Microbiology and Brewing from Enugu State University of Science and Technology and a Master’s Degree (M.Sc.) in Industrial Microbiology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2005 and 2012 respectively. She is currently concluding her Ph.D. in Industrial/Food Microbiology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, displaying her unending quest for solid academic excellence in her field of specialization. Her outstanding academic performances during her secondary and undergraduate studies earned her prestigious scholarship awards from the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria and the Federal Scholarship Board of the Federal Ministry of Education respectively.

As a passionate and dedicated researcher, Mrs. Itubochi has profound research interests spanning several critical areas of microbiology and biotechnology. Her expertise includes: Industrial Microbiology, Biotechnology and Molecular Sciences, Food Processing and Preservation, Water Quality Assessments, Mushroom Science, Enzymology, Brewing Science and Entrepreneurship Development. She is currently engaged in several innovative research projects, including valorization of agricultural and forestry wastes through the cultivation of traditional edible wild mushrooms, lignocellulosic enzyme profiling, molecular characterization of traditional mushrooms and value addition of traditional mushrooms through product development at the cottage level for entrepreneurial development. Enclosed in her research portfolio are works on solid state fermentation of African Oil Bean Seeds (Ugba) with interest in volatile flavour compounds, microbial diversity/dynamics and enzymology for fermentation regulation. She also worked on biological production of citric acid using cassava peels.

Mrs. Itubochi has attended and presented papers at numerous international, national, and regional conferences. Her presentations have focused on her areas of research interest and her articles published in peer-reviewed journals of high repute, contributing to the broader academic discourse and influencing developments in her field. She is an active member of several prestigious professional associations, including: Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM), Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Science Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (STAN), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Society for Nigeria Entrepreneurship Education Development (SNEED). Her involvement in these organizations reflects her commitment to advancing her field and staying at the forefront of developments in microbiology and biotechnology.

Mrs. Itubochi possesses robust skills and competencies in leadership, teaching, public speaking, and mentorship. Her ability to inspire and guide students and colleagues alike has made her an invaluable asset to the academic community. She also has advanced knowledge of ICT systems and strong analytical/problem-solving skills. She serves as Departmental ICT Officer saddled with the responsibility of managing and optimizing the department's information and communication technology tasks to ensure that all ICT resources are efficiently utilized to support academic, administrative, and research activities within and outside the department.

Mrs. Itubochi has served as an Examiner at the National Conference Marking (Southeast Zone) of the National Open University of Nigeria. She has also worked as a Resource Consultant for Teachers’ Professional Development, offering her expertise on the Application of ICT as an Effective Tool in 21st Century Teaching and Learning Delivery. Her contributions in this area have helped enhance the quality of education in various institutions.

Mrs. Itubochi enjoys reading, writing, gardening as well as puzzles and brain games.

GOOGLE SCHOLAR LINK: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Emn8aT8AAAAJ&view_op=list_works&authuser=5&gmla=AH70aAUwST_OXsNfsfjcUO1UUzvE_6tuzHBidQ2my2LnOv-9181qYR75elj5Qs2OmVqHaeA99fKUE193Q27vQw1i