Dr . Ibukunoluwa Fola Olawuyi , Kyungpook National University , South Korea
Dr. Ibukunoluwa Fola Olawuyi is an international researcher and food scientist specializing in food hydrocolloids, carbohydrate polymer chemistry, and sustainable food packaging. Based at Kyungpook National University in Daegu, Korea, her research focuses on developing green technologies and valorizing agricultural byproducts into reusable resources. Passionate about teaching and mentoring future food scientists, Dr. Olawuyi combines her expertise in biopolymer characterization and eco-friendly food packaging solutions with a commitment to innovation. She has contributed significantly to food science, publishing extensively in top-tier journals and holding several patents. Dr. Olawuyi currently works as a Research Professor at the Research Institute for Tailored Food Technology and has extensive experience in food quality control and processing.
Professional Profile:
Google Scholar
Summary of Suitability for Award:
Dr. Ibukunoluwa Fola Olawuyi is an excellent candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Her pioneering work in sustainable food technologies, eco-friendly packaging solutions, and valorization of agricultural byproducts is a testament to her innovative approach to solving critical global challenges in food science. Her extensive publication record, patents, and leadership in mentoring students further solidify her credentials. Therefore, she is highly deserving of this prestigious award.
🎓Education:
Dr. Ibukunoluwa Fola Olawuyi holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Biotechnology from Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea , where she also earned her M.A. in the same field . She completed her B.Sc. in Food Science at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Her academic journey has been marked by a commitment to sustainable food solutions, particularly through the exploration of biopolymers and waste valorization. During her Ph.D. studies, Dr. Olawuyi received several scholarships and accolades for academic excellence, including the Samsung Global Hope Scholarship and a GKS African Undergraduate Scholarship, which were instrumental in shaping her research. Her academic background has provided her with a strong foundation in both the scientific and practical aspects of food technology, preparing her to lead cutting-edge research in food science and biotechnology.
🏢Work Experience:
Dr. Olawuyi has significant research experience, currently serving as a Research Professor at the Research Institute for Tailored Food Technology at Kyungpook National University, South Korea. She also held a postdoctoral position at the same institution from Marchto February . Prior to this, she worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at Kyungpook National University, focusing on food quality control and biopolymer research. Additionally, Dr. Olawuyi gained industry experience as a Quality Control Officer at Dufil Food Industries in Nigeria. Her research background is bolstered by her expertise in sustainable food technologies, food packaging, and valorizing agricultural byproducts. Dr. Olawuyi’s leadership extends to teaching roles, including her upcoming course on advanced food processing at Kyungpook National University. She also has experience working as a Research Intern at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization, Nigeria, where she contributed to various agricultural research projects.
🏅Awards:
Dr. Olawuyi’s academic and professional excellence has earned her numerous prestigious awards and honors. She was the recipient of the Samsung Global Hope Scholarship, recognizing her exceptional academic performance and research potential. Her dedication to excellence was further acknowledged when she received a Scholarship for Academic Excellence in the Spring Semester of 2019, followed by an Outstanding Performance Award in the Fall Semester of the same year. He was awarded the GKS African and Latin-American Undergraduate Scholarship at Kyungpook National University, enabling her to pursue higher education in South Korea. Moreover, Dr. Olawuyi was named the Overall Best Graduating Student at the Faculty of Science, Osun State Polytechnic, Nigeria. These recognitions reflect her dedication to research, teaching, and her commitment to making impactful contributions to the field of food science and technology.
🔬Research Focus:
Dr. Olawuyi’s research primarily focuses on sustainable food technologies, with a specialization in food hydrocolloids, carbohydrate polymer chemistry, and green packaging solutions. She is dedicated to developing eco-friendly alternatives for food packaging, particularly through the use of biopolymers and valorizing agricultural side-streams. A significant aspect of her work is the development of clean-label food fortification strategies and the creation of innovative, environmentally friendly extraction methods. Dr. Olawuyi has explored the functional properties of plant-based polysaccharides, including their role in enhancing food quality, preservation, and health benefits. Her research also involves the design of biocomposite films from agricultural waste for food packaging applications, aiming to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, she investigates the antiviral and immune-enhancing properties of polysaccharides derived from edible insects, demonstrating the application of green technologies in food science. Through her work, Dr. Olawuyi aims to contribute to sustainable practices in food production and packaging.
Publication Top Notes: