News

The recipient of the Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture Excellence in Research Award for 2016 is Dr. Chibuike Udenigwe, Department of Environmental Sciences.

Dr. Udenigwe came to the Agricultural Campus in 2012 and within a short period established a strong research program in health and bioproducts. His research program has attracted over $800,000 in research funding from government and industry sources, including an NSERC Discovery and CFI grants. Dr. Udenigwe’s research program at Dalhousie has made important contributions to the understanding of the chemistry of peptides derived from food proteins and evaluating their impact on health conditions such as hypertension, Type II diabetes  and liver disease. In addition, he has explored using alternative protein sources in food – he will often offer visitors to his lab a cricket-flour cookie.

Dr. Udenigwe has been recognized for his impact to his field at the international level. In 2012, he was honoured with the International Union of Food Science and Technology Young Scientist Award. This year, he was invited to join the Early Career Scientist section of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology. Dr. Udenigwe has disseminated his findings to both academics and practitioners. He has published more than 50 scholarly articles, with some of them being cited more than 100 times.

He also shares his research and passion for food science outside of academia. He was a key organizer of the Faculty’s “Foody Friday” event that introduced the local community to how our researchers are impacting food security issues.

“Dr. Udenigwe is a committed and dedicated researcher, the international recognition of his research and the contribution he has and continues to make to science is well deserved,” said Dr. Kenny Corscadden Associate Dean Research.

In addition to managing his extensive research program, Dr. Udenigwe has had a significant impact on the Faculty’s graduate program. Not only has he personally mentored and supported many graduate and undergraduate students in his own research program, he has also provided leadership in teaching the communications course for all of the Faculty’s graduate students.

Through this work, he is building the researchers of the future. As one student noted: “He paves the path for us as future drivers of research by inculcating critical thinking, effective communication and the ability to work independently.”

Congratulations Chibuike!