Dr. Helen Onyeaka is an astute academic, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, with over 25 years of experience in both teaching and research. Her educational background includes a first degree in Industrial Microbiology, a master’s in biomedical sciences, and a PhD in Biochemical Engineering from the University of Birmingham, among many other qualifications. Her research is focused on but not limited to, sustainable microbial food security/safety.

With over two decades of experience in academia, Dr. Helen is currently the director at BISCA, a fellow of the FIFST,  FHEA, IAFP and a Member of the Society of Microbiology UK, she has held various roles, including Program Director for MSc Food Safety, Hygiene & Management at the University of Birmingham, Research Coordinator, creator/module leader and member of the Helix Biogen Institute.

Dr. Onyeaka has made significant contributions to research supervision, chairing oral examinations for Ph.D. students in Chemical Engineering and serving as an internal examiner. She has supervised over 55 M.Sc. projects in Food Safety, Hygiene & Management, Environmental and Public Health, and Chemical Engineering. Currently, she is the primary supervisor for four PhD students in Chemical Engineering and has successfully guided two PhD students to completion as a co-supervisor.

In addition to her research contributions, Dr. Onyeaka is strongly committed to teaching and curriculum development. She has taught various courses to date.

Recognized for her expertise, Dr. Onyeaka has been invited as a guest speaker and keynote presenter at numerous events, including the Africa Food Safety & Quality Summit, Africa Agribusiness Summit, and the International Conference on Food Microbiology and Food Safety. She has organized events such as the 4th International Conference on Materials Engineering and Science and the Food Microbiology for Enforcement and Industry.

Dr. Onyeaka’s research efforts have been supported by grants, including a Collaborative (Host) International Development Fund grant from the Society for Applied Microbiology, UK, and the University of Birmingham Education Enhancement Fund awards.