Dr. Doris Akachukwu from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria was hosted at the Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry from 2nd June to 27th December 2023 for an enriching research internship. This fascinating experience was made possible through the One Planet Fellowship’s Advanced Science Training for African Researchers, funded by the Agropolis Foundation from France. The research stay of D. Akachukwu at UMCS Lublin was supervised by Prof. Patryk Oleszczuk. Her originally scheduled six-month duration was extended by an additional month to provide an opportunity for significant research.
Throughout her research stay, Dr. Akachukwu had a dynamic exchange of ideas and knowledge with a learning partner (mentee) named Monika Rackiewicz, a Ph.D. student in her host laboratory. Dr. Akachukwu’s research focused on providing innovative climate change adaptation approaches for remediating polluted soils and promoting food security. She successfully produced biochars and nanobiochars from two of Nigeria’s indigenous agricultural waste products, utilizing them to treat polluted soils and assessing their impact on the nutrient composition of vegetables.
The seven-month research stay provided Dr. Akachukwu with exposure to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and techniques, contributing to the enhancement of her research capacity, skills, and expertise. The knowledge and skills acquired at UMCS are expected to significantly benefit her teaching profession at her home university and beyond.
Beyond the academic sphere, Dr. Akachukwu expressed her appreciation for the rich cultural diversity of the Polish people. Her keen interest in learning Polish words and exploring Polish delicacies is a clear indication of her enthusiasm for embracing the local culture.
Special thanks go to prof. Patryk Oleszczuk for hosting Dr. Akachukwu, and Monika Raczkiewicz for her invaluable assistance in the laboratory. The companionship and support of other departmental members, including prof. Bożena Czech, Dr. Justyna Szerement, Aleksandra Rombel, Artur Sokołowski, Karolina Karpińska-Wlizło, Iwona Ostolska, Patryk Piskorski, Mateusz Sotowski and the entire faculty, contributed to making her stay an engaging and fulfilling experience. Dr. Akachukwu extends her gratitude to the Rector, the entire management team, and the members of the international office, especially Malgorzata Poludniuk, for their warmth and unwavering support.
It is anticipated that the visit to UMCS will serve as a robust foundation for future collaborations and linkages between Dr. Doris Akachukwu’s home university and UMCS.
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This project has received funding from the European Union`s Hoizon Europe under grant agreement n. 406-539
