Professor Eucharia Oluchi Nwaichi is an esteemed Nigerian environmental biochemist, soil scientist, and toxicologist, internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work in phytoremediation, ecological restoration, and environmental sustainability. With over two decades of academic, scientific, and community-based experience, she stands at the forefront of environmental science research and advocacy in Africa.

She is currently a Professor of Environmental Biochemistry in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Her research focuses primarily on phytoremediation—the use of plants to clean up heavy metal-contaminated environments—alongside ecotoxicology, pollution management, and sustainable soil treatment technologies. Her work is especially relevant in the context of the Niger Delta, where decades of oil exploration and industrial activity have left behind a legacy of environmental degradation.

Professor Nwaichi’s scientific innovation lies in developing and applying cost-effective, plant-based solutions for detoxifying polluted soils and groundwater, particularly in regions impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Her methods emphasize low-impact, sustainable remediation that supports both environmental healing and agricultural productivity—contributing directly to food security, ecosystem restoration, and public health.

In recognition of her impact, she was awarded the John Maddox Prize in 2022, jointly administered by Nature and the Sense About Science Foundation. The award honors individuals who promote sound science in the face of hostility or adversity. Professor Nwaichi received the prize for her courageous and persistent work on pollution control and community environmental justice in the Niger Delta, often navigating complex social, political, and industry dynamics to defend scientific integrity and protect vulnerable communities.

She is a Fellow of the Nigerian Young Academy, a 2021 American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholar, and a former UNESCO-L’Oréal Fellow for Women in Science, through which she has advocated for greater female participation in STEM fields across Africa. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to high-impact international projects related to soil health, environmental toxicology, and climate-smart agriculture.

In addition to her research, Professor Nwaichi is an active mentor and educator, committed to developing the next generation of African scientists. She has supervised numerous postgraduate students and frequently delivers lectures, workshops, and keynote speeches on the role of science in sustainable development, environmental justice, and innovation.

Her work continues to influence policy, guide environmental restoration practices, and promote science-based decision-making in Nigeria and beyond. With a deep commitment to public service, scientific excellence, and the restoration of fragile ecosystems, Professor Eucharia Oluchi Nwaichi is one of Africa’s foremost environmental scientists—bridging the worlds of research, policy, and community transformation.