Contact: Maridith Geuder
In her home country, Nigerian Chino Uzoho is a nutrition biochemist who long has observed the needs around her. As a Fulbright Visiting Researcher at Mississippi State, she is working with university researchers to solve a problem common to large areas of Africa.
A doctoral candidate and lecturer at the University of Nigeria, she has come to the United States to investigate the seeds of a tropical almond tree found throughout her country to see if it may provide a nutritious food substance for infants. Traditionally, providing shade has been the tree's primary benefit.
An international educational exchange program, the Fulbright is designed to increase understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Uzoho was assigned to Mississippi State on the basis of her research interests and the university's expertise.
During much of the past year, she has spent considerable time in campus laboratories, analyzing seeds of the almond tree for protein, fat, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
"Some populations in Nigeria do not have a wide variety of foods suitable for children from 6 months old until they are old enough to eat adult food," said Wanda Dodson, associate professor of human sciences and Uzoho's primary adviser.
Recently, Uzoho fermented, roasted, boiled, and otherwise processed the seeds to mix as a foodstuff. After testing the product's nutritional value by feeding it to laboratory rats, she expressed hope that the seed may be the basis for a weaning, or transitional, food for infants.
"I began the research in Nigeria, and will continue it when I return this summer," Uzoho said. "It will be part of the work I do to complete my doctoral degree."
Joining Dodson in assisting Uzoho have been veterinary medicine professor John E. Harkness, food science and technology professor Zahur Haque, horticulturist Frank B. Matta, and biochemistry professor Robert P. Wilson.
"Chino's visit to Mississippi State is a rare research opportunity for her and for the university," Dodson said. "She has been able to focus entirely on her research and has been diligent in accomplishing her goals.
"We've had a unique opportunity to observe research dealing with this product and to learn much more about Nigeria," said Dodson, a former Fulbright Scholar to Uzbekistan. "Chino's visit has been a good example of the mutual understanding the exchange program promotes."