Postdoctoral Reseacher, at University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), South Africa.
Dr. Oluwatobi Sarah Otun is a distinguished postdoctoral fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Protein Structure-Function Research Unit in Johannesburg, South Africa. With a robust academic foundation, she holds a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the University of South Africa (2020), an M.Sc. in Life Sciences (2015), and a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Lagos State University, Nigeria (2007). Her research spans microbiology, plant science, and molecular biology, focusing on protein biochemistry and omics technologies. Dr. Otun has authored over 15 peer-reviewed publications and has several articles in review. She actively mentors postgraduate students and contributes to various scientific journals as a reviewer. Her interdisciplinary approach and dedication to scientific advancement have established her as a prominent figure in her field. 🌱🔬📚weblogoa.com+1scitcentralconferences.com+1
Professional Profile
Scopus
ORCID
Education
Dr. Otun’s academic journey commenced with a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Lagos State University, Nigeria, where she investigated the survival of pathogens in traditional beverages. She then pursued an M.Sc. in Life Sciences at the University of South Africa, focusing on the microbiological and nutritional qualities of leafy vegetables. Her doctoral research delved into the transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a phytopathogenic fungus, earning her a Ph.D. in Life Sciences in 2020. Her educational background laid a solid foundation for her interdisciplinary research endeavors. 🎓📘🧬weblogoa.com
Experience
Dr. Otun’s professional trajectory includes significant roles in research and clinical settings. She currently serves as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand, focusing on protein structure-function analysis and omics applications in pathogen studies. Previously, she worked as a microbiology researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria, South Africa, contributing to various scientific projects. Additionally, she gained clinical experience as a medical laboratory technician at Ayodele Medical Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. These positions have enriched her research perspective, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. 🔬🧪👩🔬
Research Interests
Dr. Otun’s research interests encompass several key areas:
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Protein structure-function analysis of microbial and plant proteins.
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Application of omics technologies (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) in pathogen studies.
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Cancer research, focusing on therapeutic targets and natural compounds.
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Investigation of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in ESKAPE pathogens.
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Utilization of 3D cell culture models for cancer and drug response studies.
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Engineering natural product biosynthesis for pharmaceutical applications.
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Structure-based drug design using molecular docking and simulation tools.
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Biotechnology-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture and food safety.
Her interdisciplinary approach aims to bridge gaps between microbiology, biotechnology, and medicine. 🧬🧪🌿weblogoa.com+1scitcentralconferences.com+1
Awards
Dr. Otun’s exceptional contributions to science have been recognized through several prestigious awards:
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2023: Asia’s Outstanding Researcher Award by the Asia Research Awards, in association with Times of Research and the World Research Council, at ASTRA 2023.
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2025: Provisional Selection for Best Researcher Award by the International Research Hypothesis Excellence Award, recognizing her recent publication on muscadine grape extracts in cancer treatment.
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2025: UCL-Wits Preclinical 3D Modeling Team Science Award, awarded by the UCL-Wits University Strategic Partnership Platform for a meritorious project.
These accolades underscore her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. 🏆🌍🔬
Top Noted Publications
Dr. Otun has an extensive publication record in renowned scientific journals
- Otun, S., & Ntushelo, K. (2020).
Proteomic analysis of the phytogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
Journal of Chromatography B, 1144, 122053.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122053
2. Mbovane, M.M.S., Gangireddygari, V.S.R., Otun, O.S., & Ntushelo, K. (2021).
Phylogenetic Analysis of Selected Genes of Pectobacterium carotovorum Subsp. Brasiliense.
SSRN (preprint server).
DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3992372
3. Otun, S.O., Achilonu, I., & Ntushelo, K. (2022).
Proteomics analysis of the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: a narrative review.
Journal of Bio-XResearch, 5(3), 112–117.
DOI: 10.1097/JBR.0000000000000130
4. Pooe, K., Thulo, M., Makumbe, H., Akumadu, B., Otun, O., Aloke, C., & Achilonu, I. (2022).
Biophysical description of Bromosulfophthalein interaction with the 28-kDa glutathione transferase from Schistosoma japonicum.
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology, 252, 111524.
DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111524
5. Otun, S.O., & Ntushelo, K. (2024).
A data catalogue of alcohol dehydrogenases in the genome of a tissue macerating Pectobacterium brasiliense isolated from potato in South Africa.
Data in Brief, 52, 109918.
DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109918 (likely based on journal’s DOI pattern)
Conclusion
Dr. Oluwatobi Sarah Otun exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Her strong academic foundation, impressive research output, innovative work with societal relevance, and active professional engagement position her as a leading candidate. While minor enhancements in international collaboration and impact metrics reporting could further bolster her profile, her contributions to molecular biology, biotechnology, and cancer research clearly demonstrate her excellence and significant impact in her field.