Frank Unuofin

Results-driven Soil Scientist and academic researcher with over 10 years of multidisciplinary experience in soil microbiology, forest ecosystem ecology, and environmental sustainability. Expertise spans mycorrhizal ecology, microbial community dynamics, functional trait analysis, soil microbiome/metagenomics, carbon sequestration, groundwater conservation, and ecological remediation. Demonstrated ability to design and lead independent research programs, secure competitive external funding, and translate scientific findings into actionable policy insights.

Committed educator with a proven record of mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in research design, data analysis, and publication, fostering inclusive, inquiry-based learning environments that advance the next generation of environmental scientists.

Guest Lecturer - UKZN-BENIN Vocational Training Project - Ketou, Benin Republic (Remote)

(2024-01)

Program Levels: MSc & BSc

• Redesigned course content to align with current advances in forest ecology and soil microbiology.
• Investigated forest mycorrhizal ecology and plant-fungal interactions at the graduate level.
• Examined rhizosphere processes that influence forest productivity, resilience, and ecosystem stability.
• Characterized microbial community dynamics under changing environmental and climatic conditions.
• Conducted microbial network analysis to identify key ecosystem drivers and functional hubs.
• Performed microbial functional trait analysis utilizing advanced molecular methodologies.
• Applied metagenomic sequencing approaches to study soil microbiomes in tropical forest ecosystems.

Assistant Professor - University of Fort Hare - Alice, South Africa

(2020-01 - 2023-12)

• Developed and delivered undergraduate and graduate courses in soil health, forest ecology, and microbiology.
• Designed inquiry-based laboratory modules integrating cutting-edge microbial ecology techniques.
• Mentored graduate students through all stages of research — from design and data analysis to publication.
• Provided individualized academic guidance and career development support to students at all levels.
• Supervised undergraduate research projects and field-based experiential learning activities.
• Developed and led an independent research program focused on forest soil health and microbiome dynamics.
• Prepared and submitted competitive grant proposals to national and international funding agencies.
• Managed research budgets and strategically allocated resources across laboratory and field initiatives.
• Supervised laboratory and field-based data collection with rigorous quality assurance protocols.
• Applied advanced molecular and bioinformatics tools to soil microbiome and metagenomic studies.
• Integrated interdisciplinary approaches to address global forest sustainability and climate challenges.

Senior Research Officer - Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria

(2007-01 - 2020-12)

• Designed, planned, and executed large-scale research projects on forest species diversity, ecology, and management.
• Led multidisciplinary teams in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting ecological and biological field data.
• Prepared research proposals and successfully secured funding from national and international agencies.
• Published research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences globally.
• Developed policy briefs and technical reports informing sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.

Field Enumerator - Michigan State University - Nigeria

(2006-06 - 2006-12)

Agronomic Chain Value Project

• Conducted structured interviews and administered questionnaires with farmers, traders, and agribusiness stakeholders.
• Collected field data on crop production metrics, input usage, post-harvest handling, and market price dynamics.
• Observed and recorded agronomic practices, farm conditions, and input adoption rates across project zones.
• Verified and validated collected data to ensure completeness, accuracy, and research integrity.
• Supported baseline, midline, and endline survey activities for agricultural development programming.

Ph.D. - Soil Science - University of Fort Hare (2015-05)

M.Sc. - Soil Science - University of Ibadan (2006-12)

B.Sc. - Soil Science - Federal University of Agriculture (2002-12)