IBRAHIM BELLO
Fargo,USA
Summary
A highly motivated professional who seamlessly blends teamwork and leadership to drive innovation, accountability, and results. Thrives in dynamic environments, embraces new challenges with adaptability, and demonstrates a strong work ethic coupled with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Scientist
NuTek Natural Ingredients
10.2023 - Current
- Led R&D initiatives in fermentation and hydrocolloid systems, driving innovation in food texture, stability, and sensory quality.
- Designed and executed targeted experiments, applying advanced analytical tools such as the Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) to measure viscosity, gelatinization, and performance across formulations.
- Improved salt production output by 80% through process optimization, experimental redesign, and cross-team collaboration.
- Delivered data-driven insights by analyzing and interpreting experimental outcomes, leading to formulation improvements and accelerated product development timelines.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams (R&D, production, quality assurance, and regulatory) to ensure smooth scale-up and compliance with global food safety standards.
- Supported quality control and production teams, resolving technical issues, standardizing procedures, and enhancing overall manufacturing efficiency.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining rigorous documentation, adhering to industry standards, and integrating best practices into all R&D efforts.
- Mentored junior scientists and associates, providing technical guidance, training, and professional development support, which enhanced team capability and productivity.
- Contributed to strategic innovation pipelines by integrating fermentation and hydrocolloid technologies, resulting in improved product textures, enhanced consumer acceptance, and reduced production variability.
Doctoral Research Assistant
North Dakota State University
04.2021 - 12.2023
- Handled laboratory chemicals and equipment in strict accordance with laboratory protocols, environmental safety policies, and regulatory standards.
- Prepared fermentation media, buffers, and culture systems to support microbial growth and optimize experimental conditions.
- Maintained comprehensive documentation of all biomanufacturing activities, including batch records, SOPs, and regulatory compliance logs, ensuring traceability, reproducibility, and quality assurance.
- Recorded, analyzed, and interpreted experimental results, applying statistical and analytical tools to derive meaningful insights and support hypothesis-driven research.
- Authored and co-authored peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations, contributing to the advancement of fermentation biotechnology and sustainable agriculture.
- Served as Team Lead for microbial fermentation of soybean proteins for biofertilizer production, overseeing experiment design, execution, and reporting, while mentoring undergraduate students and junior lab members.
- Operated and maintained advanced laboratory instrumentation, including:
Gas Chromatography (GC) for metabolite profiling
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for compound separation and quantification
Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy for structural and functional group analysis
UV–Vis Spectrophotometry for biomass and protein quantification
Centrifugation and Autoclaving systems for microbial processing and sterilization
DNA Extraction kits and molecular tools for microbial identification and genetic analysis - Applied process optimization strategies in fermentation to improve yields and product quality, contributing to scalable biofertilizer production.
- Collaborated in a multidisciplinary research environment, integrating microbiology, biochemical engineering, and analytical chemistry to address complex biomanufacturing challenges.
Education Officer
National Examination Board
08.2018 - 03.2021
- Developed educational resources and teaching aids to enhance student engagement, curriculum delivery, and overall learning outcomes.
- Facilitated professional development workshops and training sessions for educators on curriculum implementation, assessment strategies, and best pedagogical practices.
- Collaborated with stakeholders (school administrators, teachers, parents, and policymakers) to identify educational needs and implement evidence-based program improvements.
- Analyzed and interpreted student performance data to guide instructional planning, inform interventions, and support continuous academic improvement.
- Served as Secretary to the Head of Department, managing official correspondence, preparing reports, drafting meeting minutes, and supporting administrative decision-making.
- Administered and invigilated examinations, ensuring fairness, compliance with regulations, and the integrity of assessment processes.
- Represented the Board at stakeholder meetings, community forums, and educational conferences, fostering strong partnerships and advancing institutional goals.
- Coordinated with quality assurance teams to ensure academic programs met regulatory standards and aligned with national education policies.
- Contributed to strategic planning and policy formulation for curriculum development, teacher training, and student support initiatives.
Graduate Research Assistant
IIUM, Malaysia
08.2015 - 12.2017
- Maintained sterile experimental environments, ensuring compliance with laboratory safety standards through thorough cleaning, sanitization, and equipment readiness.
- Ensured the operation, calibration, and preventive maintenance of critical bioprocessing equipment, including bioreactors, filtration systems, and centrifuges, to support reliable experimental outcomes.
- Coordinated troubleshooting and repairs of laboratory equipment, collaborating with technical staff and vendors to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.
- Developed a fungi–carbon nanotube (CNT) biosorbent for textile dye removal, demonstrating innovative application of nanobiotechnology for environmental remediation.
- Investigated adsorption capabilities of fungal-based CNT biosorbents for a variety of pollutants and contaminants, evaluating adsorption kinetics, equilibrium isotherms, and removal efficiencies.
- Cultivated and maintained viable fungal inocula, ensuring consistent and scalable production of CNT biosorbents through optimized strain selection and growth conditions.
- Prepared and optimized culture media formulations, including accurate measurement, sterilization, and nutrient balancing to achieve maximum fungal growth and biosorbent yield.
- Applied analytical and statistical tools to evaluate experimental data, validate results, and contribute to the development of environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment strategies.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary research team to integrate microbiology, nanotechnology, and bioprocess engineering approaches for innovative pollutant removal solutions.
Lecturer, Advance Level Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
Adni prevarsity
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Planned, prepared, and delivered engaging lessons aligned with the Scheme of Work, incorporating a variety of teaching strategies, learning activities, and digital tools to cater to diverse learning styles.
- Developed departmental schemes of assessment, ensuring alignment with Cambridge IGCSE standards and timely production of accurate student performance reports.
- Regularly assessed student achievement through formative and summative evaluations, providing detailed feedback, personalized guidance, and tailored interventions to support academic growth.
- Designed and moderated examinations, coursework, and practical assessments, ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance with Cambridge international standards.
- Mentored and supported students in academic and personal development, including preparation for examinations, higher education pathways, and career opportunities.
- Incorporated technology-enhanced learning (TEL) tools such as interactive whiteboards, online learning platforms, and virtual labs to enrich classroom delivery and student engagement.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop curriculum innovations, share teaching resources, and promote a collaborative teaching culture.
- Participated in departmental and faculty meetings, contributing to curriculum review, teaching strategies, and institutional development initiatives.
- Engaged with parents and stakeholders through meetings, progress reports, and consultations to strengthen home–school partnerships.
- Promoted extracurricular learning opportunities, including academic clubs, competitions, and mentoring programs, to foster student leadership and critical thinking.
Business Development Manager
Salakon Oilfield services LTD.
04.2012 - 07.2015
- Identified, qualified, and secured new business opportunities, building and nurturing long-term relationships with key clients in the oil and gas sector.
- Represented the company with major Oil & Gas Operating Companies, ensuring strong partnerships, client satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Acted as a company representative at industry conferences, exhibitions, and networking events, increasing brand visibility and market presence.
- Maintained and expanded a customer relationship management (CRM) database, tracking existing accounts and prospective leads to support pipeline growth.
- Ensured open, ongoing communication with clients, aligning solutions with customer needs and expectations to strengthen trust and loyalty.
- Prepared and submitted commercial bids, proposals, and tender documents in compliance with client requirements and industry standards.
- Represented the company during bid walks, tendering meetings, and post-contract award deliberations, safeguarding company interests and ensuring smooth contract execution.
- Collaborated with the executive leadership team in weekly progress review meetings, contributing insights on market trends, client acquisition strategies, and revenue growth opportunities.
- Negotiated contracts and pricing agreements to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, optimizing profitability while maintaining strong client relationships.
- Conducted competitive market analysis to identify emerging trends, new opportunities, and strategic growth areas.
- Contributed to business strategy development, aligning sales efforts with corporate objectives and driving sustainable revenue growth.
Education
Ph.D. - Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering
North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND12.2023
MSc - Bioenvironmental Biotechnology Engineering
IIUM Malaysia
12.2017
BSc - Agricultural Science
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Nigeria
03.2009
Skills
- Research, laboratory, and microbiology skills
- Data analysis (Excel, Python, R)
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office package
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Mentoring
- Proficiency in the use of machines such as HPLC, RVA, YSI and Electron microscope
- Lab Experiments and Research
- Proficiency in research design, research proposals and report writing
- Ability to learn fast, focus and work independently
- Ability to meet specific deadlines
Affiliations
- American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
- African Network Group of ASABE (ANGASABE)
- Alpha Epsilon Honor Society
Timeline
Senior Scientist
NuTek Natural Ingredients
10.2023 - Current
Doctoral Research Assistant
North Dakota State University
04.2021 - 12.2023
Education Officer
National Examination Board
08.2018 - 03.2021
Lecturer, Advance Level Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
Adni prevarsity
01.2016 - 01.2017
Graduate Research Assistant
IIUM, Malaysia
08.2015 - 12.2017
Business Development Manager
Salakon Oilfield services LTD.
04.2012 - 07.2015
MSc - Bioenvironmental Biotechnology Engineering
IIUM Malaysia
BSc - Agricultural Science
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Nigeria
Ph.D. - Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering
North Dakota State University
Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=2ckFD5cAAAAJ&hl=en
www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahim-bello-ph-d-b9bb2053
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