Lecturer Bernice Araba Otoo
About me
Bernice Araba Otoo is a researcher specializing in environmental contamination, analytical chemistry, and ecological risk assessment. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Nuclear and Environmental Protection at the University of Ghana, with research focused on heavy metal contamination and radiological risks in mining communities.
She serves as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), where she teaches undergraduate courses such as general chemistry, analytical, environmental chemistry etc., supervises laboratory work, and contributes to curriculum development and research. Bernice holds an M.Phil. in Chemistry from KNUST and a BSc in Chemistry from UENR, and has gained international research experience through doctoral training in Germany and participation in a sustainability summer school in Kenya.
Her work has been published in reputable peer-reviewed journals, addressing issues such as pharmaceutical residues, soil contamination, and environmental risk in Ghana. She has presented at international conferences and received several prestigious scholarships, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship and the BANGA-Africa PhD Scholarship.
Bernice is an active member of professional networks such as the Ghana Chemical Society and Women in Nuclear, and is committed to advancing sustainable environmental management and public health through research and collaboration.
Bernice Araba Otoo is an emerging Ghanaian researcher with specialization in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, and environmental protection. With a growing reputation in scientific research and higher education, she is dedicated to addressing pressing environmental and public health challenges through rigorous, evidence-based approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Currently, Bernice is pursuing a PhD in Nuclear and Environmental Protection at the University of Ghana, where her research focuses on environmental contamination, ecological risk assessment, and sustainable environmental management. Her doctoral work specifically examines the spatial patterns of heavy metal contamination and radiological risks in soil within mining communities in the Atiwa West District of Ghana, an area of environmental concern.
Bernice’s academic journey reflects both excellence and international exposure. She holds an M.Phil. in Chemistry from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR). As part of her doctoral training, she undertook a six-month research program at TU Bergakademie Freiberg in Germany, where she advanced her expertise in analytical techniques and environmental protection research while engaging with a global network of scholars. She further broadened her international experience through participation in the SNRM Summer School in Nairobi, Kenya, where she explored sustainable natural resource management and environmental governance in developing regions.
Professionally, Bernice serves as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD). In this role, she contributes significantly to undergraduate education by delivering lectures, designing course curricula, supervising laboratory work, and mentoring students. Her teaching is complemented by active research, through which she contributes to scientific knowledge and academic discourse.
Prior to her academic appointment, Bernice worked as a Quality Control Analyst at OA & J Pharmaceuticals Limited, where she gained hands-on experience in laboratory testing, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance processes in the pharmaceutical industry. She also completed her national service at UENR as a Research and Teaching Assistant, supporting both instructional activities and faculty-led research.
Bernice has an impressive record of peer-reviewed publications, with contributions addressing key environmental issues such as pharmaceutical residues in ecosystems, soil contamination, and ecological risk assessment in Ghana. Her work has been published in reputable journals including Toxicology Reports, Current World Environment, and Journal of Environmental and Public Health. Notably, her research has provided insights into the occurrence and risks of antibiotics and analgesics in the environment, as well as the disposal practices of unused and expired medicines.
Her research portfolio spans a wide range of topics, including soil nutrient dynamics under plantation systems, environmental contamination studies, and biochemical analyses. Bernice is also actively engaged in the global scientific community. She has presented her work at several international conferences, including the CEMEREM Biennial International Conference and Sustainable Development Conferences, and has participated in workshops and seminars organized by institutions such as DAAD and the Pan African Doctoral Academy. These platforms have enabled her to share her research, gain new perspectives, and build valuable academic networks.
Her achievements have been recognized through several prestigious scholarships and grants, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship, the BANGA-Africa PhD Scholarship, the Erasmus+ YEMAYA Project, and the GNPC Foundation Scholarship. These accolades underscore her academic excellence, research potential, and commitment to advancing knowledge.
Beyond her academic and research endeavors, Bernice contributes to institutional and professional development through committee service, including roles within UESD and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). She is also an active member of professional organizations such as the Ghana Chemical Society, Women in Nuclear, and The Women in Chemistry Network, reflecting her commitment to professional growth and gender inclusion in science.
Driven by a passion for sustainability, public health, and scientific innovation, she continues to position herself as a rising leader in environmental research. Her work not only contributes to academic scholarship but also holds significant implications for environmental policy, resource management, and community well-being in Ghana and beyond.
