Prof. Beatrice Opeolu

Beatrice Olutoyin Opeolu is a highly accomplished professional with a remarkable background in environmental management and toxicology. She earned her BSc (Hons) in Environmental Management and Toxicology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in Nigeria in 1995, followed by an MSc in Environmental Biology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 2001. In 2007, Beatrice obtained her PhD in Environmental Toxicology from FUNAAB.

With a passion for academia, Beatrice embarked on her teaching career as a Graduate Assistant in 1997, rising to the position of Lecturer I. During her tenure at FUNAAB, she taught a diverse range of Environmental Sciences modules, both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her areas of expertise include Introduction to Environmental Sciences, Hazardous Substances Management, Environmental Monitoring Systems and Techniques, Environmental Education and Awareness, Water Analysis, Waste Management, Environmental Aspects of Pesticides, and other Toxicants Usage.

In 2008, Beatrice emigrated to South Africa and served as a postdoctoral fellow at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Her teaching responsibilities expanded to include Inorganic Chemistry, Chemical Quality Assurance, Spectrophotometry, Air Quality Management, and Water Quality Management. In 2011, she was appointed as the Extended Curriculum Coordinator in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at CPUT, overseeing thirteen Extended Curriculum Programs (ECPs) under her capable leadership. Beatrice currently holds the esteemed position of full professor at CPUT and leads the Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability Research Focus Area.

As an accomplished researcher, Beatrice holds a C3 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa. Her specialized fields are Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, with a keen interest in the remediation of toxic chemicals in the environment. She has contributed significantly to her field, publishing over 120 articles in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings within the disciplines of Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Toxicology.

Beatrice’s expertise is sought after on national levels, as she serves on the Technical Committees of several nationally funded projects in South Africa. She also holds a position as a voting committee member of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) – Biological Testing Methods. Furthermore, Beatrice played a pivotal role as a co-developer of an international program for the SETAC online short course, aimed at empowering developing countries.

Dedicated to the advancement of education, Beatrice is highly regarded as an evaluator of academic programs for the South African Council on Higher Education (CHE). Her passion for fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange is evident through her involvement in community engagement projects and her extensive research network of scientists worldwide.

Over the past two decades, Beatrice has delivered numerous impactful speeches as a participant, invited speaker, and keynote speaker at local, regional, and international conferences. Her expertise is in high demand, and she frequently contributes as a sought-after speaker and panelist at events, including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) side events.

Beatrice’s commitment to education extends to mentoring scores of students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She actively mentors environmental science practitioners across academia, business, and government, contributing to the development of future leaders in the field.

With her outstanding achievements, extensive knowledge, and passion for environmental science, Beatrice Olutoyin Opeolu is an exemplary leader shaping the future of sustainability, research, and education.