Dr. Okezie Aruoma is a distinguished scholar and leader in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences with significant contributions to the understanding of free radicals in health and disease. He currently serves as Professor of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences at California State University, Los Angeles, where he contributes to both teaching and research excellence. Dr. Aruoma earned his PhD in Biochemistry from King's College London, followed by a DSc in Medical Biochemistry from the University of London, and complemented his scientific expertise with an MBA from the University of Warwick. Prior to his appointment at Cal State LA, he held a prominent position as Professor of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences and Associate Dean of Research and Global Affairs at the American University of Health Sciences. His extensive educational background spanning biochemistry, medical science, and business administration provides a unique interdisciplinary perspective that informs his research and leadership approach.
Dr. Aruoma's groundbreaking research has focused on developing innovative biomarkers and phytoceutical/nutraceutical agents derived from fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants with significant potential for early diagnosis and preventive treatment of inflammatory diseases. His work has made substantial contributions to understanding the role of free radicals in conditions including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, various cancers, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, offering novel approaches to combat these challenging health issues. Through meticulous investigation of natural compounds and their biological mechanisms, Dr. Aruoma has advanced the scientific understanding of how dietary components can modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. His research has established important connections between nutrition, free radical biology, and chronic disease prevention, creating a foundation for evidence-based nutraceutical interventions. This work has positioned him as a respected authority in the field of free radicals in health and disease, with his scholarly contributions widely recognized in the scientific community.
In 2012, Dr. Aruoma's significant contributions to pharmaceutical sciences were formally acknowledged through his appointment as a Fellow of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, a prestigious recognition reserved for distinguished professionals who have made exceptional contributions to the field. He serves in an influential capacity on the MDpas Advisory Board at California State University, Los Angeles, where he provides strategic guidance and leverages his extensive expertise to advance the program's mission and purpose. Dr. Aruoma actively contributes to the academic community through his scholarly publications and continued research on the therapeutic potential of natural compounds for inflammatory conditions. His current work continues to explore innovative approaches to harnessing the power of phytoceuticals for disease prevention and management, with potential applications across multiple therapeutic areas. As both a researcher and educator, Dr. Aruoma remains committed to advancing scientific knowledge while training the next generation of pharmaceutical and biomedical scientists to address pressing global health challenges.