Dr. Uche Charles Udeochu is an accomplished chemist and educator dedicated to advancing analytical chemistry and energy research through innovative spectro-electrochemical techniques. As Associate Professor and Chemistry Program Coordinator at UDC, he combines cutting-edge research with a commitment to student success, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Experience
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry: Analytical Chemistry, Howard University Master of Science in Chemistry: Analytical Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Roles
Associate Professor & Chemistry Program Coordinator, UDC, 2020-Present
Courses Taught
General Chemistry I Lecture and Lab General Chemistry II Lecture and Lab Quantitative Analysis Lecture and Lab Instrumental Analysis Lecture and Lab Senior Research I and II Fuel Cell Fundamentals Science of Fuel Cells Organic Chemistry I Experimental Organic Chemistry I
Expertise
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Investigation of the surface-activity properties of bioactive molecules with medicinal potential through advanced spectro-electrochemical techniques
Design, synthesis, and application of spectro-electrochemical techniques for the performance evaluation of electrocatalytic materials in energy storage and conversion systems
Leadership
Chair, UDC CAS Dean Search Committee, 2024 Chair, UDC CAUSES, 2024 Assistant/Associate Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics Search Committee, 2024 Federal Grant Peer Review Panelist, Food, Agricultural, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences Grant Programs, 2024 Reviewer, American Chemical Society (ACS) Omega, 2024 Committee Member, Ph.D. Thesis and Defense: Low Temperature Powder Electro-Chemical Metal Additive Manufacturing (PECAM) Technology by Wondwosen, Demisse, UDC SEAS, 2024 Faculty Mentor, DCPS CEO Program, 2024-Present Faculty Mentor, D.C. Summer Youth Employment Program, 2024-Present Judge, Benjamin Banneker Science Fair, 2024 Judge, McKinley DCPS Senior STEM Fair, 2023
Impact
Selected Publications
Bari, B., Tyagi, P., & Udeochu, U. (2025). Enhanced methanol oxidation catalysis by Ni/Al-carbonate hydrotalcite: Insights from cyclic voltammetry and fuel cell performance. Scientific Reports. [Under review]
Ovenseri, A., Ogunkeyede, A., Adebayo, A., Tawari-Fufeyin, P., Orukpe, A., & Udeochu U. (2024). Simulated microgravity, indole-3-acetyl acid, and cow dung influence on Zea Mays plant growth in contaminated soil. Applied Environmental Research, 46(2), 028. https://doi.org/10.35762/AER.2024028
Bankole, A., Ogunkeyede, A., Adedosu, T., Udeochu, U., Agboro, H., & Isukuru, E. (2024). Assessment of heavy metal exposure in soils of Ihwrekreka communities, Delta State, Nigeria. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 12, 279-303. https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2024.123015
Selected Presentations
Bari, B., Udeochu, U., & Tyagi, P. (2025). Synthesis and application of thiol functionalized 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl porphyrin molecular channels for harnessing magnetic tunnel junction based molecular spintronic device for fuel cell. American Chemical Society Spring 2025 Meeting and Expo, San Diego, California.
Udeochu, U. (2024). Discovering & measuring the impact of teaching practices on students’ success & retention in general chemistry. UDC Teaching Learning Roundtable Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.
Bari, B., Udeochu, U., & Tyagi, P. (2024). Synthesis and role of 5,10,15,20-tetrasulphonatophenyl porphyrin molecule in magnetic tunnel junction based molecular spintronic device for fuel cell application. Electronic Materials Conference, College Park, Maryland.
Udeochu, U., & Tyagi, P. (2024). Multi-instructor teaching dual listed graduate-undergraduate course using SPET method. ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Portland, Oregon.
Selected Grants
Department of Defense. (2021). Acquisition of HPLC-MS/MS to accelerate multidisciplinary research, education, and training capabilities at UDC.
United States Department of Education. (2022). Gas chromatography – Mass spectroscopic (GC-MS) instrumentation for enhancing undergraduate and graduate education, research, and outreach/training at UDC.
National Science Foundation. (2021). MRI: Acquisition of a new x-Ray diffractometer to advance research and education in primarily undergraduate/minority serving institutions within the District of Columbia.
Recognitions
Certificate of Completion, UDC Center for the Advancement of Learning Workshop “Exploring Classroom Assignments with AI”, 2024.
Invited Participations
Udeochu, U. (2023). Participant at the NSF CREST 2023 Conference, Understanding Interventions, Salt Lake City, Utah.
