PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Dr. Isanga Joel is a Biological Scientist and Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology at Makerere University, where he has served since 2008. His research interests span Food Immunochemistry, Industrial Biochemistry and Food Science, with particular focus on immunoassay development for the detection of antibiotic residues in food products and the development of functional food products.

Dr. Joel obtained his PhD in Food Immunochemistry and MSc in Food Science and Technology from Jiangnan University, China, and his BSc in Biochemistry from Makerere University. His doctoral research focused on the development of monoclonal antibody-based assays and rapid detection strips for antibiotic residues in food matrices.

He actively supervises undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and contributes to academic administration, including coordination of industrial training and field-based learning activities within the department. Dr. Joel has also engaged in national consultancy work, contributing to policy and development initiatives related to analytical laboratories and forensic DNA databases in Uganda.

CAREER OBJECTIVE

To drive scientific innovation in food immunochemistry and biotechnology, strengthen biochemistry education and research capacity in East Africa and contribute to evidence-based national policy through high-impact consultancy and applied research.

CORE RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Food Immunochemistry and Industrial Biochemistry
• Immunoassay Development for Antibiotic Residue Detection (Monoclonal Antibody-based)
• Food Safety, Quality Control and Rapid Testing Strips
• Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals

EDUCATION

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Key Teaching and Administrative Contributions

• Deliver undergraduate and graduate instruction in biochemistry, food science and immunochemistry.
• Serve as Industrial Training Coordinator, Field Trips Coordinator and B.Sc. Year I Class Coordinator.
• Supervise multiple undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

1. Balikoowa, B., Zawedde, B.M., Kigabane, H., Mutonyi, S., Kalanzi, F. and Isanga, J. (2026). Variations in Physicochemical Quality Indices of Avocado Pulp Oils from Selected Varieties Grown across Different Sites and Seasons in the Lake Victoria Crescent Agro-Ecological Zone of Uganda. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 17, 146-158. https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2026.172012

1. Rutaro, K., Mulindwa J., Ampeire K.H., Ssegawa F.M., Isanga J., Gumisiriza R., Kyambadde J., Vuzi P.C., & Baingana R.K. (2022). An Undergraduate Biosciences Internship Program in a Low-Resource Setting: Opportunities and Challenges. East African Journal of Education Studies, 5(1), 126–143.
2. Isanga, J., Tochi B.N., Mukunzi D., Chen Y., Liu L., Kuang H., & Xu C. (2016). Development of a specific monoclonal antibody assay and rapid testing strip for detection of apramycin residues in food samples. Food and Agricultural Immunology.
3. Isanga, J., Mukunzi D., Chen Y., Suryoprabowo S., Liu L., Kuang H., & Xu C. (2017). Development of a monoclonal antibody assay and lateral flow strip test for detection of paromomycin residues in food matrices. Food and Agricultural Immunology.
4. Isanga, J., Mukunzi D., Chen Y., Suryoprabowo S., Liu L., Kuang H., & Xu C. (2017). Development of a monoclonal antibody assay and immunochromatographic test strip for detection of amikacin residues in milk and eggs. Food and Agricultural Immunology.
5. Isanga, J. & Zhang, G. (2009). Production and evaluation of quality parameters of peanut milk yoghurt. LWT – Food Science and Technology.
6. Isanga, J. & Zhang, G. (2008). Screening of stabilizers for peanut milk-based set yoghurt. American Journal of Food Technology.
7. Isanga, J. & Zhang, G. (2008). Soybean bioactive components and their implications for health. Food Reviews International.
8. Isanga, J. & Zhang, G. (2007). Biologically active components and nutraceuticals in peanuts and related products. Food Reviews International.

PATENTS

• Xu C., Isanga J., Mukunzi D., Chen Y., Suryoprabowo S., Liu L. (2017). Development of an Anti-Paromomycin Monoclonal Antibody Assay. Patent No. 201611109139.5.
• Xu C., Isanga J., Mukunzi D., Chen Y., Suryoprabowo S., Liu L. (2017). Development of an Anti-Amikacin Monoclonal Antibody Assay. Patent No. 201710164459.9.

ACADEMIC SUPERVISION

Dr. Joel has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students in research areas related to food science, nutrition, microbiology, and biochemical analysis. Recent postgraduate supervision includes studies on:

• Malaria parasitemia and hematological parameters in sickle cell patients
• Characterization of avocado pulp oils and seed powders
• Micronutrient bioavailability in vegetables

CONSULTANCY AND PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT

• Associate Consultant, Rays Policy Research Centre – Development of the Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratories (DGAL) Strategic Plan (2020-2025).
• Consultant, Development of Regulatory Impact Assessment and Policy for the National Forensic Evidence and DNA Database, Uganda.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP AND SERVICE

• Board Member – Biocosmos Uganda Trust Foundation
• Internal and external examiner of graduate dissertations/thesis
• Active peer reviewer for international food science and immunology journals (by invitation)