Dr. Bello Makama
Education:
PhD from University of Reading (U.K.)
Specialization:
Organic Chemistry
Bio:
Dr. Bello Y. Makama is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Nicholls State University. He earned his
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry under Professor Laurence M. Harwood (University of Reading, UK). His initial
research focus was synthetic methodology and its application to the total synthesis of bioactive natural
products, including structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies, lead compound optimization, and assay
development. Over the last 20 years, he has taught and mentored students on four continents, including
Europe and the United States. His current work advances green chemistry: ionic liquids for safer
synthesis, CO₂-to-formate conversion, and microalgae-derived biofuels and hydrogen.
He currently teaches Organic Chemistry I & II and Advanced Organic Chemistry, mentors undergraduate
researchers toward conference presentations and publications, and collaborates with partners at
Louisiana State University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and private technology startups to align
bench-scale innovation with workforce training across the Gulf Coast.
Courses:
CHEM 222 – Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 226 – Organic Chemistry Lab
CHEM 421 – Advanced Organic Chemistry