Seaweeds and Human Nutrition: Unlocking Marine Potential for Health and Agricultural Innovation

This seminar will explore the multifaceted benefits of seaweeds (macroalgae) as powerful agents for human nutrition and sustainable agriculture. Rich in bioactive compounds, seaweeds are increasingly recognized as superfoods with high concentrations of essential nutrients — proteins, dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and micronutrients — offering promising solutions for global health and nutrition challenges.

In addition to their dietary value, seaweeds serve as natural biostimulants in agriculture, promoting plant growth, enhancing antioxidant potential, enhancing resistance to stress, and contributing to soil health. Dr. Madhumi Mitra will highlight current research, practical applications, and future directions in the use of seaweed-derived products in the food and agriculture sectors.

Dr. Madhumi Mitra is a tenured Professor of Biology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), where she also serves as the Biology and Chemistry Education Coordinator in the Department of Natural Sciences. With a multidisciplinary background and over two decades of academic experience, Dr. Mitra has made significant contributions to teaching, research, and service in the fields of biology, environmental sciences, and STEM education.

Dr. Mitra earned her Ph.D. in Botany from North Carolina State University, specializing in palynology, and holds two master’s degrees: one in Botany with a specialization in Phycology from Calcutta University, and another in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland Baltimore. She also holds an Executive Education Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Strategy from Cornell University and an Online Teaching Certification from UMES.Her research spans a wide range of topics, including marine algae, sustainable bioenergy, and smart farming with emergent technologies. She has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, presented at numerous international and national conferences, and co-authored/edited two books — one on sustainable bioenergy with Springer and another on artificial intelligence with CRC Press. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation in the areas of biological and environmental sciences.