Nigerian scholar in the USA wins ₦13 million Global Award for Nuclear Waste Research

Oketola Oluwaseun, a Jackson State University (JSU) doctoral student, has been awarded the Roy G. Post Foundation Award for his groundbreaking research in nuclear waste management.

Oluwaseun’s research focuses on developing innovative materials to clean up nuclear waste using chalcogels. Chalcogenide-based aerogels are a distinctive class of porous nano-aggregated semiconducting materials with promising applications in clean energy and environment remediation. These materials efficiently trap and remove harmful radioactive elements in wastewater and nuclear waste that cause severe detrimental effects on humans and the environment.

The Roy G. Post Foundation Award, presented at the Waste Management Symposium, one of the world’s largest International Symposium on nuclear waste on Sunday March 9, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, honors researchers who make significant contributions to nuclear waste management. Oluwaseun’s research is inspired by global energy demands and the challenges of nuclear waste disposal, with potential applications not only in waste treatment but also in energy storage, particularly for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Oluwaseun 29-year-old native of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria. He began his academic journey at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 2018. Oluwaseun said in year 2016- 2017, he witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of water pollution in his home state. During his internships as a quality control chemist at Ogun State Water Corporation. He saw how poor sanitation and untreated wastewater contamination led to severe health issues.

“This experience sparked my interest in developing advanced materials for wastewater treatment,” This realization led me to pursue graduate studies at JSU, where I could explore the intersection of materials science and environmental chemistry to tackle environmental contamination through scientific innovation.” Now as a PhD student, He also co-authored studies on chalcogels, which serve as high-capacity electrodes for conversion-based Li-ion batteries to improve performance, energy storage and renewable energy integration.

Beyond research, Oluwaseun is dedicated to mentorship and teaching. While studying in Nigeria, he won the Best Tutor Award in chemistry and the Leadership Award. In the U.S., he participates in STEM outreach programs, inspiring young students to explore environmental science and pursue careers in research.

Oluwaseun credits JSU and his advisor, Dr. Saiful M. Islam, for his success. He says, “Dr. Islam’s guidance has been crucial in refining my research and expanding my technical skills. The resources and collaborative opportunities at JSU have been key to my growth as a scientist.”

Moving forward, he plans to expand his research on chalcogels, focusing on their applications in nuclear waste treatment, energy storage, and sustainability, with a vision to collaborate globally with government agencies and industry partners to enhance nuclear safety and environmental protection worldwide.