It’s no news that Nigeria is at the forefront of scientific innovation, thanks to the tireless efforts of its brilliant minds. One such trailblazer is Nigerian analytical scientist Clement Aruada, who is earning international recognition for his groundbreaking work in biotechnology and environmental safety.
From industrial labs in Nigeria to advanced research environments in the United States, analytical chemist Aruada has built a career dedicated to solving urgent health and environmental challenges. His work spans pharmaceutical development, biotechnology innovation, and the fight against PFAS, the “forever chemicals” that have become one of the world’s most persistent pollutants.
Aruada’s landmark research began during his Master of Science in Chemistry at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, United States, where he developed sensitive methods to detect PFAS in water. These synthetic chemicals, used in everything from packaging to firefighting foam, resist natural breakdown and are linked to cancers, immune suppression, and developmental harm.
His thesis, “Derivatization Methods for Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) by Gas Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry,” published in ProQuest, introduced new workflows that made it possible to detect PFAS at trace levels, giving regulators and researchers more reliable tools for monitoring contamination.
The work earned him recognition at leading conferences such as the American Chemical Society (ACS) and Pittcon, along with a First Place Award in Chemistry (Oral Presentation) at the Tennessee Academy of Science, and a Student Research Grant Award from Tennessee Tech’s Department of Chemistry. These achievements marked the start of a career focused on applying chemistry to real-world problems.
Today, Aruada is extending this foundation into research that explores biological ways to break down PFAS. By applying analytical chemistry to support enzyme engineering, he is working on approaches that could cut the carbon-fluorine bonds at the core of PFAS stability. These strategies may one day offer a sustainable alternative to costly cleanup methods such as incineration or advanced filtration.
“PFAS are everywhere, in water, soil, and even in our bloodstreams. Finding practical ways to reliably detect and remove them is essential for protecting communities and public health,” he said.
Alongside his environmental work, Aruada has contributed to a wide range of biotechnology and pharmaceutical projects. His contributions have not only elevated Nigeria’s scientific reputation globally but also paved the way for a new generation of innovators.
Described by colleagues and mentors as a scientist committed to practical impact, Aruada’s record spans multiple sectors, from oil and gas in Nigeria to food science, academic research, and biotechnology in the United States.
“Whether in health or the environment, my goal is the same: use chemistry to create solutions that protect people and improve daily life,” he enthused.
Aruada designs and validates mass spectrometry methods that support projects ranging from therapeutic peptide development to metabolomics-based product discovery. He has also developed analytical methods to study complex molecules, supported therapeutic development research, and applied modern chemistry to optimize industrial bioprocesses.
These efforts strengthen pipelines for drug discovery, vaccine development, and industrial innovation, showing how chemistry serves as a bridge between science and society.
Aruada’s journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry from the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria. After graduation, he worked as an analytical chemist at Geospectra Engineering and Greenville LNG in Port Harcourt, where he developed testing methods for liquefied natural gas, petroleum products, and environmental compliance. These early roles gave him practical experience in applied chemistry and a strong foundation for international research.
Moving to the United States opened the door to broader opportunities. In addition to his Master’s research, he served as a teaching and research assistant, guiding more than 100 undergraduates in chemistry labs and authoring new safety protocols. He also interned with Ocean Spray Cranberries in Lakeville, Massachusetts, where he developed analytical methods for product quality and safety testing.
The Nigerian science wiz currently works with Ginkgo Bioworks in Boston, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, where he applies advanced mass spectrometry and chromatography to research that supports pharmaceutical innovation, biotechnology development, and solutions for environmental challenges such as PFAS remediation.
