In early 2022, a young Nigerian scholar, Feranmi Olowookere, went viral for his outstanding academic achievements. With straight A’s in WAEC and a first-class degree in chemical engineering from the University of Lagos, Feranmi’s excellence caught the attention of EducationUSA, opening doors to further opportunities. Now, two years later, he is making groundbreaking strides as a PhD student at the University of Alabama, where his research on molecular modeling is contributing to the global fight against plastic pollution.
Feranmi grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where his passion for chemical engineering led him to explore innovative research on bioethanol production. His undergraduate work promoted the use of open-source software like Scilab and R in Nigerian institutions, laying the foundation for his current research. In 2022, he secured admission to the University of Alabama, where he joined the Turner group as a PhD student in chemical engineering.
Today, Feranmi’s research focuses on using molecular dynamics to understand how additives interact with plastics. His work provides valuable insights into how these additives can be separated from plastics, a crucial step in recycling and upcycling efforts. His recent publication, Characterizing Polyvinyl Chloride Interactions with Additives in Traditional and Bioderived Solvents, published in Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research (2024), explores how different solvents influence plastic separation, contributing to more sustainable recycling methods.
Another study, Coarse-Grained Molecular
Dynamics Modeling of Polyvinyl Chloride: Solvent Interactions, Mechanical Behavior, and Dehydrochlorination Effects, published in Macromolecules (2023), delves into the behavior of plastics at a molecular level, providing a deeper understanding of how they break down over time. His latest paper, Correlation-Based Predictions of Gas Solute Diffusivity in Ionic Liquid Solvents, was published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry B (2024), further showcasing his expertise in chemical modeling.
Feranmi’s contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. He was recently honored with the Outstanding Research by Doctoral Student award, recognizing his pioneering work in molecular modeling. His research is setting the stage for more efficient plastic recycling techniques, offering practical solutions to one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Feranmi’s journey from a viral academic sensation to a leading researcher in chemical engineering highlights the power of perseverance, passion, and the right opportunities. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and engineers, proving that excellence can lead to transformative global impact.
At the University of Alabama, he has just obtained his master’s degree in chemical engineering with a perfect GPA (4.0/4.0), demonstrating academic excellence and rigor. As he continues his PhD, Feranmi remains committed to pushing the boundaries of molecular modeling, with the ultimate goal of revolutionizing plastic recycling and contributing to a more sustainable world.
