Past Research experience:

 During my undergraduate studies I worked under Dr Thomas Chrzanowski, initially as a McNair scholar then as an LSAMP scholar. His lab deals with the general field of aquatic trophic dynamics. Together, we investigated the ability of Pseudomonas fluorescens to maintain it’s internal elemental composition. Specifically it’s C: N: P ratios at different growth rates caused by different temperatures and under C-limitation and P-limitation. Click here for paper.

 

Current research endeavors and interests:

   Under the guidance of my mentor Dr. Bradley Stevenson, I am currently engaged in my PhD studies. In collaboration with Dr. Ralph Tanner also of the University of Oklahoma we are investigating Clostridium strain P11. This strain has been observed to synthesize ethanol from carbon monoxide gas. Through genetic manipulation of pathway genes, strain, and media selection we aim to increase ethanol production and tolerance. Plant biomass can then be cleanly combusted (gasified) to synthesis gas (CO2, CO, H2) and fed to our organisms. In this way we intend to contribute to the growing field of biofuel production.

   The part of my research that gives me the most personal satisfaction is that it combines the traditional methods of microbial physiology with newer molecular techniques.

 

The University of Oklahoma:

   Of all the 200 plus Microbiology programs in the United States of America I fell in love with the one here at the University of Oklahoma. It has a long history and tradition of excellence in Anaerobic Microbiology and is currently expanding its facilities and faculty. More importantly the level of intradepartmental cooperation is impressive. One can freely draw upon the expertise of many professors and be all the richer after. More over once you become a Sooner, the people here embrace you and treat you like family.

 

My long term career Goals:

   Whether as a researcher in industry or in academia I intend to contribute to the following goals:

   The furthering of the development of biofuels and their large scale environmental benefits, as it is necessary for humanity to move away from dependence on fossil fuels not just to provide for increasing energy demands but also because of the environmental impact of not doing so. This effort would be aimed not just at the developed world but also poorer third world nations.

      Further, the synthesis of traditional microbiology with modern molecular approaches. It would be a shame if in our eagerness to grasp new concepts we lose sight of proven lore.

   The improvement of microbial science education especially at the secondary and tertiary levels; not enough is known by the general public about the microbial world, they are underappreciated or neglected. It is my dream to see more people know the role microbes play in our daily lives.  

 

Other interests:

  I consider myself a scholar, not just a graduate student; it is part of my personal philosophy that an individual should be engaged in other activities beyond one’s discipline. Thus I still study Chemistry (my other undergraduate degree). I write poetry that can be found at: poetry. I still try to keep up with the field of hemodialysis, which I worked in for 5 year. I collaborate with my brothers and their promotion of Nigerian artists: http://www.styl-plus.com/.

 

Personal note:

  It has been my privilege to have had some of the best people in this world as my teachers and so I give thanks to God.

   Sooner or later terra forming of Mars will be necessary and microbes would be at the forefront of that. Maybe I will be alive to join in the fun.