Adebayo Adeleye, a third-year doctoral student in the Department of Chemistry at Marquette University, recently received national recognition at the highly competitive NSF Innovation Tank Competition during the 2024 National Organization for Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) National Conference in Orlando, Florida. Selected from a large pool of applicants nationwide, Adeleye presented his groundbreaking idea focused on unlocking the energy potential of natural gas hydrates. His approach leverages experimental techniques and computational modeling and simulations to develop an innovative and efficient technology for extracting natural gas hydrates from subsea reservoirs. Given the vast recoverable reserves of natural gas (methane) trapped in these hydrates beneath the ocean, which are estimated to be sufficient to power the United States for over four centuries at current energy consumption rates, this forward-thinking solution has the potential to revolutionize energy production. It offers a more sustainable and efficient approach to natural gas extraction, positioning hydrates as a key player in shaping the future global energy landscape.
The NSF Innovation Tank Competition, supported by the Technology Innovation and Partnership (TIP) Directorate, is an initiative driven by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 to accelerate the commercialization of scientific discoveries and ensure that the U.S. remains at the forefront of global competitiveness. TIP, the newest directorate within NSF, bridges cutting-edge research with real-world applications, focusing on technologies that can have a significant societal and commercial impact. Styled after “Shark Tank,” the competition provides a platform for scientists to pitch their ideas to NSF program directors and industry leaders, receiving valuable feedback and exploring pathways for NSF funding. Adeleye’ s project, which addresses critical challenges in sustainable energy production, stood out for its far-reaching impact and potential commercial viability, earning him second place in this prestigious event.
In addition to his success in the Innovation Tank Competition, Adeleye was awarded the Advancing Science Career Grant (ASCG), which enabled him to attend the conference and present his original research on the experimental and computational studies of propane hydrates with ethylene oxide. His research, conducted under the supervision of Prof. Scott Reid and with significant support from research mentor Dr. Damian Kokkin, is making significant strides in addressing flow assurance challenges in oil and gas pipelines, a critical issue in the energy industry. Adeleye’ s attendance at the NOBCChE conference was further supported by Graduate Travel Awards from both the Graduate School and the Department of Chemistry at Marquette University.
“I am grateful to God and incredibly fortunate to have an advisor like Prof. Scott Reid and a research mentor like Dr. Damian Kokkin, whose guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in driving my research forward. These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without their support; I hope to make them proud,” Adeleye shared. He also expressed appreciation to the Department of Chemistry at Marquette University, chaired by Prof. Adam Fiedler, for fostering a supportive environment that has greatly contributed to his academic and professional growth.
Reflecting on his achievements, Adeleye added, “Participating in the Innovation Tank competition gave me a unique platform to showcase the true impact of my research. By thinking beyond conventional limits and pushing boundaries through innovative research, we can unlock solutions that will redefine how we tackle energy challenges.”
With his innovative research on natural gas hydrates and the strong mentorship of Prof. Scott Reid and Dr. Damian Kokkin, Adeleye is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable energy solutions, with the potential to influence energy technologies and practices for years to come.
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