By Kenneth Oboh

Congratulations on earning your MSc in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)! What were some of the most rewarding aspects of your graduate research?

Thank you! This journey has been truly extraordinary. My research focused on developing better ways to produce alternative fuels using microbial cocultures, which help improve industrial efficiency and material development. It was incredibly exciting to work on something with real-world impact. One of the biggest highlights was presenting my research at the American Chemical Society (ACS) conference —the world’s largest gathering of scientists—as well as the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) conference. It was an incredible opportunity to share my work, connect with experts, and exchange ideas. Beyond research, being an International Student Ambassador was a truly enriching experience. It helped me grow as a leader and work with students from all over the world, broadening my perspective in ways I never expected.

You worked on Department of  Energy (DOE) funded project at the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC). How did these contribute to advancements in bioprocessing?

Working at NCERC was an incredible experience. I was part of a U.S. Department of Energy-funded project focused on n-butanol production from biomass-derived sugars. N-butanol has great industrial applications because it’s more energy-dense and compatible with existing fuel infrastructure. Beyond that, I also worked on developing bioplastics from CO₂, using advanced fermentation and downstream processing techniques. It was hands-on, problem-solving work—optimizing fermentation conditions, analyzing the results, and improving the process. That experience really strengthened my skills in analytical chemistry and process optimization.

You’re joining NewLeaf Sym as a Senior Research Associate. What excites you most about this opportunity?

I’m really looking forward to it! At NewLeaf Symbiotics, I willl be working on microbial biostimulants and biofertilizers—essentially, beneficial microbes that improve crop growth, nutrient uptake, and resistance to stress. This is a huge step toward making agriculture more efficient and sustainable. What excites me the most is that this role blends analytical chemistry, bioprocessing, and biotechnology, allowing me to apply my expertise in HPLC, LC-MS, and GC to optimize formulations and quality control. It’s amazing to see research translate into real-world applications.

How has your journey from University of Ilorin to SIUE shaped your professional aspirations?

My academic path has been a transformative experience. At University of Ilorin, I built a strong foundation in organic chemistry and analytical techniques, which gave me a solid starting point. When I moved to SIUE and NCERC, I expanded that into bioprocessing, bio-based materials, and industrial biotechnology. One of the biggest shifts was seeing how research connects with industry. Studying in the U.S. exposed me to cutting-edge research and industry collaborations, which shaped my focus on developing scalable solutions for manufacturing and agriculture.

How has your expertise in analytical chemistry helped address challenges in bioprocessing and biotechnology?

Analytical chemistry is a game-changer when it comes to process efficiency and product quality. My background in chromatography and spectroscopy has been essential in monitoring fermentation efficiency, optimizing production methods, and ensuring industrial material purity.
For example, in my graduate thesis, I used HPLC to track organic acid yields and GC-MS to analyze microbial pathways. That work made the production process more scalable and efficient. Now at NewLeaf Symbiotics, I will be using these same techniques to optimize microbial formulations for agricultural and industrial applications.

What advice do you have for aspiring chemists and researchers in analytical chemistry, bioprocessing, and biotechnology?

I would say it is important to get comfortable working across disciplines. Combining analytical chemistry, bioprocessing, and biotechnology can create many career opportunities. Staying updated on emerging technologies like industrial fermentation, precision manufacturing, and advanced materials is also crucial since these fields are evolving quickly.
Networking plays a huge role as well. Attending conferences, joining professional bodies like ACS and AIChE, and collaborating with researchers can open unexpected doors. You never know where a conversation might lead. Most importantly, persistence and innovation are key. The best breakthroughs come from those who keep pushing forward and thinking outside the box.