By Jimoh Babatunde

Saheed Raheem Oluwasegun, a second-year Ph.D. student in Materials Science and Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU), is at the forefront of tackling global environmental challenges through innovative research.

With a background in Physics, having earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, Saheed is leveraging his expertise to develop cutting-edge materials for climate change mitigation.

At ASU, Saheed’s groundbreaking research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of polysulfone-based membranes, engineered with redox-active compounds for efficient carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal from seawater. His work extends to designing experimental setups that simulate various pressure conditions to better understand gas-liquid interactions. Drawing from insights gained in his master’s thesis on vibrational resonance in Josephson junctions, Saheed is making strides in materials design that could revolutionize carbon capture technologies.

Before joining ASU, Saheed made a significant impact as a Scientific Officer for the Ogun State Government in Nigeria. There, he spearheaded efforts to combat illegal mining, promoted environmentally sustainable practices, and contributed to policy formulation and mineral resource management.

Saheed’s passion for education and mentorship is reflected in his role as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at ASU, where he supports undergraduate coursework and laboratory experiments in materials science. In Nigeria, he was a dedicated Physics tutor, mentoring students and fostering a love for science among future scholars.

Recognized for his academic excellence, Saheed graduated as the top student in the Department of Physics at Lagos State University in 2014, earning university scholarships during his undergraduate years. Outside academia, he has taken on leadership roles in his community, organizing educational programs, youth development initiatives, and anti-drug campaigns.

From his roots in Lagos State, Nigeria, to leading cutting-edge research at ASU, Saheed Raheem Oluwasegun embodies a commitment to creating impactful solutions for global sustainability. His work promises to play a vital role in advancing materials science for a cleaner, more sustainable future.