John Akinbile secures Graduate Research Assistantship in US for Renewable Energy Innovation

By Tosin Clegg

John, a Nigerian scholar, has been awarded a highly competitive Institute for a Sustainable Environment graduate research assistantship at Clarkson University in New York, USA. This prestigious award, which is granted to only a handful of students each year, will cover his full tuition and living expenses as he pursues his graduate studies. John’s selection for this honor is a testament to his academic profile and potential to make significant contributions to the field of environmental science and Engineering.

John, a Master of Science student in Environmental Science and Engineering, will join the prestigious Anaerobic Digestion Laboratory at Clarkson University, a leading research facility in the field of waste-to-energy conversion. His dedication to his research, which will focus on removing and recovering ammonia using advanced membrane technology, is truly inspiring. The project aims to enhance the efficiency of anaerobic digestion, a process that converts food waste into renewable energy while reducing harmful emissions.
Before embarking on this academic pursuit, John built a solid professional foundation in Nigeria. For over a decade, he worked with multinational manufacturing companies, for instance, Procter and Gamble Nigeria, where he managed energy systems that powered large industrial plants (both projects, operations, and maintenance). Over time, this hands-on experience inspired his interest in renewable energy systems and their potential to address Nigeria’s growing environmental challenges.

Originally from Abeokuta, Nigeria, John, who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, journeyed from Lagos to the forefront of US scientific innovation, is a story of dedication and transcontinental impact. He began his educational career at Yaba College of Technology, where he studied Industrial Maintenance Engineering. After several years in industry, he returned to higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Resource Management from the National Open University of Nigeria. His undergraduate research, titled “Impact of Renewable Energy on the Sustainable Environment in Nigeria”, further cemented his commitment to developing innovative energy solutions for a cleaner and healthier environment. He also holds professional certifications from world-class institutions such as the Clarke Energy Training Institute, UK; the Knights of Safety Academy, UK; the Hibreed Station, Canada; the University of Hyderabad, India; and the IBEC, Egypt.

Speaking on his award, John expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that his work will not only benefit the US but also carry significant implications for Nigeria’s waste management sector, offering hope for a more sustainable future.

“Every year, Nigeria generates millions of tonnes of food waste, yet we lack sustainable systems to convert that waste into energy. My research is about creating solutions that can be reapplied back home to support clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection,” he said.
This Clarkson University project specifically addresses food waste generated on campus, turning discarded meals into biogas and valuable nutrients. However, ammonia buildup during the process often hinders efficiency. John’s study on membrane-based ammonia capture and recovery aims to resolve this bottleneck, potentially revolutionizing how waste-to-energy systems are being operated globally and inspiring us all with the possibilities of sustainable energy solutions that can be applied worldwide.

Professor Stefan Grimberg, John’s faculty advisor at Clarkson, described him as “a dedicated young researcher whose work has the potential to shape the future of sustainable energy and waste recovery both in the U.S. and abroad.”

For Nigeria, his success serves as a reminder of the wealth of untapped talent in science and engineering, as well as the urgent need for policies that support research, innovation, and the transfer of global knowledge back into local communities.
With this assistantship, John joins the growing list of Nigerians breaking barriers in science and environmental sustainability on the world stage. His work has the potential to inspire a global shift towards sustainable energy solutions.