Engineering Excellence Recognized as Nigerian Professional Earns Distinguished Fellowship

By Ugo Aliogo

The engineering profession has witnessed remarkable growth in specialized fields over recent decades, with professionals pushing boundaries in nuclear energy, materials science & engineering, and computational mechanics. Recognition of such excellence came to full display as Thompson Odion Igunma was inducted as a Fellow of the National Institute of Professional Engineers & Scientists, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career.

Igunma, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Florida’s Materials Science and Engineering department, has been making waves in the nuclear energy sector through his groundbreaking research on molten salt reactor technologies. His work focuses on developing quantitative phase field models to simulate how irradiation impacts the corrosion of structural alloys used in advanced nuclear systems—research that has profound implications for the future of clean energy production.

The fellowship recognition comes on the heels of an impressive academic journey that has seen Igunma contribute prolifically to scientific literature. His research portfolio spans multiple critical areas, including high-entropy alloys in nuclear reactors, nanostructured materials for corrosion mitigation, and ceramic matrix composites for next-generation reactor systems. These contributions have positioned him as a thought leader in addressing one of nuclear energy’s most challenging technical obstacles: material degradation in extreme environments.

What makes Igunma’s achievement particularly noteworthy is the breadth of his professional experience. Before transitioning to advanced academic research, he spent nearly eight years in manufacturing operations, where he honed his skills in process optimization, quality control, and team leadership. This unique combination of industrial experience and cutting-edge research has given him a practical perspective that enriches his academic work.

His research is not merely theoretical. Working under the Yellow Jacket Project—a collaboration between the University of Florida and Idaho National Laboratory funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation program—Igunma is developing solutions that could directly impact the viability of molten salt reactors as a sustainable energy source. His models aim to unravel the complex interplay between molten salt corrosion, irradiation effects, and alloy microstructure, providing crucial insights for reactor design and material selection.

His commitment to advancing the field extends to mentoring and collaborative research, working alongside colleagues on interdisciplinary projects that bridge materials science, mechanical engineering, and sustainable energy systems.

The fellowship from the National Institute of Professional Engineers & Scientists represents more than personal achievement; it underscores the growing recognition of African engineers making significant contributions to global scientific challenges. As a licensed engineer registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and a professional member of both the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Nuclear Society, Igunma embodies the international nature of modern engineering excellence.