Clarkson Chemistry Graduate Student Wins Awards for Work on Sustainable Food Packaging
Clarkson Chemistry Ph.D. student, Oluwatosin Popoola, working in the laboratory of Professor Silvana Andreescu, the Egon Matijevic Chair in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Clarkson has earned two awards from the American Chemical Society (ACS): the ACS 2024 Sustainable Future Travel Grant, and an ACS Agricultural and Food Chemistry (AGFD) award recognizing students for work that promote sustainability and an understanding of the role of chemistry in agriculture and food production.
Popoola’s research is to develop biocompatible materials and apply additive manufacturing methods for producing biodegradable films with the required stability, durability, and food preservation properties to increase the shelf-life of food and promote sustainability within the food chain.
He will be attending the ACS National Meeting in New Orleans from March 16 to 21 to present his work in the Withycombe-Charalambous Graduate Student Symposium, where the winners will receive extra cash awards and plaques. This competition is designed to showcase the research talents of graduate degree candidates to prospective employers. It also recognizes students who work on projects that promote an understanding of the role of chemistry in agriculture and food production. Popoola will travel to the meeting along with several other students in Andreescu's research group, as well as several undergraduates in chemistry and biochemistry representing the Clarkson ACS local chapter.
For his second award, the ACS 2024 Sustainable Future Travel Grant, Popoola will attend the 28th Annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference in June 2024 in Atlanta, a premier gathering of experts, researchers, and professionals in the field of green chemistry.
The Conference offers a platform to explore the latest advancements, network with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable insights into sustainable and eco-friendly practices within the realm of chemistry. This award covers the cost of conference registration fees, transportation, lodging accommodations, and meals for the meeting and is provided by the ACS Office of Sustainability.
“I’m grateful to God and my advisor, Professor Silvana Andreescu, Chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Clarkson, as well as my TA advisor, Professor Costel Darie for their immense support and recommendations towards these awards. They couldn’t have been achievable without them; I hope to make them proud,” Popoola said.
“I could not be more proud of my students. These awards are a testament of their hard work, and a recognition of the quality and reputation of our research in the chemistry and sustainability community. They also help increase our visibility and bring reputation to Clarkson,” said Andreescu.
Andreescu and her research team are developing smart sensors and 3D printed sustainable packaging to sustain the quality and increase the shelf-life of packaged food, thereby reducing food loss and food waste. More details about the group’s research and opportunities can be found at: https://www.andreesculab.com/home.
