When it comes to representing Nigeria with pride abroad, Kolawole Emmanuel Adesina stands out as an exemplary citizen whose accomplishments have enhanced the country’s reputation. As one of Nigeria’s luminous figures, he remains committed to placing Nigeria at the forefront of global science. Through his significant contributions to the realm of physics, he has produced high-quality research that garnered numerous accolades.
It began at Tai Solarin University of Education.
In an interview with SANGGRALOKA.ng following a recent accolade, Kolawole discussed his educational journey, starting from Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), where he obtained a first-class degree in physics in 2019.
The voyage started there and continued to the Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, where he joined to pursue a Master of Science degree in Physics with a specialization in Radiation and Health Physics in 2022.
Kolawole, hailing from Oyo State, informed SANGGRALOKA.ng:
I hail from Ona Ara in Oyo State, Nigeria. In 2019, I graduated with first-class honors in Physics from Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED). Upon completing my studies, I fulfilled the countrywide requirement by serving through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in 2020, focusing on education and community enhancement initiatives. Post-NYSC, I continued my career at TASUED as a Graduate Assistant, engaging in undergraduate instruction, administration tasks, and scholarly research projects. These experiences reinforced my dedication to fields such as radiation safety, environmental surveillance, and public well-being.
Kolawole relocates to the USA in pursuit of greater education.
Kolawole would eventually journey to the United States because he was eager for greater exposure in his selected area of study.
His craving for knowledge brought him to the Missouri University of Science and Technology initially; later, he moved on to Purdue University, where he currently pursues his doctoral studies as a second-year student.
At Purdue University, Kolawole is concentrating his efforts and studies on health physics.
He told SANGGRALOKA.ng:
In 2022, I joined the Master of Science program in Physics with a focus on Radiation and Health Physics at Olabisi Onabanjo University located in Ogun State. This allowed me to deepen my knowledge in subjects like dosimetry, radiation safety, and environmental exposure assessment. Later that very year, I relocated to the United States to continue advancing my academic journey. Initially, I started my graduate work at the Missouri University of Science and Technology but transferred to Purdue University in 2023 to pursue my PhD in Health Physics.
Explaining his achievements to
SANGGRALOKA.ng
Kolawole mentioned that his work on toxic metal exposure has garnered recognition from the Health Physics Society (HPS), the Society of Toxicology (SOT), as well as the School of Health Sciences at Purdue University.
Kolawole mentioned that his main focus is on developing cutting-edge instruments for tracking exposure to hazardous metals.
His words:
During my educational path, I’ve been honored with several distinctions, such as accolades from the Health Physics Society (HPS), the Society of Toxicology (SOT), and the Purdue University College of Health Sciences. These recognitions were mainly for developing cutting-edge instruments to monitor toxic metal exposure and investigating their impact on actual health conditions.
I have had the privilege of receiving multiple accolades acknowledging my research in environmental health and health physics. Recently, I received both the TAO Endowment Fund Student Travel Award from the Toxicologists of African Origin and the emka-SCIREQ Special Award presented by the Inhalation and Respiratory Specialty Section at the Society of Toxicology. These honors were bestowed upon me for developing an innovative, non-invasive approach to assess airborne metals and metalloids within the airways through the use of nasal sampling strips evaluated with benchtop energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). This methodology holds great promise for transforming how we monitor respiratory exposures, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Additional accolades for Nigerian student at Purdue University
Previously, in 2024, Kolawolae was honored with the Student Achievement Award from the Medical Devices and Combination Product Specialty Section (MDCPSS), acknowledging his contributions.
Kolawole was additionally honored with the Robert S. Landauer, Sr. Memorial Fellowship from the Health Physics Society.
He said:
Furthermore, I received the Robert S. Landauer, Sr. Memorial Fellowship from the Health Physics Society, an award designed for students showcasing exceptional academic performance along with a dedicated commitment to radiation protection and dosimetry. This recognition highlights the significance and pioneering nature of my work, particularly as it centers around leveraging XRF technology to enhance accessibility, non-invasiveness, and scalability in detecting toxic metal exposures—particularly among marginalized and at-risk communities.
What Kolawole aims to be in the future
When questioned about his future objectives within the realm of physics, Kolawole mentioned his aspiration to work as a professor.
He additionally mentioned his desire to work as an independent researcher within the realm of physics.
Kolawole informed SANGGRALOKA.ng that he has a strong drive for research, teaching, and making a difference in the community.
His words:
I am enthusiastic about merging research, education, and community engagement. My aim is to head a research team that pushes the boundaries of scientific understanding while collaborating extensively with policymakers, public health institutions, and local populations—particularly in under-resourced areas such as certain regions in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa—to develop effective answers to issues concerning environmental health.
Attending university overseas comes with significant costs; therefore, SANGGRALOKA.ng sought insight into how Kolawole managed to cover his tuition expenses in the United States.
He emphasized that his research has received support through scholarships and a graduate assistantship.
He said:
My graduate studies in the U.S. have largely been funded via assistantships and research grants. Starting in 2023, I’ve served as a graduate research assistant at Purdue University. This role takes care of my tuition fees, offers me a monthly stipend, and even comes with affordable health insurance. Additionally, I’ve had the good fortune to be awarded multiple prestigious honors and travel funds from organizations such as the Health Physics Society and the Society of Toxicology. These accolades have not only advanced my academics but also enabled me to present my research findings at various conferences.
Obtaining financing for studying in the USA
Many Nigerian individuals are seeking ways to secure financing for studying overseas.
When giving advice to such individuals, Kolawole mentioned that it’s always beneficial to begin preparations ahead of time.
Kolawole likewise highlighted the importance of maintaining an excellent LinkedIn profile, as this serves to showcase one’s academic accomplishments.
He said:
My recommendation for students planning to undertake graduate studies in the U.S. is to start preparations as soon as they reach their junior year of college. During this period, focus should be placed deliberately on both scholarly and career development. Begin by seeking out research possibilities available through your department. Whenever feasible, engage in initiatives that might result in published papers. Doing so will enhance your research abilities and create a robust foundation for future graduate school applications.
Moreover, make sure to enhance your LinkedIn profile by sharing your accomplishments, connecting with industry professionals and researchers, and starting to build significant relationships. Your network might unlock doors to unforeseen chances, mentoring, and valuable advice.
Researcher aims to demonstrate the existence of God
As reported by SANGGRALOKA.ng, an astrophysicist from Harvard University will soon present a mathematical equation aimed at demonstrating the existence of God.
Dr. Willie Soon, the Malaysian astrophysicist, stated that the existence of God might be possible and suggested that this concept can potentially be demonstrated through mathematical principles.
Through his research and detailed computations, he suggested that this equation could potentially reconcile the gap between scientific understanding and religious belief.