Franklin Egemole

Chemistry doctoral student in the Faculty of Science

While growing up in Nigeria, chemistry was my favorite subject in high school and I was fascinated with how it cuts across several science disciplines. I had my first degree in chemistry and worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a Quality Control Chemist for a while, and later proceeded to do my Masters at Illinois State University. My desire and passion for research made me enroll at SFU for my doctorate program which I began in the Fall of 2021. I am currently working in the lab of Professor Steven Holdcroft where our research interest is on the design of novel polymers as membranes for water electrolysis and fuel cells applications.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

During my search for schools for my Ph.D., I came across the profile of Professor Steven Holdcroft in the Department of Chemistry and was interested in his field of research. I subscribed to be getting alerts of his research group's publications on Google scholar and was amazed by the work they do and also being able to publish in high-impact journals. I chose SFU because of the opportunity to be able to be part of this group. SFU also provides a lot of funding and scholarship opportunities for graduate students in addition to being a hub for innovation with well-equipped research laboratories like the 4D labs. These are my major reasons why I chose to come to SFU.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My research is focused on the design or improvement of systems that will help promote the production of hydrogen as a renewable energy source. The materials widely used to produce high purity hydrogen are expensive, less durable, and somewhat not so environmentally friendly. My research is focused on the search for materials that can reduce the associated costs, are environmentally friendly while improving their durability and performance. This will result in the worldwide adoption of hydrogen as an energy source and will greatly reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the environment.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I enjoy the cultural diversity on campus. In my research group, I have been opportune to meet and work with smart people from different continents. It's exciting how we are all from various backgrounds but working together towards making the hydrogen economy more feasible.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I am currently a beneficiary of the Graduate Dean Entrance Scholarship. Having this scholarship as a means of financial support helps me to focus more on my studies and research because I don't worry much about how to finance the cost of my studies.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

The Department of Chemistry at SFU is where you can have the opportunity to expand your knowledge on chemistry by engaging in cutting-edge research at our advanced facilities and learning from renowned faculty that can guide you as you research about creating solutions to important and challenging scientific problems. There is guaranteed funding available for all incoming graduate students in form of Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, and so on.

Contact : foe@sfu.ca

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