FUTA Biochemistry PhD Student Secures Prestigious Fulbright Foreign Scholarship for U.S. Research
Mopelola Dele-Joshua, a doctoral student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has secured the prestigious 2024 Fulbright Foreign Student Program award for her research in the United States.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Mopelola Dele-Joshua, a doctoral student in the Department of Biochemistry at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has clinched the esteemed 2024 Fulbright Foreign Student Program award for research in the United States. This accolade, awarded for the 2024/2025 academic year, underscores Dele-Joshua's exceptional achievements and promises groundbreaking advancements in bioenergy research.
Dele-Joshua's research project, titled "Development of Recombinant Bifunctional Chimeric Enzyme from Bacillus subtilis CFB-09 for Efficient Simultaneous Delignification and Saccharification of Corncob," has earned her the opportunity to conduct part of her PhD research at the U.S. Department of Energy: Joint BioEnergy Institute in Emeryville, California.
Notably, Dele-Joshua's academic journey has been marked by outstanding achievements. As a Doctoral Exchange Student at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in New Delhi, India, she contributed significantly to collaborative research initiatives. Furthermore, her presentation prowess was recognized when she received the Best Oral Presenter Award at the 6th Biennial International Conference of Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) in July 2023.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE), aims to enhance the research capabilities of African universities by offering opportunities for advanced degree training to promising researchers in the United States.
In response to Dele-Joshua's Fulbright scholarship achievement, the U.S. Department of State: U.S. Consulate General Lagos confirmed her placement at the Joint BioEnergy Institute, emphasizing the significance of her contribution to bioenergy research.
The Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), a Bioenergy Research Center under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), focuses on pioneering advancements in biofuels. Dele-Joshua's selection for this prestigious research placement speaks volumes about her academic excellence and research potential.
Her success also reflects positively on her mentor, Professor Folasade M. Olajuyigbe, a distinguished Professor of Biochemistry at FUTA. Professor Olajuyigbe's mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping Dele-Joshua's academic journey, highlighting the importance of collaborative mentorship in academic success.
Professor Adenike Oladiji, Vice Chancellor of FUTA, extended her heartfelt congratulations to Dele-Joshua and Professor Olajuyigbe, underscoring the university's commitment to fostering excellence through mentorship and collaboration.
READ ALSO: FUTA Launches School of Professional Development
Dele-Joshua's achievement not only showcases her individual brilliance but also reinforces FUTA's reputation for excellence within the global academic community.
