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For Oseremen Ebewele, chemical engineering is both a family affair and a vital tool to address global sustainability issues, including climate change.

“I grew up in an academic community: my father was a professor of chemical engineering at University of Benin in Nigeria, and we lived at the university staff quarters,” says Ebewele, who is pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering in the ���߲ݴ�ý’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. 

“My first contact with chemical engineering came when I was about 13 years old. In his makeshift laboratory behind our home, my father would combine simple chemical components to produce air fresheners to be used at home and distributed amongst our neighbours. I was curious about what he was doing, so I started helping him in the lab.”

Ebewele’s love of science led him to U of T Engineering, where he is developing sustainable technologies in the department of chemical engineering and applied chemistry.

He is also one of two recipients of this year’s , along with fellow graduate student Gaius St. Marie. The fellowships support, and build a network for, Indigenous and Black graduate students – two groups that are underrepresented across both academia and the engineering profession. Fellowship recipients receive financial support, mentorship, training and networking opportunities to foster a robust professional community.

While pursuing his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering at the University of Benin, Ebewele developed a passion for the environment. He says he wants to use his scientific knowledge to create solutions with positive impacts, especially with respect to climate change.

(Photo by Tyler Irving)

For his graduate studies, Ebewele is working with Professor Grant Allen and Assistant Professor Jay Werber, both in the department of chemical engineering and applied chemistry, as well as Professor Stewart Aitchison in the Edward S. Rogers Sr. department of electrical and computer engineering. Together, the team will focus on improving the delivery of light and CO2 to phototrophic biofilm reactors.

This type of reactor combines water, nutrients and light to grow photosynthetic organisms such as microalgae. As they grow, the organisms can remove pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus and heavy metals from wastewater. They can also sequester waste CO2 by converting it into biomass, biofuels or biochemicals, from polymer precursors to nutritional supplements.

“I chose to work with these professors for the combined wealth of experience they possess and the positive and inclusive work environment they promote,” says Ebewele. “Also, living and studying in a city as multicultural and diverse as Toronto provides avenues to gain other life experiences. That was a big part of my decision as well.”

Ebewele expects the IBET Momentum Fellowship to have a major impact on his personal and academic journey over the next few years.

“It is great to be a part of a platform that recognizes some of the challenges that people of colour navigate,” he says. “It provides me with an opportunity to further my education in one of the best institutions in world, and it brings me one step closer to achieving my goals.

“In a few years I hope to be more knowledgeable about my field, have a diverse group of friends and be looking forward to contributing positively to change the world around me.”