PhD Graduate Dr Adetoyese OYEDUN


Wasting No Time or Effort Advancing Global Sustainability
Dr. Ade OYEDUN Makes a Positive Impact on a Real-world Problem

Dr. Adetoyese OYEDUN attained his PhD degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in 2014.
Dr. Adetoyese OYEDUN attained his PhD degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in 2014.

“My ultimate goal in life is to make a positive impact in any way I can, and anywhere I find myself,” says Dr. Adetoyese (Ade) OYEDUN, an HKUST alumnus with a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. His work in waste management has led him to many different corners of the world, from his homeland in Nigeria to the UK, Hong Kong, and Canada, where he is currently spearheading research into new ways to take plastic out of the environment.

With a love of travel and meeting people from all walks of life, Ade was excited at the prospect of studying in Asia when he applied for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS). The decision to choose the HKUST was largely based on his first contact with his eventual supervisor, Professor David HUI Chi-Wai of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering: “His reply was positive and very prompt, which gave me a lot of confidence. After my arrival, he really encouraged me to explore Hong Kong and helped me to ease into life in the city. I owe my success in Hong Kong to him.”

Ade poses for a photo with his beloved family and his supervisor Prof. David HUI (right) at the 2014 HKUST School of Engineering PhD Research Excellence Award Ceremony, where he received an award.
Ade poses for a photo with his beloved family and his supervisor Prof. David HUI (right) at the 2014 HKUST School of Engineering PhD Research Excellence Award Ceremony, where he received an award.

Under Prof. Hui’s guidance, Ade focused his research using pyrolysis technology on mixed solid wastes, such as bamboo, waste tires and plastics. During the course of his PhD studies, he published more than 20 articles in renowned journals and won several awards. He also attended three to four international conferences each year, taking full advantage of Hong Kong’s strategic location in Asia and its well-developed airline network. “These achievements helped me gain diverse cultural and professional exposure.”

Ade enjoys an alfresco breakfast with his HKUST research fellow and friend during the 21st European Symposium on Computer-Aided Process Engineering (Escape-21) in Greece in 2011.
Ade enjoys an alfresco breakfast with his HKUST research fellow and friend during the 21st European Symposium on Computer-Aided Process Engineering (Escape-21) in Greece in 2011.
The team of HKUST Engineering research postgraduate students at the 2013 Asia-Oceania Top University League on Engineering (AOTULE) Conference in Bangkok.
The team of HKUST Engineering research postgraduate students at the 2013 Asia-Oceania Top University League on Engineering (AOTULE) Conference in Bangkok.
To hone his research skills, Ade goes on an overseas exchange in Malaysia in his third-year PhD study.
To hone his research skills, Ade goes on an overseas exchange in Malaysia in his third-year PhD study.
Ade gives a presentation at the 16th Process Integration, Modeling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES 13) in Greece, where he meets some new friends from South Africa.
Ade gives a presentation at the 16th Process Integration, Modeling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES 13) in Greece, where he meets some new friends from South Africa.
Student representatives from various universities participate in the Global Young Scientist Summit (GYSS) in Singapore in 2014.
Student representatives from various universities participate in the Global Young Scientist Summit (GYSS) in Singapore in 2014.

“The campus has this magnificent sweeping view, which gives me motivation and inspiration. I could walk to the seafront and relax for a few minutes whenever I needed to cool down and refocus,” says Ade, fondly recollecting his favorite pastime at the HKUST. “I also enjoyed giving back to the community as a part of the HKUST Connect volunteer team.”

During their visit to HKUST, Ade’s family members enjoy dim sum at the G/F Chinese restaurant.
During their visit to HKUST, Ade’s family members enjoy dim sum at the G/F Chinese restaurant.

“The HKUST has given me many opportunities. Academic-wise, I was able to publish in leading journals and attend conferences to expand my horizon. I also got to meet with a diverse group of people from different cultures, so I understand how to make a positive impact for them.”

Reaching out beyond research

The next chapter of Ade’s career took him to Canada, where he worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alberta for several years, leading a team of students conducting multi-disciplinary research. This was before taking up his current work on the Plastic Research in Action (PRIA) initiative in 2020 at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).

As the Senior Project Manager, he manages all research for the CAD$10 million, 10-year project exploring new ways to reuse and recycle plastics. “This is a new experience for me to lead such an enormous project, tackling real-world problems. The main funder of the research has commended the work that I have been leading at NAIT since the beginning” says a proud Ade.

“With more stakeholders and funds involved, it is vital to manage expectations. In the research world, results can never be guaranteed. I have worked out a communication strategy to keep our partners engaged throughout the process. By being transparent about the challenges we are facing and the corresponding follow-up actions we take, we are able to strengthen the collaborative ties.”

Ade shares his research outcome with the experts in the field at the 5th International Conference on Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass in Germany in 2017.
Ade shares his research outcome with the experts in the field at the 5th International Conference on Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass in Germany in 2017.

Looking forward, Ade plans to conduct further research, form alliances, and give talks to advance the cause of waste management. “I want to make a greater impact as a strong voice in speaking about sustainability in Canada and around the world.” 

For students embarking on the research postgraduate journey, Ade’s advice is: “Get all you can, can all you get.” “The HKUST opens up many prospects that may not arise again when you move on in life. I did my best and have immensely enjoyed the rewarding experience. I encourage new students to proactively seize these opportunities to make advancements both academically and personally.”

“My motto in life is to treat others better than the way I want them to treat me. I want to add to their life, the same way they add to mine. My ultimate goal is to leave a mark anywhere I live. I’d like to see myself fulfilling purpose.”

Stay efficient with self-care practices

In March 2022, Dr. Adetoyese OYEDUN was invited to deliver a live webinar for our engineering research postgraduate students and below lists his personal tips on achieving work-life balance while maintaining high productivity in the research journey:

•    Schedule yourself – What time are you most productive during a working day? Find out and make maximum use of it.
•    Know what works best for you – Are you more effective working x straight hours, or with a target of completing x number of tasks a day?
•    Take a break – Which day(s) of the week do you rest?
•    Compartmentalize – Separate work and life by keeping all research materials at your office or in a research corner if you work from home. 
•    Stay active – Take time to exercise, stroll around the beautiful campus, or even get up from your seat at intervals. Don’t let your muscles die.
•    Keep in touch – Unwind and stay connected with your family and friends.
•    Get a hobby – Try something practical that is unrelated to your work, e.g. playing a musical instrument.
•    Be involved in extra-curricular activities at the HKUST – e.g. in HKUST Connect, the Peer Companion Training Program and the Engineering Student Ambassador (ESA) Program, to name a few.