No Magic In Success (NMIS)
Born on October 24th, Monsuru Olatunji Dauda has always been driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a deep-rooted desire to make a lasting impact on the world. His journey began in Iwo, Nigeria, where he attended Vico Hope Nursery and Primary School. His academic excellence became evident early on, and he graduated from A1 Comprehensive Grammar School, Oke Oore, Iwo, with distinction in 2014. Monsuru was recognized as the best student in Osun State following a competition organized by Obafemi Awolowo University’s student union in 2014. That same year, he gained admission to the prestigious Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso to pursue a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Chemical Engineering
Monsuru’s academic career at LAUTECH was marked by exceptional performance. His dedication to his studies, research, and leadership saw him graduate with first-class honors, ranking in the top 1% of his class. He also earned the title of "Most Resourceful Student," a testament to his outstanding contributions both academically and in extracurricular leadership, one of which was serving as the National President for all engineering students in Nigeria. His time at LAUTECH laid the foundation for his future endeavors in chemical engineering, particularly in the field of sustainable energy and chemical production.
Currently, Monsuru is pursuing his PhD in Chemical Engineering at Louisiana State University (LSU) under the mentorship of Professor John C. Flake. His research focuses on addressing the global challenge of climate change through the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into valuable chemicals like ethanol and acetate. By leveraging cutting-edge copper-based alloy electrocatalysts, gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs), and anion exchange membranes (AEMs), Monsuru’s work aims to enhance the selectivity, activity, and durability of CO₂ conversion processes. His research directly contributes to reducing atmospheric CO₂ concentrations while providing sustainable alternatives for chemical production.
Monsuru's work has already set new benchmarks in the field of electrochemical CO₂ reduction. His innovative research on copper-based electrocatalysts, particularly his use of Cu-Sn and Cu-Se alloy systems, has demonstrated record efficiencies in the production of valuable C₂ products such as ethylene, ethanol, and acetate. His research is particularly noteworthy for its scalability, making it commercially viable for large-scale industrial applications. This scalability has caught the attention of the broader scientific community and industry alike, with real-world implementation already underway.
Beyond his research contributions, Monsuru actively engages in mentorship and leadership. He has served as Vice President of the African Graduate Student Association (AGSA) at LSU and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications. His work has earned him several awards, including the George A. Daniels Graduate Fellowship, the ECS-IOP Trusted Reviewer Award, and the 2025 Industrial Electrochemistry & Electrochemical Engineering Division Student Achievement Award. His leadership roles extend to mentoring undergraduate and high school students through NSF outreach programs, where he shares his passion for STEM and sustainable energy research. These programs are designed to inspire the next generation of scientists by introducing them to STEM fields through hands-on demonstrations and workshops.
Throughout his academic journey, Monsuru has been an active member of several professional organizations, including the Electrochemical Society (ECS), American Chemical Society (ACS), American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), and the Nigerian Society of Engineers. His involvement in these organizations has not only expanded his professional network but also provided him with valuable opportunities to contribute to the advancement of the engineering field.
Monsuru's scientific contributions have earned him recognition on multiple fronts. He has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and conference papers, many of which have been presented at prestigious conferences and published in leading journals such as The Journal of The Electrochemical Society. His groundbreaking research on CO₂ reduction has significantly contributed to the development of sustainable energy technologies and is widely regarded in both academic and industrial circles.
His technical expertise is further demonstrated by his proficiency in advanced analytical techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Electrochemical Measurements, Synchrotron-X-Ray Based Analytical Techniques, Density Functional Theory (DFT), Synthesis and Slurry Casting of Electrode Materials, Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman Spectrometry. These tools have enabled Monsuru to explore the dynamic chemical states of copper reaction sites, linking them to specific product profiles in CO₂ reduction. His research has uncovered a key mechanism underlying the selective formation of ethylene, ethanol, or acetate based on the degree of partial positive charge (δ+) of Cu reaction sites, advancing the understanding of CO₂ electroreduction mechanisms.
Beyond his research and academic pursuits, Monsuru is deeply committed to fostering partnerships between academia and industry. He believes that translating research findings into practical, real-world solutions is essential for addressing the global challenges of climate change and sustainability. By working closely with industry leaders, Monsuru aims to ensure that his research has a tangible impact on creating a cleaner, greener future for all.
Monsuru Olatunji Dauda exemplifies a blend of academic excellence, innovative research, and impactful leadership. His work in electrochemical CO₂ reduction is not only advancing the field of sustainable energy but also contributing to real-world solutions for global environmental challenges. Through his mentorship, leadership, and commitment to sustainability, Monsuru is shaping the future of chemical engineering while inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers to follow in his footsteps. He firmly believes that success is not achieved through magic, but rather through hard work and a passion for learning. This belief has earned him the nickname “No Magic In Success (NMIS)” among his peers and colleagues, serving as a testament to his unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence.
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