Nigerian Researcher Wins US Fellowship for Groundbreaking Eco-Engineering Innovation
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Adesola Adegoke, a Nigerian civil engineering researcher at Arizona State University, has been awarded the prestigious Trent R. Dames and William W. Moore Fellowship by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), in recognition of his pioneering work in sustainable infrastructure solutions.
The award, which includes a $10,500 research grant, supports Adegoke’s proposal to develop bio-based construction materials using mycelium—a fungus root system—as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional engineering materials.
In a formal letter announcing the award, ASCE Executive Director Thomas W. Smith praised Adegoke’s innovative research, which highlights the potential of mycelium-based materials in applications such as erosion control and slope stabilisation.
“These materials show potential in applications such as slope stabilisation and erosion control, offering both structural performance and environmental benefits,” the ASCE noted.
Adegoke, a graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), explained that his research blends biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and geotechnical engineering to produce biodegradable, sustainable materials that could significantly reduce the environmental impact of construction projects.
“My fellowship proposal focuses on how mycelium-based materials can be enhanced through artificial intelligence and machine learning for practical use in geotechnical engineering,” he said.
He added that the study promotes a shift toward resilient and environmentally conscious infrastructure, aiming to address broader challenges related to climate change and resource sustainability.
“Unlike conventional materials with high environmental footprints, mycelium-based alternatives are biodegradable and offer a lower-impact lifecycle, making them ideal for sustainable construction,” Adegoke said.
The ASCE fellowship, established in 1990 to honour renowned engineers Trent R. Dames and William W. Moore, supports cutting-edge research that addresses pressing global issues through civil engineering innovation.
