About Dr. Adeyemi
Dr. Oluwasegun Jerry Adeyemi is a Senior Research Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, affiliated with the SARChI Chair on Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research (SPAR). With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from North-West University, he brings over a decade of research and teaching experience spanning sustainable postharvest technologies, nanotechnology, food preservation, water purification, and inorganic synthesis. He has published 62 peer-reviewed articles (H-index: 22, 2040+ citations) and holds a Y2 NRF rating. His research integrates green chemistry principles with nanomaterial innovation to address real-world challenges in food security, environmental remediation, and biomedical applications.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry
North-West University
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Chemistry
University of Venda
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. Hons) in Pure and Applied Chemistry
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Certificate Course in Data Analysis
University of Cape Town
Career History
Senior Research/Lecturer
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
SARChI Chair – Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research (SPAR)
- Leading independent research on sustainable postharvest technologies and food preservation
- Publishing peer-reviewed articles in DHET-accredited journals
- Supervising and mentoring postgraduate and undergraduate students under the SPAR and PARC groups
- Participating in departmental activities and research chair meetings
Senior Lecturer (Adjunct)
North-West University (NWU)
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Chemistry
- Conducting interdisciplinary research in Material Science Innovation and Modelling
- Conducting interdisciplinary research in inorganic chemistry and supervising students
- Publishing scholarly work in DHET-listed journals
- Supervising and training postgraduate and undergraduate students
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
SARChI Chair – Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Research (SPAR)
- Leading research on nanomaterials for edible coatings to extend shelf life of fruits and vegetables
- Co-supervising postgraduate students
- Publishing research findings in DHET-accredited journals
- Managing laboratory operations and fostering collaboration
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences
- Green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles using Dalbergiella welwitschii and Dovyalis caffra leaf extracts
- Investigated applications as antimicrobial agents and in degradation of emerging pollutants
- Co-supervised postgraduate students
- Published findings in accredited DHET journals
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
North-West University (NWU)
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Research on synthesis, characterization, and biological applications of organotin(IV) complexes
- Converted organotin(IV) complexes into nanomaterials for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants
- Green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles for antimicrobial applications
- Co-supervised postgraduate students and managed laboratory operations
Research Associate (Volunteer)
North-West University (NWU)
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Managed laboratory operations
- Co-supervised postgraduate students
- Authored research manuscripts in DHET-accredited journals
- Collaborated with national and international researchers
Student Assistant
North-West University (NWU)
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Provided research support and academic guidance
- Taught and moderated undergraduate practical laboratory sessions
- Supported curriculum implementation and academic assessments
Part-Time Lecturer / Senior Tutor / Mentor Coordinator
University of Venda
Science Foundation Department, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- Delivered weekly lectures in general chemistry modules
- Prepared course curriculum, lecture content, and practical manuals
- Supervised undergraduate laboratory sessions
- Designed and graded examinations, tests, and practical reports
- Coordinated all tutorial programs across the Faculty
Teaching Philosophy
"My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that teaching and mentoring become meaningful when learners can connect complex theories with real-life applications. I consistently use practical examples, such as relating chemical kinetics to food spoilage or explaining redox reactions through environmental pollution, to help students make sense of these principles in everyday life. I employ multimedia-enhanced tools like ChemDraw, Photoshop, PowerPoint, and BioRender, alongside platforms like Teams and Blackboard, to support hybrid learning. This approach reflects my broader commitment to learner-centred education, where students are encouraged to ask questions, challenge concepts, and develop independent problem-solving skills."
Awards & Achievements
Award of Y2 rating in Research by NRF (May 2024)
2024Outstanding award in Postdoctoral Research Program, University of Johannesburg (November 2024)
2024Outstanding award in Postdoctoral Research Program, University of Johannesburg (December 2023)
2023Editorial Board member, Discover Chemistry (August 2024)
2024Guest Editor, Food (December 2025)
2025Guest Editor, Frontiers in Nanotechnology (August 2022)
2022Institutional Research Excellence Awards for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Publications
2021DSI/NRF Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship Award (Funding) for 2021
2020Institutional Research Excellence Awards on 2018 Publications
2020Best Poster Presentation (1st Prize), Nanoscience Young Researchers' Symposium, South Africa
2018Best Masters and Ph.D. Student Award, North-West University, South Africa
20173rd Place, Young Chemists Symposium, SACI & RSC, North Section
2014Professional Memberships
Member of the Royal Society of Chemists (MRSC)
Royal Society of Chemists, UK (2018)
Member
South African Chemical Institute (SACI) (2018)
Editorial Roles
Editorial Board Member – Discover Chemistry (Springer Nature)
Guest Editor – Inorganics (MDPI)
Guest Editor – Nanomaterials (Frontiers)
Skills & Tools
Research
Software
Data Analysis
Teaching
Community Engagement
Co-Organizer, Annual Community Engagement & Industry–Student Interaction Program
Led stakeholder engagement involving farmers, agricultural industry professionals, and academics to support student career development, employability, and skills exposure.
Organizer, Capacity-Building Workshop for Citrus and Cannabis Farmers
Organized a community-focused workshop on good agricultural practices and postharvest quality management. Facilitated knowledge exchange on nanotechnology-based postharvest and shelf-life extension strategies.