College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Mudashiru Azeez (left) and Dr. Praveen Meduri

 

Mudashiru Azeez, a Ph.D. student in the School of Chemical Engineering at Oklahoma State University, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Summer Graduate Research Fellowship by the South Central Sun Grant Program. The award includes a $3,000 stipend and is funded through USDA-NIFA under the regional Sun Grant Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

 

The South Central Sun Grant Program, headquartered at OSU, is part of a national network of land-grant universities working collaboratively with federal agencies and laboratories to advance research and innovation in the bioeconomy. Authorized by Congress in 2004, the Sun Grant Program focuses on enhancing national energy security, promoting sustainable agriculture, driving rural economic diversification, and fostering coordination among USDA, DOE, DOT, and the land-grant university system.

 

Azeez’s research project, titled “Techno-economics of bio-oil upgradation produced from eastern redcedar using thermal and electrochemical pathways,” addresses both environmental and energy challenges. Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) is a highly flammable, invasive species abundant in Oklahoma, with more than 9.6 million tons of available aboveground biomass. While the tree poses ecological and wildfire risks, it also offers promising feedstock for bio-oil production.

 

Azeez’s work explores upgrading this bio-oil to increase its energy density above 35 MJ/kg. His research compares thermal and electrochemical hydrogenation methods, with early indications suggesting electrochemical pathways may offer superior economic and energy efficiency at scale.

 

“This is a testament to Mudahiru’s hard work and dedication since he started his Ph.D.,” said Dr. Praveen Meduri, Azeez’s advisor and assistant professor in the School of Chemical Engineering.

 

Fellowship recipients must be full-time graduate students in good academic standing at OSU and are required to submit a summary report on their research findings and impact by Aug. 30, 2025.

 

This award not only highlights Azeez’s innovative work but also underscores OSU’s leadership in renewable energy research and commitment to supporting graduate-level exploration of sustainable solutions.