Two graduate students in chemical engineering earn Merck Next Gen Leaders in Chemistry awards
Published: Apr 21, 2025 1:40 PM
By Caitlyn Griffin
Chemical engineering graduate students Ayuba Akinpelu and Francis Mekunye earned Merck's Next Gen Leaders in Chemistry awards for 2025, recognizing their research achievements.
Established in 2021 for graduates and post-doctoral fellows, this national award recognizes and supports chemists from underrepresented groups for their outstanding contributions to the chemistry community through research.
Merck, a premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company, offers recipients career development, mentorship and networking opportunities to foster equity and inclusion within the chemistry community.
In the fall, Akinpelu and Mekunye will receive the award at a scientific symposium in Rahway, New Jersey, alongside peers and Merck's chemistry community.
Akinpelu is a fifth-year doctoral candidate working in the Mistriotis Lab under Assistant Professor Panagiotis Mistriotis. His research focuses on developing biotech solutions for chronic diseases to improve patient outcomes and expand access to advanced healthcare.
Akinpelu's work has the potential to enhance therapeutic interventions and deepen our understanding of mechanobiology in both health and disease contexts. He attributes much of his success to the resources Auburn University provides to prepare students for real-world challenges.
“The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, accessible faculty who provide invaluable mentorship, and a collaborative research environment, all of which have equipped me with the professional skills and critical thinking abilities needed to solve complex problems,” he said. “I am especially grateful to my advisor, Dr. Mistriotis, who has prepared me to succeed in the industry and academia.”
Akinpelu is motivated to continue advancing scientific knowledge while inspiring the next generation of scientists.
“This is a testament to the effort and commitment I put in promoting science through advocacy and leadership involvement,” Akinpelu said. “Such recognition fuels my dedication to advancing scientific knowledge while remaining committed to promoting student involvement and engagement.”
Mekunye is a third-year doctoral candidate working with Virginia Davis, the Dr. Daniel F. and Josephine Breeden Professor, specializing in nanotechnology, nanomaterials and fluid-phase processing.
Mekunye hopes this research could contribute to powering the future of portable electronics, therefore supporting innovations in healthcare, engineering and consumer technologies.
“As modern technologies continue to shrink in size while expanding in function, the demand for compact, efficient energy storage is rapidly growing,” he said. “Micro-supercapacitors offer a promising solution due to their high-power density and fast charge-discharge capabilities.”
Mekunye said this recognition fuels his confidence and purpose as he continues his research, and when he inevitably enters the energy storage industry to leverage his expertise in addressing global energy and climate challenges.
“Receiving recognition from Merck affirms the significance of my research and inspires me to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation,” Mekunye said. “This award is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the potential real-world impact of my work.”
Media Contact: , jem0040@auburn.edu, 334.844.3447
From left, Ayuba Akinpelu and Francis Mekunye.
