By Rita Okoye
Matluck Afolabi is a dynamic and visionary leader in the field of chemical and biomolecular engineering, with a career rooted in academic excellence and a passion for addressing global challenges. Currently a Research Assistant at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Matluck is at the forefront of designing and synthesizing advanced bi-metallic and intermetallic compound catalysts for gas and liquid phase catalysis. His groundbreaking research focuses on revolutionizing reactions such as deoxygenation, hydroformylation, and methane dry reforming, which are critical to cleaner energy production and reducing environmental impact. Collaborating with Eastman Chemicals, he is developing innovative methods to transform waste streams of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) into high-value products, contributing significantly to global sustainability efforts.
Matluck’s academic journey highlights his dedication to learning and innovation. He earned his Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where his focus included data analysis, project management, and machine learning applications. His experimental work with NASA’s Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) explored viable biological wastewater treatment technologies under low organic loading conditions for manned space exploration. Prior to this, he graduated with a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria, where he conducted pioneering research on the corrosion-inhibiting properties of mango seed extracts. His education and research are a testament to his ability to merge theoretical concepts with practical solutions.
Matluck’s technical expertise spans a wide range of advanced engineering applications. His skills include gas flow reactor design, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). He is proficient in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, and SQL, and has expertise in process design tools including Aspen HYSYS and AutoCAD. These competencies enable him to bridge the gap between complex theoretical models and real-world engineering challenges, making his contributions invaluable to the industry.
His professional experience includes impactful roles at the Petroleum Training Institute in Nigeria, where he standardized laboratory procedures and conducted comprehensive risk assessments to improve safety protocols. At Rom Oil Mills and Black Horse Plastics Industries, he applied advanced industrial engineering techniques to optimize plant operations and maintenance practices, significantly enhancing efficiency and productivity. These roles have honed his ability to innovate and implement solutions that address complex industrial challenges.
Matluck’s achievements have been widely recognized through numerous prestigious awards. He is a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society (LA Delta Chapter), reflecting his exceptional academic and professional accomplishments. He received the Order of Engineering Award in 2023, further acknowledging his contributions to the field. Earlier in his career, he earned accolades such as the Ministry of Education, Delta State Award & Delta State NYSC Governing Board Honors in 2019, the Energy Transition Innovation Program Certificate from IFP School in France, and the Agbami Medical and Engineering Professional Scholarship from Chevron in 2017. His APM Terminals Scholarship, awarded for outstanding performance during an industrial attachment program in 2015, underscores his consistent pursuit of excellence.
In addition to his technical and academic achievements, Matluck has demonstrated exceptional leadership and community engagement. As a pioneer executive member of the Nigerian Student Association and a Graduate Student Organization representative, he has fostered collaborative and inclusive environments. He serves as a mentor with tnAchieves, guiding the next generation of leaders in engineering and beyond. His leadership extends to impactful community projects, such as leading the development of a 50-person library at Ogbe Secondary School in Nigeria, which exemplifies his commitment to education and societal progress.
Matluck is an active member of professional organizations, including the American Chemical Society, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the Society for Petroleum Engineers. He holds certifications in health, safety, and environmental management, alongside expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment, which equip him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. His professional affiliations and certifications further reinforce his standing as a forward-thinking engineer with a holistic approach to solving global challenges.
With a unique combination of technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to innovation, Matluck Afolabi is poised to make a transformative impact in the world of chemical engineering and sustainable energy. His work not only addresses critical environmental and industrial challenges but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of engineers striving to create a more sustainable and equitable world.