Dr. Folusho Francis Ajayi, 37, who earned his PhD degree in the Environmental Membrane-Biotechnology Laboratory (EMBL, advisor: Professor Kim In S.) at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST, President: Young Joon Kim) has been hired by Elizade University in Nigeria as Lecturer in its life science department.

Dr. Ajayi graduated from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria majoring in life science, flew to London and earned his master’s degree in life science at the University of Westminster. Afterwards he joined the GIST EMBL and was granted a PhD degree in February 2010. His career continued in the USA, working as a postdoctoral researcher in the New England Biolabs in Ipswich, MA for three years.

During his PhD research at GIST, Dr. Ajayi conducted microbial fuel cell studies and published four papers as the first author and seven as a co-author in internationally-renowned bio and energy journals, including three published on the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.

“My research interests include synthetic biology and yeast genomics. In doing so, I will focus on developing innovative, cost-effective technologies to solve environmental and energy problems, thereby contributing the development of biotechnology in Nigeria,” said Dr. Ajayi.

“GIST is a world-class research institute not only in terms of ample funds for research and education but also from the perspective of research facilities.” He continued: “I’d love to encourage young students to take advantage of GIST’s unique opportunities and benefits in their studies. Experience at GIST will serve as foundations for them to stand out anywhere in the world.”