Ridwan Ayinla, Muhammad Hamza Stand Out in Global Environmental Chemistry 

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Mississippi State University College of Forest Resources (MSU-CFR) recently celebrated a major milestone for its Sustainable Bioproducts program. Two standout graduate students, Ridwan Ayinla and Muhammad Hamza, have secured prestigious international recognition for their groundbreaking scientific contributions to environmental chemistry.

The duo were honored with Graduate Student Awards from the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Environmental Chemistry Division.

This selection is incredibly competitive, placing them among an elite group of only about 20 students worldwide chosen for their exceptional potential and research excellence this year.

Ridwan Ayinla, originally from Afon, Kwara State, Nigeria , brings a wealth of international experience to the program.

After studying at LAUTECH and in Malaysia, he moved to MSU to focus on “green” energy, converting forest waste like pine bark and sawdust into high-performance battery components.

Muhammad Hamza is equally impactful, focusing his research on global water safety and public health. He is developing innovative biohybrid aerogels from wood fibers to filter “forever chemicals” (PFAS) and industrial toxins out of drinking water, addressing a critical environmental crisis.

University officials expressed immense pride in the students, noting that their success reflects a deep commitment to sustainable innovation.

Their work specifically targets urgent global issues, proving that forestry by-products can play a vital role in solving modern energy and pollution challenges.

The announcement has sparked widespread celebration across university social media platforms, with peers and faculty praising their dedication.

This achievement underscores the high caliber of research at MSU-CFR and its ability to produce scholars who compete at the highest international levels.

By bridging the gap between traditional forest resources and advanced chemical engineering, Ridwan and Muhammad are helping to shape a cleaner future. Their recognition by the ACS further cements the reputation of the MSU Sustainable Bioproducts program as a global leader in environmental science.