Student Profile: Adaeze Osakwe
Adaeze Osakwe is pursuing a PhD in chemistry under the mentorship of Jason Locklin, PhD, co-founder and director of the UGA New Materials Institute (UGA NMI or NMI). Dr. Locklin is also a professor in the Department of Chemistry in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, and is jointly appointed to the UGA College of Engineering.
As a member of the Locklin Group, Osakwe’s research has included formulating biopolymers for improved impact strength, designing multiple layer packaging for pharmaceutical products, and formulating oral solid dosage forms. Most of her research is focused on developing drug formulations to improve their solubility in the body, helping patients achieve the same therapeutic effect with fewer or less frequent doses.
Osakwe talked with us recently about her experiences in the Locklin Group and how they may impact her future. The above video links to a long video on Adaeze. We’re also providing links to two shorter videos (see links below). Adaeze’s full interview is below.
How did you become interested in studying materials science?
My interest in materials science stemmed from my love for the environment. I decided to come to graduate school so I can be a part of solving the global plastic pollution problem. This requires a deep understanding of the fundamental makeup of materials, which would guide the development of solutions that would mitigate their unwanted properties. Consequentially, my research focuses on formulating novel biodegradable polymers and exploring their applications in the pharmaceutical and plastics industries.
Provide some details on your specific area of interest.
Specifically, my PhD research lies at the intersection of polymer science and pharmaceutics formulation. Many drug products on the market today contain a small percentage of active ingredients, while the rest comprises of mostly polymers, called excipients. As a polymer chemist, I design patient-centered formulations that enhance drug solubility to improve therapeutic effectiveness.
Share a rewarding experience related to your work at the UGA NMI.
One rewarding experience from my work at UGA NMI was finding out that a product we have developed from a collaboration with an industry partner was being produced on industrial lines and commercialized. It was really amazing and satisfying to see our work being made into a tangible product.
How has your experience with the New Materials Institute influenced your academic trajectory or career goals?
At NMI, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with multiple partners from industry. Working closely with them has helped me visualize the roles I hope to pursue post-graduation. This experience has guided me in taking better professional and development endeavors to achieve these goals.
Describe a project or research you’ve worked on related to the UGA NMI.
A major focus of research at UGA’s new materials institute is developing plastic that completely degrades when discarded in the environment. During my first two years at graduate school, I worked on creating a biodegradable alternative for pharmaceutical packaging. This packaging material we developed enables the delivery of vaccines to wildlife in natural parks without polluting these pristine natural environments with petroleum-based plastic that persists for hundreds of years.
What challenges have you faced in your work and how have you overcome them?
A challenge I faced early on in my research was sieving through the breadth of literature from prior studies done in the field. I found the volume and complexity of it very overwhelming. However, the more I read, the better I got. Literature review can be a grueling process, but time and consistent efforts helped in overcoming this difficulty.
How do you see your work at the UGA NMI contributing to global sustainability efforts?
Whether it’s designing biodegradable packaging or discovering new additives to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of bioplastics, I believe my work contributes to advancing solutions to the global plastics crisis. Additionally, my research on pharmaceutics formulation minimizes waste generation during the drug formulation stage, conserving resources for both manufacturers and consumers. These projects help create a cleaner, safer planet, while addressing several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
What skills have you gained from working at the NMI that you believe will be the most valuable in your future career?
Working at the NMI has given me the opportunity to collaborate on a variety of interdisciplinary teams. This experience has significantly strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills, as I’ve often presented my research to audiences outside my field. Another valuable aspect of my time at NMI has been mentoring and teaching. A core part of research at the institute is ensuring continuity by sharing knowledge with others, which has allowed me to mentor junior graduate students, undergraduates, and external collaborators. I believe these experiences have made me a more well-rounded scientist and have prepared me for a smooth transition from graduate school to industry.
What advice would you give to other students interested in being involved with the UGA NMI?
I advise them to reach out to faculty whose research aligns with their interests. In the meantime, they can engage in professional and personal development activities to strengthen their candidacy – such as participating in undergraduate research, enrolling in relevant coursework (for example, Soft Materials taught by Dr. Jason Locklin), completing industry internships, attending materials science seminars, and joining student organizations focused on research and innovation. These efforts help build technical skills, while showing commitment to interdisciplinary, impact-driven research.