PHD at the University of Florida, United States
Thomas Odey Magu is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Florida, specializing in Inorganic Chemistry. He holds an M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Calabar, Nigeria, and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Cross River University of Technology. His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, surface science, and computational chemistry. With extensive teaching and research experience, Thomas has received several grants and awards, including from the American Chemical Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry. He is proficient in various analytical techniques and computational tools and is passionate about advancing sustainable energy and environmental solutions.
Professional Profiles
Education
Ph.D. in Chemistry University of Florida, Gainesville, United States (2022-2026) Project: Synthesis, Characterization and Density Functional Theory (DFT) study of Catalysts and their Application in Wastewater treatment and Renewable energy. Status: Currently ongoing M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria (2015-2017) Thesis: The Production of biodiesel from Jatropha curcas seeds oil using CoMgFe2O4 and MgFe2O4 as nanocatalysts. GPA: 3.47 B.Sc. in Chemistry Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Calabar, Nigeria (2012-2012) Project: Proximate and Mineral Composition of Cnidoscolus carumbium (Hospital far). GPA: 3.45
Professional Experience
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 2019-03: Collation Officer, Calabar Southward III, Cross River State 2017-11: Collation Officer, Nnewi South Ukpor ward V, Anambra State 2015-02: Presiding Officer, Yala 1 Constituency Idigbo Okpoma-Yala 2012-02: Poll Clerk, Yala 11 Constituency Ntrigon/Mfuma ward
Previous Work Experience
Teaching / Research Assistant Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, USA (2022/08 – 2022/12) Responsibilities: Lead 2 discussion sections and 3 office hours a week Proctor assembly exams Record attendance during discussions Maintain discussion workspace Uphold safety standards Grade discussion assignments (worksheets) Attend weekly TA training Answer student emails Meet instructor prior to exam to be assigned to a room Bring exam materials to an assigned exam room and distribute Walk around during the exam to monitor students Contact the instructor if there is an issue (copies, illness, errors) Collect materials from students (check ID)
Research Interests
Heterogeneous Catalysis and Surface Science Computational/Theoretical Chemistry Energy, Environment and Sustainability
Skills and Expertise
Research and Analytical Skills: Acquired at the University of Florida, USA, and Institute of Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China Basic knowledge of SEM, NMR, GC-MS, X-ray diffractometer Basic knowledge of computational software such as Gaussian, Avogadro, Quantum Espresso, Crystal Explorer, ChemDraw, VEDA, ORCA, Origin, Molden, IboView, VMD, SPSS, Lammps
Grant Awards Received
2022: American Chemical Society, University of Florida Graduate Student Organization (GSO) grant Chapter Start-up 2022: American Chemical Society, Green Chemistry Student Chapter Award, University of Calabar, Nigeria 2021: Research mobility Grant, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Postgraduate Researcher Development Grant
Publications
- Solvation effects on the excitation dynamics, structural and photorelaxation, quantum chemical investigation, and photophysical properties of 2D p-expanded quinoidal, Publication date: 2024.
- Indonesian Journal of Science & Technology, Publication date: 2024.
- Hydrogen storage capacity of Al, Ca, Mg, Ni, and Zn decorated phosphorus-doped graphene: Insight from theoretical calculations, Publication date: 2023.
- Electronic, optical, phonon properties, elastic, and the hydrogen storage density of CsXBr3 (X: Be, Mg, Ca) perovskites: Ab-initio calculations and molecular dynamic (MD, Publication date: 2023.
- Experimental and theoretical study of the dye-sensitized solar cells using Hibiscus sabdariffa plant pigment coupled with polyaniline/graphite counter electrode, Publication date: 2023.
- Eigensolution and Expectation Values of the Hulthen and Generalized Inverse Quadratic Yukawa Potential, Publication date: 2022.
- Density functional theory study of the influence of activating and deactivating groups on Naphthalene, Publication date: 2021.
- Solar energy: A panacea for the electricity generation crisis in Nigeria, Publication date: 2021.
- Approximate l-States solutions to the Schrodinger equation with Manning-Rosen plus Hellmann potential via WKB approximation scheme, Publication date: 2018.
- Evaluation of nutritional value of the termite, Macrotermes bellicosus (Smeathman) and beef,Publication date: 2018.
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