Abduljeleel Ajibona

Hometown: Nigeria

Undergraduate Degree: Mining Engineering

Research Title: Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) in Depleted Oil and Gas Reservoirs

Research Story: I am researching how underground rocks can safely store hydrogen, a clean energy source essential for a sustainable future. My work focuses on caprocks, which are natural barriers (rocks) that keep hydrogen from escaping from their stored locations (reservoir rocks). By studying how these caprocks behave when hydrogen is injected during periods of low demand, and withdrawn during periods of high demand, we can ensure they remain strong and leak-proof. This research is important because it helps us understand how to safely store hydrogen underground, making renewable energy more reliable and secure.

Why did you choose the Mining and Minerals Engineering Department at Virginia Tech?

While I was searching for institutions that offers mining engineering as a graduate degree in the United States, Virginia Tech was one of the few that I found. After making further research about the school, and the program, I was interested in some of the works of the faculty, such as Dr. Erik Westman, Dr. Rohit Pandey, and Dr. Mario Karfakis, which is in rock mechanics. This was the area I have always been interested in, since I was a senior in college. I also loved how small the department was, which would give me the opportunity to interact with other students and faculty effectively.

How did you get interested in mining?

At a point in high school, I had the opportunity to go for a field trip from my Geography class to a Quarry. I was fascinated by what the engineers were doing including drilling, blasting, and comminution of the blasted granite fragments. I wanted to really understand the mechanisms behind these operations, and help improve safety concerns during mining operations, that was why I opted to study mining engineering.

What are your career aspirations after completing your degree?

I would love to go into the mining industry immediately after graduation as a mining engineer, to better understand the overall mining profession. After having thorough hands-on experience, I would love to serve as consultants for small mining companies and start-ups. This will enable me to acquire more knowledge, which I aim to utilize while I start my own mining business. Nigeria, my country has abundant mineral resources, and I am looking to invest in its mineral sector massively.

What's the best piece of advice you have been given for starting graduate school?

The best piece of advice I have been given about being in graduate school is that graduate school is a marathon, and not a sprint, so I should enjoy the moment it brings. Also, eating healthy, doing exercises, sleeping well and prioritizing my mental health should be paramount to me. In addition, I should always speak up when I have anything bothering me, by talking to friends, family, and professionals who are able to help.

What is a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?

One fun fact me that people do not know about me is that I love to dance.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

During my free time, I love to hangout with my friends to play lawn tennis, soccer (sometimes), and go to the gym. I love to go on road trips with my friends too, especially when I am not the one doing the driving.

What's your favorite meal to eat or cook?

My favorite meal to cook is jollof rice and fried rice. Back in Nigeria, my mum cooks the food very nicely, and I can proudly say she is the best cook in the entire universe. Also, attending parties in Nigeria, the jollof rice and fried rice, with meat is the most served food for visitors. This is also why it is my favorite meal to eat.

What's your favorite thing about Virginia Tech?

My favorite thing about Virginia Tech is that the community is really accommodating. The transport system is also nice, which makes moving around very easy, both for students and non-students. Also, the research going on at Virginia Tech is world-class, at least from interactions I have had with colleagues, friends, and some faculty.