ITUNU OLANREWAJU
Lafayette,LA
Summary
Dynamic Industrial Chemistry graduate student with a robust foundation in computational chemistry, spectroscopy, and organic synthesis. Proven expertise in research and analytical methodologies, complemented by hands-on teaching and extensive laboratory experience. Eager to contribute to R&D or analytical roles within the pharmaceutical, biotech, and health-related sectors, leveraging strong problem-solving abilities to drive innovative solutions. Committed to advancing scientific knowledge and enhancing product development through meticulous research and collaboration.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
08.2024 - Current
- Synthesize heterocycles and organometallic derivatives for tellurium chemistry research, contributing to 5+ experimental projects through data analysis and literature reviews that improve project efficiency by 10%, guiding the research direction.
- Conduct 10+ experimental spectroscopic analyses to support the characterization of the ongoing project using NMR, UV-visible, and IR spectroscopies and X-ray Crystallography.
- Utilize Density Functional Theory and Gaussian to conduct mechanistic study on 10+ Organotellurium reactions, specifically investigating their regioselective reaction pathways.
- Present posters at one local and national meeting.
- Assisted in data collection and analysis using statistical software, enhancing research accuracy and efficiency.
Teaching Assistant
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Designed engaging course materials, improving student comprehension by 30%.
- Supervised lab sessions for 50+ students, ensuring a 100% safety record.
- Challenged, engaged, encouraged, and communicated with 60 students learning progress per semester.
- Graded student lab reports and submitted final grades for evaluation with the course instructor.
- Responded to student inquiries in a timely manner, fostering a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Research Scientist / Product Specialist
Healthline Limited
02.2023 - 07.2024
- Promoted product awareness and maintained high customer satisfaction through quality compliance.
- Ensured product quality compliance and collaborated with the regulatory unit, achieving an 85% customer satisfaction rate and solidifying market share.
- Developed and implemented quality procedures from importation to dispatch, reducing product defects and quality issues by 50%.
Quality Control Officer
Tasty Time Nigeria Limited
10.2022 - 11.2022
- Conducted several quality tests on 20+ juices by ensuring all the batches' physiochemical parameters and fruit contents meet the required standard by the customers and regulatory bodies and enforcing cleanliness in the production environment through enforcing sanitary and safety rules, resulting in 100% cleanliness adherence.
- Ensured workers' health and safety by providing the production workers with weekly safety training during production, resulting in zero incidents of product contamination.
Research Scientist Intern
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
06.2019 - 10.2019
- Analyzed 60+ food and beverage samples with 50% accuracy and registered 90+ certified samples for further analysis.
Education
Master of Science - Industrial Chemistry Candidate
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Lafayette, LA05.2026
Bachelor of Technology - Science Laboratory Technology (Minor in Biochemistry)
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Ogbomosho, Nigeria06.2021
Skills
- NMR, IR, GCMS and UV Spectroscopy
- Chromatography (gas, thin layer, column)
- Organic Synthesis and reaction optimization
- DFT, Gaussian, Transition State Theory Calculations
- Accurate record keeping in a laboratory notebook
Languages
English
Full Professional
Yoruba
Native or Bilingual
Hausa
Limited Working
Timeline
Research Assistant
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
08.2024 - Current
Teaching Assistant
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
08.2024 - 05.2025
Research Scientist / Product Specialist
Healthline Limited
02.2023 - 07.2024
Quality Control Officer
Tasty Time Nigeria Limited
10.2022 - 11.2022
Research Scientist Intern
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
06.2019 - 10.2019
Master of Science - Industrial Chemistry Candidate
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Bachelor of Technology - Science Laboratory Technology (Minor in Biochemistry)
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Publications
- Olanrewaju, I. C.; Ponzo, S. R.; Turner, A. K.; Glover, H. E.; Fronczek, F. R.; Junk, T. Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]oxatellurane Derivatives from Propargyl Ethers. J. Organomet. Chem.2025. 1035, 123675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jorganchem.2025.123675
Conference Presentation (Oral)
- Olanrewaju, I.C.; Guidry, L.; Ponzo, S.R.; Karsili, T.; Junk, T. Computational and Experimental Insights into Ligand Coordination and Regioselective Tellurium Insertion Reactions. Presented at the Louisiana Science Academy Conference. Alexandria, LA, March 15, 2025.
Poster Presentations
- Olanrewaju, I.C.; Guidry, L.; Ponzo, S.R.; Karsili, T.; Junk, T. Computational and Experimental Evaluation of Coordination-Assisted Regioselective Tellurination. Presented at the ACS Spring National Conference. San Diego, CA, March 23,2025.
- Ponzo, S.R.; Olanrewaju, I.C.; Junk, T. Heterocycles Containing Tellurium as Potential Building Blocks for Chalcogen-Bonded Supramolecular Assemblies (Co-Author). Presented at the Ray P. Authement College of Science 50th Anniversary. Lafayette, LA, November 7, 2024.