Hi, I’m
KELECHI AGWU
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Madison,WI
Summary
Meticulous and analytical researcher with over five years of educational and hands-on experience in biomass valorization and utilization of sustainable solvent systems. Proven ability to adapt within team environments while leveraging in-depth knowledge of data collection, process optimization, and problem-solving. Committed to driving innovative solutions that enhance sustainability and efficiency in research initiatives. Recognized for strong attention to detail and a passion for advancing environmental practices through rigorous analysis and collaboration.
Overview
8
years of professional experience
Work History
University of Wisconsin–Madison / USDA Forest Products Laboratory
Research Associate
01.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Lead pilot-scale evaluation of sustainable biomass pretreatment technologies, assessing technical feasibility, scalability, and process improvements to inform innovative research and industry-facing discussions
- Structure and synthesize insights from 100+ academic and applied studies to refine experimental strategy, improving process efficiency, and positioning work for conference presentation, peer-reviewed publications, and eventual possible commercialization
- Diagnose process holdups using quantitative analysis and experimental data, translating complex findings into concise recommendations for multidisciplinary collaborators
University of Alabama
Graduate Research Assistant
01.2021 - 01.2025
Job overview
- Managed multiple concurrent research projects from problem definition through execution, delivering two first-author publications on schedule in high-impact journals
- Enhanced laboratory operations and capacity, contributing to a 300% increase in graduate lab membership while maintaining zero major equipment failures
- Implemented structured data analysis to identify experimental inefficiencies and apply process improvements that increased research outcomes
- Facilitated training and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate researchers, accelerating onboarding and improving their adaptation to lab projects
- Ensured compliance with research and safety protocols, eliminating major operational and equipment-related risks
The Lord’s International Schools
Mathematics & Physics Teacher
01.2019 - 01.2020
Job overview
- Tested structured problem-solving schemes to improve student engagement and performance in quantitative subjects
- Mentored about 50 students a day across three classes toward STEM careers, reinforcing analytical thinking and career readiness
- Promoted hands-on learning experiences by incorporating lab experiments and demonstrations into lesson plans, leading to increased understanding of complex concepts
Abia State Polytechnic
Laboratory Assistant (National Service)
01.2018 - 01.2019
Job overview
- Performed laboratory instruction and safety for about 200 students in the Chemistry department on procedures, improving resource utilization and student learning outcomes
- Facilitated timely completion of experiments by maintaining a well-organized workspace and efficient workflow.
Education
University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL
Ph.D. from Chemical Engineering
08-2025
University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL
M.S. from Chemical Engineering
05-2023
Kazan State UniversityKazan, Russia
B.S. from Chemical Engineering
05-2017
Skills
Research and analysis
Research planning
Project management
Data interpretation
Laboratory techniques
Inventory assessments
Affiliations
- Postdoctoral Representative, Immigration and International Issues Committee University of Wisconsin–Madison | 2025–Present Represent postdoctoral researchers in university-wide governance discussions, advocating immigration, employment, and inclusion-related issues Facilitate coordination between the committee and the UW–Madison Postdoctoral Association to align priorities and actions
- Vice President, Graduate Students Council University of Alabama | 2024–2025 Led planning and execution of monthly networking events, increasing graduate student participation and faculty engagement. Partnered with the Engineering Career Development Center to expand career programming and professional development opportunities
Timeline
Research Associate
University of Wisconsin–Madison / USDA Forest Products Laboratory
01.2025 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Alabama
01.2021 - 01.2025
Mathematics & Physics Teacher
The Lord’s International Schools
01.2019 - 01.2020
Laboratory Assistant (National Service)
Abia State Polytechnic
01.2018 - 01.2019
University of Alabama
Ph.D. from Chemical Engineering
University of Alabama
M.S. from Chemical Engineering
Kazan State University
B.S. from Chemical Engineering
PUBLICATIONS (SELECTED)
- 2 first-author research articles in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering and Chemical Engineering Science
- Co-first-author review article in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering