Speaking on the recognition, Adegoke, a graduate of Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, explained that his fellowship proposal explores how mycelium-based materials can be optimised using artificial intelligence and machine learning for geotechnical engineering purposes.
Dr. Adesola Adegoke, a Nigerian scholar and Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Civil Engineering graduate, has been awarded the 2024 Trent R. Dames and William W. Moore Fellowship by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
The $10,500 grant recognizes Adegoke’s proposal on developing mycelium-based bio-materials for geotechnical engineering. ASCE Executive Director Thomas W. Smith stated: “These materials show potential in applications such as slope stabilisation and erosion control, offering both structural performance and environmental benefits.”
Adegoke, currently a researcher at Arizona State University, told journalists: “My research integrates biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and geotechnical engineering to develop biodegradable materials that can outperform conventional options.” The FUTA alumnus emphasized that his AI-optimized solutions address infrastructure resilience while reducing environmental impact.
The fellowship, established in 1990, supports groundbreaking engineering research. Adegoke noted his mycelium-based alternatives are biodegradable with lower lifecycle impacts than traditional materials – a critical innovation for climate-vulnerable regions.