Chris Bode-Aluko
Bio
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Humanities
Teaching Courses:
CHEM 1100 – General Chemistry I
CHEM 2000 – Organic and Biological Chemistry
CHEM 3550 – Biochemistry
CHEM 4200 – Advanced Analytical Techniques in Chemistry
CHEM 2500 – Organic Chemistry I
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa Mar 2022 – Jan 2024
Position: Claude Leon Foundation/Wits Centennial Postdoc Fellowship (Center in Water Research and Development)
University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa Jan 2021 – Jan 2022
Position: Postdoctoral research fellowship (Chemistry department)
Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa June 2020 - May 2021
Position: Postdoctoral research fellowship (Chemistry department)
University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa Jan 2018 – Dec 2019
Position: Postdoctoral research fellowship (Chemistry department)
With a Ph.D. in Chemistry (Environmental/Nanotechnology) and over 10 years of field and laboratory experience, I have become an expert in conducting cutting-edge research on materials, nanotechnology, water treatment, water quality, and pollution. My trans-disciplinary work experience (chemistry/microbiology/nanotechnology/environmental) is mainly in line with United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as ‘Goal 6: Clean water and Sanitation’ and ‘Goal 14: Life below water’. I have been involved in many research projects. I have developed and applied skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, research planning, article and report writing, and chemical handling, evident through various projects and publications, and collaborating with international partners and institutions. I am also passionate about impacting knowledge and advancing science, and I teach and mentor students in the faculty of natural sciences, sharing my expertise and insights on general, physical, and inorganic chemistry and its applications. My goal is to contribute to the development and innovation of sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions for water and other natural resources, using nanotechnology and environmental science as tools. I am motivated by the challenges and opportunities in this field, and I seek to continuously learn, collaborate and grow as a researcher.
Research Interests
RESEARCH AREAS
• SDGs 6, 11 and 14
• Environmental/Analytical chemistry
• Nanochemistry/Nanotechnology
• Water quality and water treatments
• Membrane technology
RESEARCH INTERESTS
My top research interests include the use of the electrospinning process to fabricate nano-membranes, composite materials and inorganic adsorbents. These materials are used for the purification of water and wastewater. The overarching goal of my research is to produce a portable and smart system that can remove 3-nics (organic, inorganic, and pathogens) from water. I have been developing an ultrafast-filtration method for emergency water treatment, especially in rural areas. As an environmental chemist, my research is designed to test, quantify and remove these 3-nics from water. I am also skilled at designing laboratory processes such as adsorption, filtration systems, advanced oxidation processes as well as optimizing analytical equipment for detection of emerging pollutants.