Ayoola Bodude
Ayoola joined the University of Strathclyde as a Mechanical Engineering graduate with an MBA and over fourteen years of professional experience spanning the oil and gas industry, energy regulation, and several years within fast-moving consumer goods production and sales. Here Ayoola tells us about his journey coming to Strathclyde and his future goals…
Returning to study
Prior to joining the University of Strathclyde, my career had largely been situated at the intersection of engineering practice, policy, and large-scale energy systems oversight. Choosing to return to academia was a deliberate decision to reposition my expertise toward clean energy innovation, advanced technologies, future-facing energy systems, Industry 4.0/5.0 and smart products.
Why Strathclyde?
The University of Strathclyde stood out to me because of its strong reputation in energy systems, chemical and process engineering, and its close engagement with industry. What particularly attracted me was the University’s ability to bridge rigorous academic research with real-world engineering problems. The programme is clearly designed not just to teach theory, but to challenge students to think systemically, critically, and innovatively about the energy transition.
Favourite aspects
What I valued most about the course was its interdisciplinary nature. The programme gave me the freedom to integrate clean fuels, advanced materials, and digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and smart systems, while still grounding my work in sustainability, safety, trust, and societal acceptance. This balance between technical depth and systems-level thinking was one of the strongest aspects of my experience.
My individual research project further deepened this experience. My MSc thesis focused on identifying future carbon capture materials using advanced adsorption modelling and Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory (IAST), with a particular emphasis on MOF-based materials for CO₂/CH₄ separation. Working closely with academic supervisors and engaging with cutting-edge research tools reinforced my desire to pursue doctoral-level research at the intersection of energy, materials, and intelligent systems.
Beyond academics, I found the learning environment at Strathclyde to be flexible, supportive, and genuinely invested in student development. The openness of staff to discuss individual goals, research directions, and career aspirations made it possible to tailor my learning journey in a way that aligned with my long-term ambitions. The programme does not confine you to a single path; instead, it equips you with transferable skills that allow movement across disciplines, industries, and even leadership roles.
Looking to the future
After graduation, my goal is to return to innovation-driven energy work, with a strong focus on optimising energy systems within artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and autonomous technologies. I am particularly interested in energy-aware intelligent systems, emissions reduction, and sustainable industrial automation, building on both my professional background and the advanced training I received at Strathclyde.
Final thoughts
For anyone considering studying at the University of Strathclyde, I would say this: it is a place that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and intellectual courage. If you are willing to engage deeply with your learning and clearly communicate your intentions, the University provides the tools, mentorship, and environment to help you grow - whether your ambition lies in research, industry leadership, entrepreneurship, or interdisciplinary innovation.
Overall, my experience at Strathclyde has been transformative, equipping me not only with advanced technical knowledge, but with the confidence and perspective needed to contribute meaningfully to the future of energy systems.