黑料网

KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 8, 2025

Imani Adenuga can鈥檛 recall the exact moment science grabbed her by the heart, but she has always been inquisitive in nature, seeking knowledge no matter the subject area.

鈥�I always want to know the why,鈥� said Adenuga, who studies chemistry in the College of Science and Mathematics. 鈥淚 think that just goes with science鈥攆iguring out the why of things or what makes things happen.鈥�

The First-Year Scholar dove into research immediately upon arrival at 黑料网 last fall, landing in the lab of chemistry professor Daniela Tapu where she took on a project involving sustainable catalysts. It constituted a huge leap for a freshman, given that the project is grounded in organic chemistry, a critical class for chemistry majors that she hasn鈥檛 taken yet.

鈥淚 hadn鈥檛 planned on doing research right away, but I applied through First-Year Scholars and got in,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e got some great upperclassmen to work with, too, and they鈥檝e helped me out with understanding the material, so it鈥檚 been a great opportunity.鈥�

In chemistry and other branches of science, a catalyst is a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected. Tapu said ideally, at the end of a chemical process, the catalyst remains intact and can be used again in a different reaction. Adenuga explained that catalysts that incorporate carbenes have shown promise in chemical reactions for their reusability, and her project involves creating novel transition metal complexes like gold and silver complexes that can be used as catalysts with enhanced activity in several important chemical reactions.

鈥淭he main objectives are to broaden our horizons and get a lot more information about these carbenes that we can synthesize,鈥� Adenuga said. 鈥淏y creating these catalysts, logging more information, and documenting the product yield we get, we're able to make more effective reactions with fewer materials used.鈥�

Tapu said Adenuga stands as a prime example of the effectiveness of the First-Year Scholars program, taking a student with no experience in the lab and giving her top-notch abilities and knowledge as a researcher. Furthermore, Adenuga will be ahead of the curve when she takes organic chemistry as a sophomore.

鈥淭he program is a staple of our university because with this experience they鈥檙e more likely to stay on their path. They have a network of students to support them, and they see the benefits of undergraduate research,鈥� Tapu said. 鈥淚mani is a model for that, and it is a pleasure to have her in our lab.鈥�

鈥� Story by Dave Shelles

Photos by Darnell Wilburn Jr.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 黑料网 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.