Mary Fakunle wants to protect the earth.
Growing up in an agricultural town in Nigeria, Fakunle understood the importance of creating a sustainable environment.
With a passion for science, she is opening doors to create eco-friendly solutions.
“My love for chemistry started when I was in high school actually. We have all these lab practicals. Then we mix our reagents together and [see] color change. It kind of sparked my interest,” Fakunle said.
One science led to another, and eventually, Fakunle also discovered that she had a natural talent for mathematics.
Combining her interests, she majored in chemical engineering at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
Fast forward to today, Fakunle can now be found at Missouri State working on her next big step: a master’s degree in chemistry.
From greenhouse gloves to lab coat
Right from the start, chemistry was Fakunle’s first choice for graduate studies.
Beyond fascinating chemical reactions and impactful discoveries, she saw chemistry as a means to contribute to, as she says, “the feeling of research that is going on in the world of chemistry these days, like sustainability and how to clean the environment.”
“I see chemistry giving me the opportunity to give back to the environment to develop new techniques and methods for analysis and remediation of contaminants.”
The key element that brought her from Nigeria to Missouri State was her fascination with the research of her current advisor, Dr. Cyren Rico.
“He works on the analysis of contaminants and also the effects of contaminants in the environment,” she said.
Fakunle has been very appreciative of Rico’s guidance, as he was able to help her navigate the transition from chemical engineering to chemistry.
“I look up to him, because he is hard working, passionate about his research and very supportive,” she said. “He offers guidance and support with my research and recommends opportunities for me to advance in my career.”
Involved in Rico’s research lab, Fakunle is currently studying the effects of molybdenum disulfide and sulfur nanoparticles on lettuce.
For her research, she grows lettuce in a greenhouse and exposes the lettuce to the nanoparticles.
“We check the effect of the nanoparticles on the growth of the plants, the nutrients and elements in the plants and also how they affect the soil,” Fakunle said. “In general, we are looking at all environmental effects and how they affect the plants, and then draw conclusions on the effect of using nanoparticles as fertilizers and what could be the adverse effects on the environment or on the soil.”
Accelerating growth in chemistry expertise
Aside from Rico’s research, Fakunle was drawn to Missouri State for its size and affordability.
“My hometown is country and Springfield is, more or less, not a very big city, so it’s affordable to live in,” Fakunle said. “Missouri State kind of fits in my choice of school, and it also offers a balanced curriculum [and] the lifestyle with the community.”
Fakunle has been overjoyed with immersive experiences, like attending conferences — some of which were fully funded by the organizers — and securing an agriscience internship that was closely related to her research.
She is grateful that MSU has given her a wide spectrum of academic opportunities.
“With the Graduate College, currently, it’s been an awesome experience with all of the classes I’m taking. The chemistry faculty and my professors have been really helpful and supportive, and I am grateful for the opportunity to teach entry-level chemistry lab courses. It’s been a wonderful experience so far in Missouri State.”
Fakunle aims to graduate with her master’s degree in December 2025.
After turning her tassel, she is confident and ready to jump directly into chemistry practice.
“Looking at all of the classes I am taking, the professors in my department, my research and also the community here in Missouri State, I’ve been able to understand more about the dynamics of chemistry and also I understand more about how research is done,” Fakunle said. “The research we do in the lab serves as an eye opener as it exposes me to what to expect in the industry after graduation.”
