TSP's Journey through PhD Chemistry as a Bulldog

Hey, welcome again! I know you long to know about my research interests , and why I am so passionate about it. Well, being a constant reader and follower of my blog, I think you deserve to know. Basically, I am interested in exploring and exploiting the performance characteristics of biochar with bio-oil derived from pyrolysis/co-pyrolysis of biomass , as well as the co-pyrolysis of biomass with specific synthetic polymers. You might be wondering- what is biochar, and why is it important ? I have so much to discuss about it, but not this week. However, I would give a preamble to this. Biochar is a solid carbonaceous material produced by pyrolysis of biomass in an oxygen-deficient environment.  In the long or short run, I will  have to make use of the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) which happens to be my favorite analytical instrument .  Scanning Electron Microscope Parts of a Scanning Electron Microscope What does it do, how does it work, and why would I requ...

 I have always wanted to do this, to write something about my journey to the United States of America. The research works I would embark on, the process, challenges and breakthroughs. When I was in Nigeria, my home country, I had penned down a few things I would do when I got here. One of them is what I am doing right now- writing!  My Professor thinks assigning this task- keeping a blog- to the class would help each of us inculcate the habit of writing, but you know what? Bring your ears closer, and do not tell him: He just energized me, because I am already designed for this. It's 8.38 p.m. in Starkville city, Mississippi State, and I am sitting on a chair and typing on my 14" HP laptop which has many tabs opened for several unfinished tasks. Yes, I am right here with my back lain on the ash and grey coloured chair, in a room furnished with a comfortable bed as well as table upon which the laptop is placed with other books piled atop one another. Yes, I am still here, at 110...