Omowunmi Sadik

“I develop sensors and technologies and look for creative solutions to problems.”

“It’s something that’s low cost and famers in developing countries can take and use,” she said. “So for example, if a farmer grows yams, which is common in developing countries in Asia and Africa, and Nigeria is one of the largest producers, it’s important agriculturally. That’s why we decided to focus on this.”

“We changed the name to better describe the direction we’re moving to for sustainable development.”

“If your people pick you out and give you that kind of recognition, it’s satisfying. I’m ecstatic and also humbled.”

“Knowing the caliber of people who have received the award and that I’m considered on that level is phenomenal.”

“I am the first chemist and the first female scientist to receive the honor, who was contacted and asked to submit an application for the award.”

“I generally think of my work in terms of innovation and problem-solving. What can we do differently? How can we use or reinterpret what is already known to solve another problem? My philosophy is to explain how chemistry permeates the world around us. That’s always been my motivation – to take chemistry beyond the classroom, to show that chemistry is not confined to a lab or as is commonly portrayed in the popular culture in terms of toxicity and that it offers solutions that permeate our everyday lives.”