“Growing up in Nigeria, I saw firsthand the urgent need for better infrastructure. When roads crack or bridges fail, people’s lives are directly affected—the way they work, travel and live. These personal experiences, combined with my work in road construction and my deep interest in sustainability, brought me to the University of Utah to pursue a Ph.D. in civil engineering.

My research focuses on sustainable pavement and materials engineering. I study ways to improve pavement performance, especially in cold regions, by integrating eco-friendly materials and developing improved predictive models used in asphalt performance prediction. I’m passionate about finding solutions that reduce carbon emissions, lower maintenance costs and ultimately influence infrastructure policy, both in developed nations and in communities like the one I grew up in.

Right now, I’m contributing to a Utah Department of Transportation-sponsored project evaluating polymer-modified Stone Matrix Asphalt. I’m also working on refining the Cracking Tolerance Index of asphalt using nonlinear finite element modeling tools. I’ve been fortunate to work closely with my advisor, Dr. Pedro Romero, whose mentorship and connections to partners like the Utah Asphalt Pavement Association have opened doors for me in the industry.

This year, I was honored to be named one of only seven students nationwide to receive a scholarship from the Asphalt Institute Foundation. It’s a recognition that means a lot, not just for me, but for what this research can contribute to the future of sustainable infrastructure.

But my journey isn’t just about lab work. I’m committed to mentorship and service. I’ve taught undergraduate courses in the department, helped run a summer transportation camp for high school students and am serving in several community outreach and church roles. I draw strength from my late father, who also worked briefly as a civil engineer, the sacrifices of my mother and a strong desire to give back.

After earning my Ph.D., I hope to work in pavement construction or asphalt production, eventually transitioning into academia. My long-term dream is to start a civil engineering consultancy focused on low-carbon and climate-resilient materials.

This scholarship brings me one step closer to that dream and toward a future where infrastructure truly serves both people and the planet.”

— Jeremiah Adejube, civil engineering Ph.D. student, from Ondo State, Nigeria