The Beyeh Laboratory at Oakland University, organized by Dr. Ngong Kodiah Beyeh, conducts research in the field of chemistry.
After earning a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, Beyeh used his time to further develop his research framework before progressing at OU.
“I’ve been doing research that can lead to new materials or specific functions that can have real-life applications,” Beyeh said. “The goal of my research is for these questions to lead to solving a practical societal problem.”
As the well-minded laboratory developed, Beyeh found personal inspiration to pursue research and application in biotechnology and materials chemistry.
“I am a minority in science which is also something that motivates me, somebody that is underrepresented in this field shows we have the ability and knowledge to make an impact on research,” Beyeh said. “My societal goal is to educate a diverse workforce, training of students, which I focus on underrepresented and minority students to give them the opportunity to see research at a productive level.”
The laboratory currently conducts an array of projects involving many students.
“We are trying to see if we can develop some kind of product that can help to disintegrate the aggregation of a protein in the eye that leads to cataracts,” Beyeh said. “We hope my research can somehow lead to a potential solution to that problem.”
The lab is currently conducting an ongoing project to develop sensors to detect the “forever chemicals in water.”
“We are trying to develop a working collaboration with electrical chemists to see if I can develop material in my lab that can sense the PFAS and concentration in water systems,” Beyeh said. “That is another direction, that potentially, if successful can lead to solutions.”
There are many ways college and even high school students can take part in Beyeh’s laboratory.
“I have a program in the summer where I’ll be working with high school students from the Pontiac school district,” Beyeh said. “These students are underrepresented and minorities. This program aims to encourage them to see the beauty of scientific research, and the advantage to doing such research, and how it can impact their future career.”
Beyeh continues to work with undergraduate research volunteers, honors students, graduates and post-doctoral scholars. Beyeh has future plans to allow high schoolers to conduct work in the lab.
“The expectation is to have a critical mind, knowledge and the ability to do the work,” Beyeh said. “We are always looking for students who show interest with some understanding of organic and material chemistry.”
The goal of the scientific laboratory is to make sure the projects work and develop fundamental critical thinking skills.
Regardless of the immediate success of the different projects, Beyeh is a strong champion of his students.
“I will always advertise my students, always,” Beyeh said. “I love to see my students grow, one of my biggest satisfactions I get is to see my students develop, they go to graduate school, medical and professional schools or industries is always a victory for me.”
For future information about the summer program for high school students or research, visit the Beyeh Laboratory’s webpage, or contact Beyeh via email, at [email protected].
