US-based Cameroonian breaking grounds in Analytical Chemistry.

The Doctoral candidate in Analytical Chemistry, at the University of North Dakota (UND), is, through his works in Analytical and Materials Chemistry, addressing critical challenges in energy, environmental safety, and advanced materials; with direct applications for industry, national priorities, and sustainable development.

Oga is combining his B.Sc. in Chemistry and Master’s in Materials Chemistry, both earned from the University of Buea, Cameroon, to offer a rare interdisciplinary perspective to problems.

With another Master’s in Analytical Chemistry, earned at the UND and pursuing a Ph.D in Analytical Chemistry in the same institution, Oga’s background allows him not only to characterise new materials but also to develop advanced analytical methods with practical applications in research and industry.

Having earned recognitions both in Cameroon and internationally, Oga’s collaborative research focuses on areas of national and industrial relevance, including energy efficiency, environmental safety, and advanced materials. 

His notable contributions include work on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formation in rocket fuels, published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry A in 2025.

The study helps to understand the environmental and safety implications of energetic materials, such as rocket propellants. 

Oga has also contributed to research on carbon capture, combined heat and power in ethanol facilities. He presented his works at the GHGT-17 Conference in 2024, highlighting methods to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. 

His studies on silicone sealant weathering and polyurethane foam degradation, using Thermal Desorption-Pyrolysis GC-MS, provide insights relevant to industrial manufacturing and safety. 

Oga also works on the green synthesis of nanocomposites, including nickel and cobalt-doped materials and advances sustainable materials development.

Asset for African continent 

Oga’s work, it should be noted, has clear relevance for Cameroon and other African countries. His techniques for carbon capture and energy efficiency, experts say, could be adapted to African biofuel and ethanol production, improving energy security and reducing emissions. 

Insights from his Silicone Sealant and Polyurethane Studies, it has been mooted, can enhance construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. 

Oga’s research on Advanced Nanocomposites provides a model for local universities and research centers, fostering innovation in electronics, coatings, and environmental remediation. 

Impacting others 

Through mentorship and STEM outreach, Oga contributes to training the next generation of scientists, enhancing research capacity in Cameroon and across Africa.

His international collaborations also offer opportunities for joint research and technology transfer, connecting African scientists to global scientific networks. 

Aside contributing extensively to mentorship, judging, and STEM outreach, Oga has served as a judge at ACS Red River Conferences, North Dakota State Science and Engineering Fairs, and North Dakota Academy of Science Annual Meetings. 

He volunteers in K–12 STEM programs, the EPSCoR Indigenous STEM Education Program, and ACS workshops, roles which demonstrate that his expertise is highly sought after and that he actively supports the development of future scientists.

Leadership roles 

Aside research, Oga has also proven to be a good leader, demonstrating his ability to lead professional organisations, mentor peers, and organises activities that benefit the broader scientific community.

He has held multiple elected leadership positions. 

He currently serves as President of the ACS Younger Chemists Committee for the Red River Valley Region and as President of the ACS Graduate Student Chapter at UND. 

He is also a Graduate Student Representative on the University Senate Committee on Community Engagement and Opportunities, President of the University African Student Union, former President of the UND Chemistry Graduate Student Association, and a nominee for the NOBCChE National Student Representative. 

Oga the serial award-winner 

Oga’s works have been recognised with numerous national and international honours, including the Resolve Excellence in Solvation Science Award from Ruhr University, Germany (2024) and the Barbara Ann Earwicker Award from the North Dakota State Academy of Science (2025).

He is also winner of the ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry Younger Chemist Travel Award (2024); the Lilian Elsinga Outstanding Leadership Award from UND (2025) and Fellowship in the National Institution of Professional Engineers and Scientists (NIPES).

Zoom on his publications 

His publication record further underscores his impact. Key works include studies on PAH induction in rocket fuels (J. Phys. Chem. A, 2025), carbon capture and combined heat and power in ethanol facilities (SSRN, 2024), silicone sealant degradation (UND Scholarly Commons, 2024), and nanocomposites (Advances in Nanoparticles, 2023). 

He continues to submit manuscripts to high-impact journals, ensuring that his research reaches a wide scientific audience. Oga represents a growing generation of Cameroonian scientists making a global impact. 

His combination of research excellence, leadership, mentorship, and societal engagement demonstrates extraordinary ability in Analytical Chemistry. 

His work has applications in industry, national priorities, and sustainable development, while fostering the next generation of scientists.

Oga’s career exemplifies the rare combination of scientific innovation, leadership, and societal impact. 

Beyond his scientific contributions, Oga’s mentorship, professional leadership, and outreach efforts demonstrate a commitment to nurturing future generations of scientists in both the U.S. and Africa. 

As a Cameroonian scientist making a measurable global impact, Oga continues to advance knowledge, influence his field, and inspire communities; a hallmark of extraordinary ability recognised internationally.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3622 of Tuesday November 11, 2025