Opeadura Osunbami is a Ph.D. candidate in the Purdue Animal Sciences Department, and she also received her master’s from the department in 2021.
Osunbami is originally from the southwestern region of Nigeria. She earned a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from Obafemi Awolowo University in 2017. After receiving her degree, she started her master’s degree in the Purdue Animal Sciences program under Layi Adeola, Ph.D. She is now currently pursuing a doctoral degree also under the supervision of Adeola.
Opeadura Osunbami at the swine unit of the Animal Sciences Research and Education Center (ASREC). According to Osunbami, her experiences growing up inspired her to pursue an education and career in animal agriculture. Her mother was a school teacher and ran a pig operation as a side business. Her father, a former agricultural science teacher, owned cocoa farms in different regions.
Osunbami made the choice to attend Purdue for two key reasons that strongly aligned with both her personal goals and academic aspirations.
“Purdue University's strong reputation in animal science research and Dr. Adeola's exceptional expertise in the field were key factors in my decision to pursue my graduate studies here,” Osunbami said. “The opportunity to work under his guidance has been an invaluable experience.”
During Osunbami’s research in the department, she has designed and conducted experiments, managed animal feeding trials and analyzed the effects of supplemental enzymes on mineral absorption and animal growth performance. She has collaborated with colleagues and industry partners to align her research with the needs of the livestock industry, focusing on sustainable and economically viable approaches to animal feed formulation.
“Overall, my research aims to enhance the nutritional efficiency of animal diets and reduce the environmental impact of livestock production by improving the utilization of natural, organic sources of calcium and phosphorus,” Osunbami said.
Opeadura Osunbami in Dr. Layi Adeola's monogastric nutrition lab in the Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences. In addition to her research, Osunbami has been involved in various clubs and organizations during her time at Purdue. She served as the vice president of the Graduate Student Association, and she was nominated by the former animal sciences department head, John Blanton, Ph.D., to represent graduate students for the Purdue Graduate Student Government. She is also a member of the Unhurried Club, the Purdue MANRRS chapter, and the Nigerian Student Association at Purdue.
Osunbami was awarded the 2024 Book Harmon Leadership Scholarship in May. She received it for her leadership skills and efforts in the department, college and Purdue Graduate Student Government.
“Throughout my time at Purdue, I have been committed to enhancing the graduate student experience, advocating for students' needs and fostering a collaborative environment within the university community,” Osunbami said. “Being recognized with this scholarship is a meaningful affirmation of my efforts to support and lead my peers, and it motivates me to continue driving positive change at Purdue and beyond.”
Osunbami also received the Dr. Dagnatchew Yirgou Award, which supports merit-based scholarships for students majoring in agriculture.
“This award is particularly meaningful to me because it recognizes my academic achievements and my potential to contribute to the field of agriculture,” Osunbami said. “It is a great honor to be selected for this award, and it further fuels my commitment to pursuing excellence in my research and making meaningful contributions to sustainable practices in animal science.”
Although she has garnered many awards, Osunbami’s greatest achievement at Purdue has been the opportunity to propose and lead a collaborative research project outside her dissertation.
“This project brought together experts from different disciplines, including Dr. Ajuwon from the department of animal sciences, Dr. Reddivari from the department of food science, and an industry partner,” Osunbami said. “The project is now underway and continues to make progress, which is exciting not only because of its potential outcomes but also because it exemplifies how interdisciplinary research can drive innovation and solve complex challenges.”
After Osunbami receives her doctoral degree, she plans to pursue a career in research and development.
“I am excited to apply the advanced knowledge and research skills I've developed throughout my Ph.D. to drive innovation in animal nutrition and contribute to the development of more sustainable, efficient and cost-effective feeding strategies in livestock production,” Osunbami said.
According to Osunbami, the animal sciences program at Purdue has strengthened her research and problem-solving skills. She mentioned that the department’s collaborative environment has shaped her as a researcher, enhancing other skills like experimental design, data analysis and communication.
“Purdue's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking has prepared me to approach research from a holistic perspective,” Osunbami said. “This broad skill set has positioned me well to make meaningful contributions in an R&D role after graduation.”
She explained that the department’s collaborative environment is one of its greatest strengths.
“From the very beginning of my doctoral studies, I've been encouraged to work closely with faculty and fellow graduate students,” Osunbami said. “The opportunities for collaboration, both within the department and with other research areas, have been instrumental in shaping my research and broadening my understanding of animal science.”
Another key strength is its cultural diversity, Osunbami said.
“Purdue's Animal Sciences Department attracts graduate students from all over the world, creating a rich and dynamic academic environment,” Osunbami said. “The diversity of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences brings a global lens to research and problem-solving. This diverse community has enriched my experience, not only by offering valuable insights from peers with unique viewpoints, but also by preparing me to work effectively in an increasingly interconnected global industry.”
Osunbami shared advice for incoming graduate students.
“My advice to incoming graduate students would be to embrace the collaborative nature of graduate school, and take full advantage of the resources available to you,” Osunbami said. “Don't be afraid to reach out to others for feedback, mentorship or collaboration. It's one of the best ways to grow as a researcher.”
She also shared that organization and time management are important in graduate school.
“Graduate school is demanding, and balancing research, coursework and personal life requires discipline and planning,” Osunbami said. “Set small, achievable goals for yourself, and don't be afraid to adjust them as needed. It's important to be flexible and adaptable, as research often takes unexpected turns.”
Lastly, she shared that graduate students should take the time to take care of themselves.
“Graduate school can be intense, but maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success,” Osunbami said. “Remember that it's okay to take breaks, seek support when needed and keep perspective on why you're here—to learn, grow and contribute to your field.”
The Purdue Animal Sciences Department is celebrating 125 years! As a part of the celebration, Osunbami was asked to upload a video congratulating the department.
