Akinseloyin Michael wins prestigious US Engineering awards for research, leadership

Akinseloyin Michael, a Nigerian-born researcher and doctoral candidate at Kansas state University, has been recognised with two major accolades in the United States for his outstanding academic achievements and leadership in engineering. He was recently named a recipient of the prestigious ASHRAE Grant-In-Aid, a $10,000 research award, and also received the Grad Brag Award at the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) 2023 Annual Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.

These honours, awarded by two of the world’s most respected engineering organisations—ASHRAE and NSBE—affirm Michael’s growing impact in the global research community. His rare double recognition underscores both his technical brilliance and his dedication to uplifting underrepresented communities through engineering.

The ASHRAE Graduate Student Grant-In-Aid, valued at $10,000, is awarded each year to exceptional graduate researchers whose work advances sustainable technology for the built environment. Michael was one of twenty recipients of the 2025–2026 cycle in a competitive applications from researchers around the world, a remarkable feat that highlights the international calibre of his research.

His award-winning research centres on energy efficiency in HVAC systems, for thermal comfort and improving indoor air quality. Specifically, investigating and solving the problem of inundation during on-tube condensation of environmentally friendly refrigerants. Potential applications of his research include data centers cooling due to the increase in energy and cooling needs of the servers, cooling of residential and commercial buildings using water cooled centrifugal chillers. Through a combination of experimental work, simulation modelling, performance analysis, and system optimisation, Michael has successfully introduce a new method of analysis of heat transfer in a condenser shell and tube heat exchanger.

MIchael earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. And got a full ride scholarship for his PhD at Kansas State University to study mechanical engineering. Throughout his academic journey, he has demonstrated consistent excellence in both theory and application.

He is proficient in simulation tools such as MATLAB, ANSYS, TRNSYS, and EnergyPlus, which he uses in modelling energy systems and evaluating HVAC performance. His work also explores renewable energy integration in buildings, solar-driven cooling systems, and techno-economic assessments of alternative energy solutions.

In addition to his research achievements, Michael’s leadership skills were formally recognised when he was named a Grad Brag Award Honoree by NSBE in March 2023. Held in Kansas City, Missouri. The NSBE Annual Convention celebrates Black engineers who demonstrate exceptional academic, professional, and community engagement. Michael was one of only three honourees selected nationwide.

The NSBE Grad Brag Award highlights graduate students who not only excel academically but also contribute to social impact and community development. In Michael’s case, the award recognised his efforts to mentor younger engineers, advocate for energy equity, and inspire more students to pursue STEM careers.

“Receiving both the ASHRAE and NSBE awards in a space of two years is deeply humbling,” Michael said. “These honours validate my belief that engineering should serve not only as a tool for innovation but also as a platform for inclusion and positive societal change.”

The ASHRAE and NSBE awards further position Michael as a global thought leader in the fields of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. His research is particularly timely as cities across the United states and beyond seek solutions for cleaner, more resilient buildings amidst rising energy demand and climate concerns. It would help manufacturers and policymakers transition toward sustainable cooling technologies and positions the US as a leader in clean thermal technologies.

Michael’s achievements follow in the footsteps of other researchers like Oghenetega Allen Obewhere and Godson Adjovu, who were also Grad Brag Award recipients. Their successes demonstrate the growing global footprint of African engineers in driving innovation and change.

Looking ahead, Michael hopes to expand his research collaborations with universities and institutions across Africa, Europe, and North America. He is also interested in influencing policy and infrastructure design through research that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on clean and affordable energy.

With these two awards, Akinseloyin Michael has not only elevated his academic profile but also become a symbol of excellence and leadership for aspiring engineers across the continent. His story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and global collaboration in shaping the future of engineering.