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Since reading Napoleon Hill’s 1937 book, Think and Grow Rich, years ago, Joshua Samuel has become proof of one of the most famous quotes written within its pages: “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

While this quote is testament to the power of positive thinking, it was a different passage altogether that most caught Joshua’s attention: Hill’s reference to the “Million Dollar Sermon” given by Chicago minister Frank Wakeley Gunsaulus in 1890—the outcome of which was the founding of ������̳.

The reference piqued Joshua’s interest in the university, so he set out to learn more. Liking what he found, he enrolled as a Ph.D. student in chemistry at ������̳ in fall 2021.

Since arriving at ������̳, he has worked with faculty members Sameh Elsaidi and Mona Mohamed in the Center for Separation Science and Sustainability, where his research has contributed to building a sustainable fuel cell powered by water.

“I have spent most of my time in the research lab, and I can confidently say I work in one of the most well-equipped labs on campus,” says Joshua. “This has given me the opportunity to work on industrially relevant projects, such as the extraction of precious metals and electrochemical water splitting, using porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks.”

Working on solutions to fight climate change has been a common theme of Joshua’s time at ������̳. In addition to his work on green energy production, he is also part of the organizing committee for the Climate Change: Education, Awareness, and Action workshop. The workshop’s aim is to educate a wide range of people—from high schoolers to working professionals—about climate change, promoting awareness and highlighting scientific efforts working to mitigate the impacts.

“Seeing how my research can directly improve lives has been the most personally impactful aspect of my involvement,” says Joshua. “Additionally, I have gained valuable experience in integrating my community—across diverse social and educational levels—into my scientific work in meaningful and beneficial ways.”

His work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In addition to receiving Lewis College of Science and Letters’ Outstanding Graduate Research Award in 2023, Joshua earned a poster presentation award at the 2024 Midwest MOF Conference. He also received a 2024 the Clinton E. Stryker Distinguished Service Award, which is presented to ������̳ students who have made a distinguished contribution to campus life.

He also says that attending a university in Chicago has made a difference. Originally hailing from Nigeria, Joshua highlights the opportunities available in the global metropolis that is Chicago.

“Attending a university in one of the best cities in the world has provided me with a rich social and industrial context for my research,” says Joshua. “As an international student, knowing that ������̳ is one of the leading institutions in Illinois with a highly diverse community feels incredibly welcoming.”