Faculty of Science
FUOYE Academic Staff Profile
Mr Henry Olakunle
Assistant Lecturer
Department of Physics, Faculty of Physical Science
Area of Specialization: Condensed Matter Physics
Biography
Dr. Alex M. Thornton is a dedicated Physics Lecturer in the Department of Physical Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Science & Technology. His teaching philosophy bridges theoretical principles with hands-on laboratory inquiry. Dr. Thornton has authored 12 peer-reviewed publications and has supervised over 15 undergraduate research projects. He is passionate about using computational simulations to teach quantum mechanics and has received the "Excellence in STEM Teaching" award (2023). When not in the lab or lecture hall, he develops low-cost experimental kits for high schools.
Research Interests
Computational modelling of 2D materials (Graphene & Transition Metal Dichalcogenides); Optoelectronic properties of semiconducting thin films; Physics education research (active learning strategies).
Qualifications
| Degree | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | University of Science & Technology | 2019 |
| B.Sc. (Hons) | State University | 2015 |
Awards
Grants
Simulating Defects in Monolayer MoS2
Total Grant: 8,000.00
Scholarship
Full tuition + stipend
Prizes
National Physics Conference
Membership of Professional Bodies
Member
Paper Presentation - Local
Annual National Physics Symposium, Lagos
Paper Presentation - International
MRS Fall Meeting, Boston, USA
Postgraduate Ph.D Supervision
Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO Nanorods for UV Detection
Postgraduate M.Phil Supervision
Monte Carlo Simulation of Magnetic Phase Transitions in Ising Models
Postgraduate M.Sc Supervision
A Comparative Study of DFT Functionals for Perovskite Solar Cells
Undergraduate Project Supervision
Analysis of solar cell efficiency under varying illumination
Course Teaching
Computational Physics (Python)
Solid State Physics
Professional Skill
NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib
Selected Publications
Defect-induced band gap renormalization in monolayer WS2: A DFT study.
Authors: Thornton, A. M., & K. Okonkwo.
Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, 36(12), 125701 • 2024
