My name is Bolaji Mubarak Ayeyemi, and my journey in computing began in Kwara State, Nigeria, where I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science at the University of Ilorin in 2019. During my undergraduate years, I discovered not only my passion for technology but also a desire to lead, serve, and create opportunities for others. I became actively involved in the Nigerian Association of Computer Science Students (NACOSS), first as General Secretary in my second and third years, and eventually as President in my final year.

Leading NACOSS remains one of the most formative experiences of my academic life. I organized competitions, workshops, and outreach programs that brought students together and introduced many young people to the world of computing. One initiative I am especially proud of is Django Girls Ilorin, where we trained high school girls in web development using Python’s Django framework. Seeing these young students build their first websites sparked my passion for using technology to empower underserved communities.

After earning my bachelor’s degree, I moved to Finland to pursue my MSc in Information Technology at the University of Eastern Finland, where I found a new academic home and a global perspective on research and innovation. I immersed myself in student activities and proudly represented my department in several competitions including a national robotics competition, where my team finished in second place among universities across Finland. I also engaged in impactful research such as Medical Spectral Imaging Analysis, which deepened my interest in combining computation with real-world scientific challenges.

Today, I am in my second year of a PhD in Computational Data Science and Engineering, a journey that brings together everything I care about: curiosity, innovation, and societal impact. My research sits at the intersection of two rapidly evolving fields:

Machine Learning and AI in Bioinformatics, where I aim to develop models that improve disease prediction, diagnosis, and biological understanding; and

Computational Energy Storage and Hydrogen Systems, where I build simulations and predictive tools to enhance hydrogen safety, efficiency, and reliability for a clean-energy future.

At the heart of my work is a simple motivation: to use computation to solve problems that touch health, sustainability, and the human experience. I must say that I am deeply honored and excited to have been selected for the prestigious CELKHA Award of Molecular and Computational Bioscience. This recognition not only affirms the value of my work but also motivates me to deepen my scientific contributions and pursue excellence in advancing solutions that impact humanity. Thank you, CELKHA Biosciences. Thank you, IASS.

I hope that my research will continue to not only advance scientific understanding but also contribute to a safer, healthier, and more equitable world.