U.S.–Africa Frontier Symposium
U.S.-National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicines
As part of the U.S.–Africa Frontier Fellowship, Prof. Abdoulaye Djire conducted hands-on training at the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal, introducing graduate students and faculty to the synthesis and characterization of MXenes and emerging 2D materials. This initiative supports knowledge exchange, research capacity building, and long-term international collaboration in advanced energy and materials science.
Highlights from the visit to the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo (UJKZ), Burkina Faso
The visit included engaging discussions with students and meetings with distinguished academic and government leaders, including Prof. Koulidiati, President of the Pan-African University; Prof. Kobiane, President of UJKZ; Prof. DISSA, former Minister of Energy; Prof. Zerbo, former Prime Minister; current Ministers of Education and Environment; representatives from the African Union; and faculty members from universities across Mali, Niger, Senegal, Congo, Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso.
Visit to the Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Mali
Dr. Djire’s visit to the Faculté des Sciences et Techniques of Mali included fruitful scientific discussions with faculty members, students, and academic leadership. These exchanges highlighted strong opportunities for collaboration between Africa and the United States in science and engineering.
DJIRE Summer Research Program
Dr. Djire’s 10-week DJIRE Summer Research and Education Program provides undergraduate students from U.S. and international universities with immersive, hands-on research experience. The program recruits students from all academic backgrounds, with a dedicated focus on underrepresented minority (URM) students, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and international institutions through the Halliburton Summer Internship program. Participants engage in mentored research while also gaining structured opportunities to network with faculty across the department, connecting with professors and research groups aligned with their scientific interests.
The program concludes with a poster presentation at the Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium, hosted by the Texas A&M Office of Honors and Undergraduate Research, providing students with valuable experience in scientific communication.
Outreach to Prairie View A&M University
Dr. Djire visited Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU)—his undergraduate institution. During his visit, he talked to students about graduate school, and promoted the participation of underrepresented minority groups in higher education.