Suara Adediran is a distinguished scholar, educator, and mentor with a lifelong passion for chemistry and education. Born in Oyo State, Nigeria, he earned his Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Ibadan, where his academic journey began. Suara’s career has taken him across the globe, including postdoctoral research fellowships at the University of Alberta in Canada and the University of Kansas in the United States.
For 20 years, Suara served as a Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, where he shaped the futures of countless students and young scientists. In 1999, he moved to Middletown, Connecticut, where he joined Wesleyan University as a Senior Research Fellow and Visiting Professor. He also contributes to the academic community as an adjunct professor at several Connecticut universities.
A Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Suara has authored 55 research papers and is widely respected for his intellectual curiosity and dedication to advancing science. Beyond academia, he enjoys soccer, chess, and solving complex puzzles. A devoted family man and mentor, Suara is committed to fostering education, mentoring young minds, and making a lasting impact on his community.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day begins early with quiet reflection and some time with a challenging puzzle or a game of chess, which sharpens my mind for the day ahead. I then dive into my research or teaching responsibilities, always aiming to structure my tasks methodically. I prioritize my time between mentoring students, conducting experiments, and staying up to date with the latest academic research. Productivity comes from setting clear goals and knowing when to step away and clear my mind with a walk or conversation with a colleague.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas, particularly in research, start as curiosity or a question. I let that question simmer, exploring different angles, discussing it with peers or students, and gathering data. The key is collaboration — sharing ideas with others often sparks new insights. Then, through rigorous experimentation, I see if the idea holds. It’s a slow but rewarding process, requiring patience, persistence, and openness to unexpected results.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary research excites me. Chemistry is no longer confined to its own field; it overlaps with biology, physics, and even computer science. The integration of these disciplines opens up a wealth of possibilities for new discoveries that can benefit humanity.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Curiosity. I never stop asking questions, even about things I think I already understand. It keeps my mind sharp and helps me approach challenges from different perspectives. This habit has also kept me engaged in learning and evolving, which in turn boosts my productivity.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Take your time and enjoy the journey. In my younger years, I was always in a hurry to reach the next milestone — the next paper, the next position. But there is value in slowing down and enjoying each experience, each conversation, each discovery.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Many people believe that science is purely objective, but I believe that there’s an art to it. Science, much like art, requires creativity, intuition, and sometimes leaps of faith. It’s not just about data and equations; it’s also about how you interpret them.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend finding time for deep, uninterrupted thinking every day. Whether it’s about a research problem, a personal project, or just reflecting on the day, this practice of quiet reflection brings clarity and often solutions that didn’t seem obvious before.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away from the task at hand and take a walk or play a game of chess. These activities allow my mind to rest while still engaging it in strategic thinking. Sometimes, simply talking to my wife or friends brings clarity and a renewed sense of focus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Mentoring has been the most important strategy in my career. By helping students grow and succeed, I’ve built a strong network of relationships, which has opened doors and opportunities I could not have foreseen. Investing in others has a way of multiplying your own growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, one of my research proposals was rejected. I had poured a lot of energy into it, so it was disheartening. But I took the feedback, reworked my approach, and came back with a stronger proposal. The lesson I learned was that rejection is not a reflection of failure; it’s an opportunity to refine and improve.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I would suggest creating a platform that connects retired professors or experts with students and young professionals for mentorship and knowledge sharing. There’s a wealth of untapped wisdom that could be shared to benefit the next generation.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I find Evernote incredibly helpful. I use it to organize research notes, ideas, and references. It allows me to access my thoughts wherever I am, and it keeps my research notes structured and easy to review.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell is a favorite. It explores the hidden forces behind success, which resonates with me as a mentor. It reminds me that success is often about timing, opportunity, and persistence, not just talent.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed The Queen’s Gambit. It highlights not just the brilliance of chess, which I love, but also the discipline and focus required to master anything in life. It reminds me of my own journey in science — the constant need to stay sharp, strategic, and passionate.
Key learnings
- Mentorship and Collaboration
- Curiosity and Reflection
- Resilience and Improvement