Oni was recognised for his work during the Blue Integrated Partnerships Summer Institute, which brought together researchers to investigate rainfall patterns, watershed conditions and changes in surface water across Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands.

According to the announcement, the award acknowledged his research contributions, commitment and performance throughout the programme.

One of the research projects examined precipitation patterns from 2000 to 2025 across Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Researchers used long-term rainfall records, geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis to study changes in seasonal and annual rainfall.

Oni also contributed to research in Puerto Rico’s Río Grande de Loíza watershed. The project used satellite-derived indicators to examine surface-water conditions, including signals associated with turbidity, suspended sediments and variations in chlorophyll.

The recognition adds to Oni’s academic and research experience in groundwater monitoring and environmental engineering.

He recently completed a Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Purdue University in the United States, following his undergraduate studies in Agricultural Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in Ondo State, Nigeria.

His postgraduate research focused on developing a three-dimensional device capable of estimating the speed and direction of groundwater movement.

The technology uses heat as a tracer to track the movement of water underground. A heating element produces a thermal signal, while temperature sensors measure how the heat moves through the surrounding material. Researchers then analyse the resulting temperature patterns to estimate groundwater-flow velocity and direction.

The project combined computer simulations, sensor technology, electronic systems, laboratory experiments and field testing. Oni used ANSYS Fluent software to model groundwater movement and heat transfer through porous materials, while also working on sensor calibration, circuit-board design and data collection.

Testing moved from controlled laboratory conditions to groundwater wells, allowing the research to examine the device’s potential applications and factors that could affect measurement accuracy.

Understanding the speed and direction of groundwater movement is important for investigating contamination. Such information can help researchers assess how pollutants may travel underground and whether nearby wells or other water sources could be affected.

Oni’s wider research interests include hydrological modelling, flood behaviour, environmental monitoring and geospatial analysis. He has also explored the use of machine learning and remote sensing to investigate groundwater pollution.

These areas of research could have practical relevance for Nigeria, where groundwater is an important source of water for many households and communities. Improved monitoring and analysis could help researchers and water managers better understand pollution risks, flooding and changes in rainfall patterns.

Oni has highlighted the potential of environmental sensors, GIS, satellite remote sensing, hydrological modelling and artificial intelligence to strengthen water monitoring and management. AI, in particular, could help process large volumes of environmental data and improve analysis when used alongside established engineering methods and physical models.

He has also emphasised the importance of developing technologies that are affordable, durable and practical for the communities and institutions expected to use them.

Oni’s award highlights the contribution of Nigerian researchers to international environmental research and the continuing search for better tools to monitor water resources and address groundwater-related challenges.