Peter N. Njoki

Dr. Peter N. Njoki is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Hampton University. He joined the university in 2014 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2019. His academic background includes a B.Ed. in Chemistry and Mathematics from Kenyatta University (Nairobi, Kenya), a Ph.D. in Chemistry from SUNY Binghamton, and postdoctoral training at SUNY Binghamton and Syracuse University.

Njoki's research focuses on nanoscience, materials chemistry, and applications in catalysis, renewable energy, and forensic science. Key themes include synthesizing metallic nanoparticles (Au, Ag, Pt, Cu) for fuel cells, environmental sensing, and drug delivery. Future work explores nanoparticle toxicity and breathalyzer technologies.

His publications emphasize nanoparticle synthesis, catalytic applications, and chemistry education. Recent trends include microwave-assisted nanoparticle fabrication (2017–2020) and pedagogical innovations for remote/undergraduate teaching (2020–2022).

Scientific Awards:

• Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow (2022)
• ACS Petroleum Research Fund Grant (2019–2022)
• NanoHU Faculty Research Award (2015)

Njoki leads research grants including an ACS-PRF award (2019–2022) and a Virginia Tech NanoEarth subsidy (2019). He mentors undergraduates in nanoscience projects and chairs the ACS Hampton Roads Local Section (2019).

He collaborates with national initiatives like the Primarily Undergraduate Nanomaterials Cooperative and maintains affiliations with the American Chemical Society, Materials Research Society, and Virginia Academy of Science.