Dr. Yusuf Shehu | Physics | Excellence in Research
Dr at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Nigeria
Dr. Yusuf Shehu is an accomplished physicist and researcher specializing in semiconductor devices, nanotechnology, and optoelectronics. With over a decade of teaching and research experience, he has demonstrated deep expertise in UV photodetectors, thin film fabrication, and spintronic materials. His research integrates experimental techniques such as laser-assisted chemical bath deposition and theoretical simulations like SCAPS-1D and density functional theory. Dr. Shehu has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications in Scopus-indexed journals and actively contributes to international conferences and academic societies. His academic journey reflects global engagement, having pursued advanced degrees in Malaysia and Turkey. Beyond academia, he is actively involved in mentoring students, community outreach, and scientific awareness initiatives. As a member of professional organizations including the Nigerian Institute of Physics and RAESON, he continuously expands his network and influence. Dr. Shehu’s combined strengths in research, teaching, and leadership position him as a promising academic and innovator in applied physics.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Dr. Yusuf Shehu holds a robust academic background in physics, beginning with a Bachelor of Science degree from Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, in 2010, where he conducted research on groundwater radioactivity. He earned a Master of Science in Physics from Fatih University, Istanbul, Turkey, in 2014, completing a thesis on spin-dependent properties in two-dimensional systems. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), expected to complete in 2025. His doctoral research focuses on the fabrication and characterization of antimony-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles for UV photodetectors using laser-assisted chemical bath deposition. In addition to his formal education, he has also earned a diploma in Data Processing and Information Technology, strengthening his proficiency in computational tools. His academic trajectory reflects both breadth and depth, with a strong emphasis on nanomaterials, simulation methods, and device physics, all of which are foundational to his ongoing research and teaching activities.
Professional Experience📝
Dr. Yusuf Shehu has accumulated over a decade of academic experience at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, serving in various capacities from Graduate Assistant to his current role as Lecturer I. His teaching portfolio includes undergraduate courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, modern physics, and experimental physics. He has supervised numerous student projects on topics ranging from fluid surface tension to nanodevice construction. Internationally, he has served as a Research Assistant at Universiti Sains Malaysia during his doctoral studies, contributing to funded research projects on photodetectors and nanomaterials. In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Shehu has held administrative positions such as departmental examination officer, level adviser, and committee member for admissions and student awards. He has also contributed to pre-degree and remedial education programs, demonstrating his commitment to academic development across multiple levels. His professional journey reflects a balance of teaching, mentorship, research, and institutional service.
Research Interest🔎
Dr. Yusuf Shehu’s research interests are grounded in the fields of nanomaterials, semiconductor devices, photodetectors, and spintronics. He is particularly focused on the synthesis and characterization of materials for optoelectronic applications, including UV photodetection, molecular electronics, and LEDs. His work explores TiO₂ nanostructures, doped materials, and 2D systems for enhanced electronic and optical performance. He is proficient in SCAPS-1D simulations and density functional theory (DFT), employing these tools to model nanostructures and optimize device performance. His research also includes spin-polarized transport, electronic and magnetic properties of materials, and high-k dielectric heterostructures. Dr. Shehu is interested in bridging theory and practice, using both computational and experimental methods to address real-world technological challenges. He is particularly motivated by the potential of nanotechnology to revolutionize energy harvesting, sensing, and electronic systems. His future goals include expanding into quantum device modeling and sustainable energy applications using novel materials and hybrid nanostructures.
Award and Honor🏆
Dr. Yusuf Shehu has been recognized for both academic excellence and research contributions. He received the Best Paper Presenter Award at the 6th International Conference on Clean Energy and Technology held at University Malaya, Malaysia in 2023, affirming the quality and impact of his scientific work. His academic journey has been supported by prestigious scholarships, including the TETFund Overseas Ph.D. Scholarship awarded by the Nigerian government in 2020 and a Kano State Government scholarship for his Master’s program in Turkey in 2012. Additionally, he has received certificates of appreciation and participation from numerous scientific conferences, workshops, and training sessions. These include the OSH course at USM, international symposia on electric mobility, and several national conferences organized by the Nigerian Institute of Physics and NAMP. His contributions have also earned him honorary recognitions from academic societies and student associations, reflecting his active involvement in academic and community-based initiatives.
Research Skill🔬
Dr. Yusuf Shehu possesses a strong skillset in both experimental and computational research methods, making him versatile in advanced physics and materials science investigations. Experimentally, he is proficient in laser-assisted chemical bath deposition, chemical bath techniques, and ac/dc sputtering, which he uses for fabricating high-performance nanostructures and semiconductor devices. His computational expertise includes SCAPS-1D for device simulation, and density functional theory (DFT), particularly with Quantum ATK software, to model the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of materials. He also employs the Green’s function technique for analyzing electron transport in nanostructures. His data analysis skills are further supported by his IT background, with competency in Python, LaTeX, and common data processing tools. Dr. Shehu integrates theory and practice in his research workflow, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of materials behavior. His multidisciplinary approach supports innovation in optoelectronics, spintronics, and nanotechnology applications.
Conclusion💡
Dr. Yusuf Shehu is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant and sustained contributions to the fields of nanomaterials, semiconductor devices, and photodetection technologies. His research has advanced the development of antimony-doped TiO₂-based UV photodetectors and contributed to the broader understanding of nanoscale electronic and optical properties. Through impactful publications, active participation in international research projects, and dedication to mentoring students, he has made meaningful contributions to both scientific knowledge and societal advancement. With his strong academic foundation, international exposure, and drive for innovation, Dr. Shehu is well-positioned to emerge as a future leader in applied physics and nano-optoelectronics, driving impactful research and fostering global collaborations in the years to come.
Publications Top Noted✍
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Title: Direct and Residual Contributions of Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation by Legumes to the Yield and Nitrogen Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Nigerian Savannah
Authors: UR Pal, Y Shehu
Year: 2001
Cited by: 58 -
Title: Yield and chemical composition responses of Lablab purpureus to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilisers
Authors: Y Shehu, WS Alhassan, UR Pal, CJC Phillips
Year: 2001
Cited by: 41 -
Title: The Effect of Intercropping Lablab purpureus L. with Sorghum on Yield and Chemical Composition of Fodder
Authors: Y Shehu, WS Alhassan, UR Pal, CJC Phillips
Year: 1999
Cited by: 22 -
Title: The productivity of pure and mixed grass-legume pastures in the northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria
Authors: Y Shehu, JO Akinola
Year: 1995
Cited by: 21 -
Title: Gamma Ray and FTIR studies in zinc doped lead borate glasses for radiation shielding application
Authors: ZI Takai, RS Kaundal, MK Mustafa, S Asman, A Idris, Y Shehu, …
Year: 2018
Cited by: 17 -
Title: The Effects of Sowing Date on the Growth and Nutritive Value of Lablab purpureus
Authors: Y Shehu, WS Alhassan, UR Pal, CJC Phillips
Year: 2001
Cited by: 16 -
Title: The effects of green manuring and chemical fertiliser application on maize yield, quality and soil composition
Authors: Y Shehu, WS Alhassan, GWK Mensah, A Aliyu, CJC Phillips
Year: 1998
Cited by: 16 -
Title: The effect of intercropping maize with Stylosanthes hamata at different row spacings on grain and fodder yields and chemical composition
Authors: Y Shehu, WS Alhassan, CJC Phillips
Year: 1997
Cited by: 13 -
Title: Effect of Gross Alpha and Beta in Groundwater intake and Estimation of Groundwater Table in Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil
Authors: S Yusuf, G Iliyasu, UA Danbatta, AY Hotoro
Year: 2015
Cited by: 12 -
Title: The Effects of Timing of an Interim Harvest on the Yield and Composition of Lablab purpureus
Authors: Y Shehu, WS Alhassan, UR Pal, CJC Phillips
Year: 2001
Cited by: 7 -
Title: Fabrication of TiO2 nanoparticles/porous-silicon heterostructure photodetector for UV detection
Authors: Y Shehu, SAM Samsuri, NM Ahmed, S Aslam
Year: 2024
Cited by: 6 -
Title: Energy efficiency improvement in fish production systems in Oyo State, Nigeria: a path towards sustainable protein supply
Authors: YU Oladimeji, SA Adepoju, HO Yusuf, S Yusuf
Year: 2018
Cited by: 6 -
Title: The Effects of Plant Population Density on the Growth and Chemical Composition of Lablab purpureus Grown for Fodder Production in a Semi‐Arid Region
Authors: Y Shehu, WS Alhassan, UR Pal, CJC Phillips
Year: 2001
Cited by: 6