During his time at UCF, mechanical engineering student Stephen Adeoye ‘20 ‘22 first discovered his passion for thermal engineering. Now, two years after finishing his doctorate he works as a thermal packaging engineer, turning up the heat both at Intel Corporation and on social media as a culinary influencer.
Adeoye’s impressive academic career predates UCF, having graduated from the Federal University of Technology, Acure, with high honors and as the top student within the school’s mechanical engineering department. At UCF he worked as a graduate research and teaching assistant in the Microfluid Heat Laboratory led by Professor Yoav Peles where he focused on thermal management of electronic devices, a skill he utilizes in his current position at Intel.
Adeoye describes his education at UCF as the foundation to where he is today. When he first began his journey as a knight, Adeoye was conflicted on whether to pursue thermal engineering or mechatronics. He says it was his experience in Peles research group that ignited his passion for thermal engineering by providing him with opportunities to challenge himself.
“I think most of the projects I did really speak volume of my capability,” says Adeoye. “They were very involved projects that were quite challenging, but I love challenges. I love doing difficult stuff and getting to do that made me what I am right now.”
In his current role at Intel, Adeoye develops the future of electronics packaging, working on chips found in phones, computers, and data centers. He compares the work to creating a recipe in which the ingredients are factors such as temperature and force. As an engineer, Adeoye is passionate about fulfilling needs in society and making life easier through technological advancements. This passion keeps him glued to his work on hectic days in the high-pace competitive environment.
Engineering and science aren’t Adeoye’s only interests, and since graduating he has had more free time to explore the hobbies he was previously unable to during his rigorous academic career. One such hobby has gained Adeoye a social media, where he shares his love for cooking with a community of food lovers.
“I first got into cooking during my college years,” Adeoye says. “It started as a necessity since I was living away from home and had to prepare my own meals. Over time, I found that cooking was a creative outlet and a way to unwind. My initial attempts were simple dishes, but as I grew more confident, I began experimenting with different cuisines and techniques. It became more than just a way to feed myself; it turned into a passion where I could explore, create, and enjoy the process of making delicious meals.”
Looking to connect with fellow food enthusiasts and document his cooking experiments, Adeoye turned to social media to showcase the creativity and beauty of his dishes. His Instagram account, @smokeyypan is filled with captivating video recipes and has garnered more than 17 thousand followers. His culinary creations have attracted the attention of cookware and culinary brands who have partnered with or sponsored him, allowing him to try new products while introducing his audience to new products and brands that he believes in.
“It’s a great way to challenge myself creatively, as I get to integrate these products into my recipes and showcase them in innovative ways,” Adeoye says. “One of the most incredible aspects is that my kitchen is now worth five figures, thanks to the generous sponsorships from various brands. This has been a dream of mine—to have a kitchen equipped with top-notch tools and appliances that enhance my cooking experience.”
Adeoye has several exciting culinary aspirations as he aims to make Nigerian dishes more accessible to non-Nigerians using familiar flavors and techniques. Currently, he is working on creating a fusion of Nigerian and American cuisine that bridges the gap between the two culinary traditions.
“I envision opening a fast-food restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Nigerian snacks, making them more approachable for a wider audience,” Adeoye says. “In the long run, I aim to establish a fine dining restaurant that combines Nigerian and American dishes in a way that highlights the best of both worlds. This would create an opportunity for people to experience and enjoy the two flavors in a refined setting, promoting a greater appreciation for Nigerian cuisine.”
- Written by Kyra Martin