JosephIkechukwu Nwachukwu | Pollution Control Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr.JosephIkechukwu Nwachukwu | Pollution Control Technology | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Technology, Owerri | Nigeria

Profile: orcid

Dr. Joseph Ikechukwu Nwachukwu is an early career environmental scientist and Senior Lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria, specializing in climate adaptation, water quality, contaminant exposure, and geospatial analysis. Holding a PhD in Environmental Sciences from Manchester Metropolitan University, his doctoral work employed geospatial exposure pathways to chemical pollutants in soils, water, and sediments around Owerri. His research spans human exposure to heavy metals in food crops, groundwater nitrification in urban contexts, and innovative training in geospatial intelligence for environmental monitoring. Beyond research, Dr. Nwachukwu has extensive experience teaching courses in environmental chemistry, hydrology, impact assessment, and geospatial techniques, and he supervises undergraduate and graduate research projects. He serves as Deputy Director of the Centre for Waste to Wealth Research & Development at FUTO, and as Postgraduate Coordinator in his department, where he promotes interdisciplinary, data-driven approaches to environmental challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. His awards include the TETFund Fellowship for doctoral study, and national grants for developing nanoadsorbents for industrial wastewater remediation. Driven by a commitment to integrate science and policy, Dr. Nwachukwu is consolidating his profile toward leadership in environmental resilience, contamination mitigation, and sustainable water resource governance.

Featured publications

Nwachukwu, J. I., et al. (2024). Assessment of groundwater contamination by effluent discharged PAH at NNPC Depot in Osisioma, Nigeria. Waste Management Bulletin, 2(1), 229–238.

Nwachukwu, J. I., et al. (2022). Assessment of human exposure to food crops contaminated with lead and cadmium in Owerri, South-eastern Nigeria. Journal of Trace Elements and Minerals.

Nwachukwu, J. I., et al. (2019, August). Urbanization impacts on groundwater nitrification and health: A case study of Owerri, Southeast Nigeria. Paper presented at the 29th Annual Goldschmidt Conference, Barcelona, Spain.

Oliver O Apeh | Renewable energy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Oliver O Apeh | Renewable energy | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at University of Johannesburg, Nigeria

Dr. Oliver Okechukwu Apeh is a dedicated physicist with a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, focusing on solar photovoltaic systems under varying meteorological conditions. His academic journey includes an M.Sc. in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Nigeria, where he specialized in Solar Energy and Materials Science, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the National Open University of Nigeria. Currently, he lectures on Information Technology at Eduvos Higher Institution in South Africa and serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg. His research interests span data science, machine learning for solar energy, smart energy systems, and the Food-Energy-Water nexus. Dr. Apeh has received numerous awards, including the University of Fort Hare Doctoral Research Award, and is a member of the South African Institute of Physics. His technical skills include proficiency in Python, C++, and various research software. 🧑‍🔬🔋🌍

Professional Profiles:

🎓 Education

Dr. Oliver Okechukwu Apeh has a robust educational background in Physics and Astronomy, with significant achievements in both theoretical and practical aspects of the field. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, in November 2021, where his thesis focused on the comparative performance of 3-kWp ranges solar photovoltaic systems under varying meteorological conditions in Alice, Eastern Cape Province. He completed his M.Sc. in Physics and Astronomy, specializing in Solar Energy and Materials Science, from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in December 2015. His thesis was on the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured zinc oxide thin films using an aqueous chemical method. Additionally, he holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with a specialty in Physics Education from the National Open University of Nigeria, completed in December 2014, and a B.Sc. in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, obtained in July 2011. 🌞📚

Professional Experience

Dr. Oliver Okechukwu Apeh is an accomplished academic and researcher with a diverse background in teaching and research. He is currently a Lecturer in Information Technology at Eduvos Higher Institution’s Midrand Campus in South Africa, where he teaches Physics and Mathematics and conducts clean energy research. Additionally, he is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, focusing on the Food-Energy-Water Nexus and machine learning for solar energy. Dr. Apeh has held various academic roles, including Research Assistant at the University of Fort Hare and Lecturer at NCM Computer and Business Academy. In Nigeria, he served as Head of the Physics Department at St Cyprian’s Special Science School and taught at several secondary schools. His extensive experience also includes working as an Independent Contractor/Consultant in Physics Education and Technical Writing/Editing. 📚🧪🌞

Research Interest

Dr. Oliver Okechukwu Apeh’s research interests span several cutting-edge fields. He focuses on Data Science and Machine Learning applications for solar energy, exploring how artificial intelligence can optimize energy systems. His work on smart energy systems aims to improve efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, Dr. Apeh investigates the Food-Energy-Water nexus, addressing the interconnections between these critical resources. His research is dedicated to advancing technology and methods that contribute to sustainable development and environmental preservation. 🌞💧🌾

Award and Honors

Dr. Oliver Okechukwu Apeh has received several notable awards and honors. He was honored with the University of Fort Hare Doctoral Research Award (May 2017 – Nov. 2021) for his exceptional contributions during his Ph.D. studies. He earned a Certificate of Merit for his outstanding punctuality record at Saint Cyprian’s Science School, Nsukka, in November 2014. Additionally, he was recognized as the Best Science Teacher at Community Secondary School, Aguibeje, Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North L.G.A, in July 2003. These accolades reflect his dedication and excellence in both academic and teaching roles. 🏆🎓📜

Research Skills

Dr. Oliver Okechukwu Apeh possesses a diverse range of research skills. His expertise includes data science, machine learning for solar energy, and smart energy systems. He is proficient in using Python and C++ for programming and has extensive experience with software like Microsoft Office and SigmaPlot. His research methodologies encompass the Food-Energy-Water nexus and artificial intelligence applications. Additionally, Dr. Apeh has strong communication skills, is highly responsible, and excels in time management. He is known for his leadership and motivational abilities, which complement his technical expertise and research acumen. 🧑‍🔬🔍💻

Publications

  1. The water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus scenario in Africa: Perspective and policy implementations
    • Authors: Apeh, O.O., Nwulu, N.I.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  2. A hybrid solar-biogas system for post-COVID-19 rural energy access
    • Authors: Overen, O.K., Obileke, K., Meyer, E.L., Makaka, G., Apeh, O.O.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  3. Performance evaluation of Bi2O3@GO and Bi2O3@rGO composites electrode for supercapacitor application
    • Authors: Mbam, S.M., Obodo, R.M., Apeh, O.O., Nwulu, N., Ezema, F.I.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
  4. Contributions of Solar Photovoltaic Systems to Environmental and Socioeconomic Aspects of National Development—A Review
    • Authors: Apeh, O.O., Meyer, E.L., Overen, O.K.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 20
  5. Modeling and experimental analysis of battery charge controllers for comparing three off-grid photovoltaic power plants
    • Authors: Apeh, O.O., Meyer, E.L., Overen, O.K.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 1
  6. Monthly, seasonal and yearly assessments of global solar radiation, clearness index and diffuse fractions in Alice, South Africa
    • Authors: Apeh, O.O., Overen, O.K., Meyer, E.L.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 25
  7. Electrical and meteorological data acquisition system of a commercial and domestic microgrid for monitoring PV parameters
    • Authors: Meyer, E.L., Apeh, O.O., Overen, O.K.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 10
  8. Properties of nanostructured ZnO thin films synthesized using a modified aqueous chemical growth method
    • Authors: Apeh, O.O., Chime, U.K., Agbo, S., Maaza, M., Ezema, F.I.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 21