Oladele Afolalu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Oladele Afolalu | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Fellow at Durban University of Technology, South Africa

Dr. Oladele Felix Afolalu is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of Electrical and Telecommunications Engineering. Born on August 29, 1976, in Nigeria, he has made significant contributions to the advancement of ICT, telecommunications, and enterprise networking. With a strong passion for innovation, he has worked extensively in academia, research, and industry collaborations to improve modern communication systems. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa, Dr. Afolalu has played a crucial role in developing cutting-edge solutions in 5G networks, interference coordination, and network optimization. His leadership in academic institutions, numerous publications, and participation in international conferences reflect his dedication to research excellence. As a member of several prestigious engineering societies, including IEEE (USA & South Africa), COREN, and MNSE, he continues to impact the engineering community through mentorship, teaching, and groundbreaking studies in the field of telecommunications and ICT.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Afolalu’s academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in electrical and electronic engineering, with degrees from top institutions in Nigeria and South Africa. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, where he specialized in 5G network optimization and inter-cell interference coordination. Prior to that, he completed an M.Sc. in Electronic/Electrical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, where his research focused on communication systems and signal processing. His undergraduate studies culminated in a B.Eng. (Hons.) in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. Additionally, he holds a National Diploma in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti. His diverse academic background has provided him with expertise in ICT systems, telecommunications, and engineering education, equipping him to contribute significantly to cutting-edge research and technology advancements.

Professional Experience

Dr. Afolalu has amassed over two decades of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. He served as Head of the Department and Principal Lecturer at Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Nigeria, where he played a key role in curriculum development, student mentorship, and research supervision. He also worked as an Adjunct Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of Department at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, where he was instrumental in advancing research initiatives in physics electronics. His postdoctoral research at Durban University of Technology, South Africa, involves cutting-edge projects in enterprise networking and ICT systems. Additionally, he has served as a tutor at the University of Cape Town, helping students enhance their understanding of telecommunication systems. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in examination committees, research committees, and industrial training programs, contributing significantly to the development of engineering education in Nigeria and beyond.

Research Interests

Dr. Afolalu’s research is centered on wireless communication networks, telecommunications engineering, and ICT innovations. His primary focus is on 5G and beyond technologies, network optimization, and inter-cell interference coordination. His Ph.D. research on Ultra-Dense Networks (UDNs) has contributed to improving network efficiency and power allocation in next-generation communication systems. He has also explored the application of artificial intelligence in network performance enhancement, particularly in resource allocation and signal processing. Additionally, his research extends to renewable energy integration in communication networks, aiming for sustainable and efficient power management in ICT infrastructure. His contributions to machine learning applications in network traffic optimization and security have been recognized in top-tier journals. Through his extensive research, he aims to bridge the gap between theoretical telecommunications advancements and practical industry implementations, ensuring that emerging technologies are efficiently deployed for societal benefit.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Afolalu has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to research, engineering education, and technological innovation. He has received accolades for his work on 5G networks, including best paper awards at international conferences such as the Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC). His research on carrier aggregation-enabled NOMA techniques for enhanced 5G network performance has gained global recognition. He has also been honored for his mentorship and academic leadership, particularly in the development of engineering curricula and innovative teaching methodologies. His membership in prestigious engineering societies such as IEEE, COREN, and MNSE further highlights his excellence in the field. Additionally, he has participated as a panelist and keynote speaker at workshops and conferences, where his expertise in wireless communication and ICT infrastructure has been widely acknowledged. His commitment to research and education continues to inspire future engineers and researchers globally.

Conclusion

Dr. Oladele Felix Afolalu has a strong research portfolio, significant academic experience, and notable contributions to ICT and 5G telecommunications. His leadership roles, professional memberships, and conference engagements make him a worthy candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening high-impact publications, industry collaborations, and international research engagements will further solidify his standing in the global research community.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Carrier Aggregation‐Enabled Non‐Orthogonal Multiple Access Approach Towards Enhanced Network Performance in 5G Ultra‐Dense Networks

    • Author(s): O Afolalu, N Ventura

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 10

  2. A Survey of Interference Challenges and Mitigation Techniques in 5G Heterogeneous Cellular Networks

    • Author(s): OF Afolalu, JO Petinrin, MA Ayoade

    • Year: 2016

    • Citations: 4

  3. Internet of Things and Software Applications in Patient Safety Adverse Event Detection and Reporting: A Comprehensive Literature Review

    • Author(s): OO Afolalu, SA Afolalu, OF Afolalu, OA Akpor

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 2

  4. Inter-Cell Interference Coordination in 5G Ultra-Dense Networks

    • Author(s): OF Afolalu

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 2

  5. Internet of Things Applications in Health Systems’ Equipment: Challenges and Trends in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

    • Author(s): OO Afolalu, OA Akpor, SA Afolalu, OF Afolalu

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 1

  6. Application of Particle Swarm Optimization Method to Economic Dispatch of Nigerian Power System Considering Valve-Point Loading Effect

    • Author(s): GA Adepoju, MA Tijani, MO Okelola, MA Ayoade, OF Afolalu

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 1

  7. Enterprise Networking Optimization: A Review of Challenges, Solutions, and Technological Interventions

    • Author(s): O Afolalu, MS Tsoeu

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: Not available yet

  8. A Novel Security Solution for Efficient Connectivity in Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)

    • Author(s): O Afolalu, MS Tsoeu

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: Not available yet

  9. Sickle Cell Disease Epidemiology and Management in Africa: Current Trends and Future Directions in Digital Health Technologies

    • Author(s): AO Olajumoke, O Akpor, AS Afolalu, OF Afolalu, HB Oyewole, AO Oke

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: Not available yet

  10. Analysis of Spectrum Occupancy of Active FM Band within Federal Polytechnic Ede Northern Campus

  • Author(s): AK Adebayo, JO Agbolade, IA Bamikefa, OF Afolalu, MA Ayoade

  • Year: 2021

  • Citations: Not available

  1. Development of Induction Motor Monitoring System with Protection Against Abnormal Voltage, Current, and Temperature

  • Author(s): MA Ayoade, IA Bamikefa, MA Tijani, OF Afolalu, AK Adebayo

  • Year: 2018

  • Citations: Not available

  1. Effects of Angles of Inclinations on the Performances of Photovoltaic (PV) Arrays

  • Author(s): MA Ayoade, OF Afolalu, IA Bamikefa, MA Tijani, MA Sanusi

  • Year: 2017

  • Citations: Not available

  1. Development of a Wireless Induction Motor Unbalanced Voltage Detection and Control System for Hazardous Environments

  • Author(s): MA Ayoade, OF Afolalu, IA Bamikefa, AK Adebayo, MA Sanusi

  • Year: 2017

  • Citations: Not available

 

Fred Lang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Fred Lang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

President at Exergetic Systems Limited, United States

Fred D. Lang, P.E., P.Eng., is a distinguished power plant engineer with over 50 years of experience in energy systems, nuclear safety, and thermal performance monitoring. Renowned across North America and Europe, he has significantly contributed to power plant engineering through software innovation, advanced testing methodologies, and novel monitoring techniques. As the President of Exergetic Systems Limited, he has developed industry-transforming tools for power plant efficiency and safety. His contributions include consulting for major utilities and government agencies in the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Japan, focusing on nuclear safety, fossil emissions monitoring, and performance analysis. Lang’s expertise spans simulation, plant design, exergy analysis, and fuel efficiency optimization, making him a leader in the energy sector. His commitment to research and technological advancements has led to groundbreaking methodologies that enhance power plant performance and operational safety, earning him a reputation as an innovator in the field.

Professional Profile

Education

Fred D. Lang has a strong academic background in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, and business administration. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from Kansas State University, where he developed a deep understanding of power generation and reactor safety. He further advanced his expertise with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho, completing coursework at the Idaho National Laboratory, a leading nuclear research facility. To complement his technical knowledge with management skills, he pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Oregon. In addition to his formal degrees, Lang holds several professional certifications, including a California Energy Auditor Certificate (#5872). He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in California for mechanical and nuclear engineering and an active P.Eng. in British Columbia (#54236). His diverse educational background has provided him with the expertise to drive innovation in power plant engineering.

Professional Experience

Fred D. Lang has had an illustrious career spanning over five decades in power plant engineering. He is the President of Exergetic Systems Limited, a company specializing in power plant performance monitoring and efficiency solutions. Previously, he founded and led Exergetic Systems, Inc., which for nearly 40 years served major utilities across North America with software and engineering services. Lang is known as the “Father of PEPSE,” a widely used power plant simulation software. His expertise includes thermodynamic analysis, emissions monitoring, and nuclear safety systems. He has conducted hundreds of power plant studies and has been involved in 33 thermal performance evaluation projects, each lasting several months. His professional experience also includes consulting for Babcock & Wilcox, Exxon Nuclear (now Framatome), and government agencies in Sweden and Japan on critical nuclear safety issues. His work has shaped modern approaches to fuel monitoring, efficiency testing, and safety in power generation.

Research Interests

Fred D. Lang’s research focuses on power plant thermodynamics, nuclear safety, emissions monitoring, and exergy analysis. His work aims to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of fossil-fuel and nuclear power plants. A major area of his research is the development of advanced monitoring techniques, such as the Input/Loss Method, which allows real-time determination of fuel chemistry, calorific value, and heat rate in coal-fired power plants. Another significant contribution is the NCV Method, a groundbreaking approach to nuclear reactor monitoring, neutron flux measurement, and coolant flow analysis, which improves nuclear safety. Lang has also developed innovative instrumentation for emissions testing, heat balance analysis, and fuel efficiency optimization. His research integrates software development, thermodynamic modeling, and real-world application, ensuring that power plants operate more efficiently while reducing environmental impact. His findings have led to significant improvements in plant performance and fuel economy worldwide.

Awards and Honors

Fred D. Lang has received numerous accolades for his contributions to power plant engineering and nuclear safety. He holds 38 patents, including 22 in the U.S. and 16 in Canada, Australia, and Europe, covering innovations in power plant instrumentation, Rankine cycle modifications, and emissions monitoring technologies. His pioneering Input/Loss Method and NCV Method have been recognized as transformative advancements in the energy sector. Lang has been invited by major utilities and government agencies to develop new technologies, including a 2021 invitation to design a novel nuclear plant monitoring system. His software tools, such as PEPSE, EX-FOSS, and THERM, are used by leading power utilities worldwide. In addition to his technical achievements, he has been honored for his mentorship and leadership in the engineering field. His work has redefined power plant efficiency, fuel monitoring, and nuclear safety standards, earning him a reputation as a pioneer in the industry.

Conclusion

Fred D. Lang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his profound contributions to power plant engineering, groundbreaking patents, and practical innovations in thermal performance and nuclear safety. While strengthening academic publications and mentorship efforts could further solidify his influence, his technical advancements have already had a significant impact on the industry. His work represents a paradigm shift in power plant monitoring and nuclear reactor safety, making him a strong contender for this recognition.

Publications Top Noted

  • Lang, F. D. (Year Unknown). “Verified Knowledge of Nuclear Power Plants Using the NCV Method.” Conference Paper. Citations: 0

  • Lang, F. D., Mason, D., & Rodgers, D. A. T. (Year Unknown). “Effects on Boiler Efficiency Standards and Computed Coal Flow Given Variable Ambient Oxygen and Humidity.” Conference Paper. Citations: 0