Dr. KeChrist Obileke | Energy | Best Researcher Award
Research Fellow at University of Fort Hare, South Africa
Dr. KeChrist Obileke is a distinguished researcher specializing in renewable energy, biofuels, and food processing technologies. Currently a Research Fellow at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, he has extensive experience in energy conversion, biogas digesters, and microbial fuel cells for sustainable electricity generation. His work bridges multiple disciplines, including Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, and Electrical Engineering, reflecting his passion for innovative energy solutions. Dr. Obileke has played a pivotal role in biogas technology deployment in South African rural communities, contributing to clean energy solutions. With an h-index of 19, his impactful research is widely recognized in scientific literature. Beyond research, he is an educator and mentor, teaching physics and engineering courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His dedication to academia, research, and sustainable development makes him a key figure in advancing renewable energy technologies for a greener future.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Obileke holds a PhD in Applied Physics (Renewable Energy-Biomass/Bioenergy) from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa (2019). His interdisciplinary academic background includes an M.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Benin, Nigeria (2011) and a B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria (2007). Additionally, he completed a National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Nigeria (2008). His studies have focused on renewable energy technologies, environmental sustainability, and industrial processes, with his PhD research contributing significantly to biogas digester development for efficient energy production. His academic achievements, combined with practical training, have enabled him to develop innovative solutions in energy, waste-to-energy conversion, and food processing. His commitment to research and education underscores his role as a leader in advancing clean energy technologies.
Professional Experience
Dr. Obileke has amassed diverse experience in both academia and industry. He began his career with industrial training at Niger Gas Limited and Agility Chemical & Allied Products Ltd, Nigeria, focusing on chemical processing and energy systems. He later served as a Physics Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Benin (2010–2012). His expertise in renewable energy systems led him to the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, where he has worked as a Renewable Energy Researcher, Postdoctoral Fellow, and now Research Fellow. He has also collaborated with the University of Birmingham, UK, on food processing and preservation projects. His professional journey showcases expertise in energy systems design, biofuel technology, and engineering education, while his contributions to community-based biogas digester installations reflect his commitment to sustainable development and technological innovation.
Research Interests
Dr. Obileke’s research focuses on renewable energy, biofuel production, and food processing technologies. His expertise lies in biomass gasification, anaerobic digestion, microbial fuel cells, and hybrid energy systems for efficient power generation. His PhD research led to the design and fabrication of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) biogas digesters, providing alternative solutions for sustainable biogas production. He is also interested in non-thermal food preservation technologies, exploring methods like radio-frequency heating, cold plasma, and pulsed light to enhance food safety and shelf-life. His work extends to environmental engineering, particularly in waste-to-energy conversion and optimizing bioenergy systems for practical applications. His interdisciplinary approach ensures that his research not only advances scientific knowledge but also contributes to real-world solutions in clean energy and food security.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Obileke’s contributions to renewable energy and environmental sustainability have earned him several recognitions. He is a Professional Physicist (Pr.Phys) accredited by the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) and a member of the South African Institution of Chemical Engineers (SAIChE). His research excellence has been acknowledged through conference presentations, journal publications, and invitations to review editorial boards, including Bioprocess Engineering in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. His work on biogas digester systems has been presented at major conferences like SAIP, Renewable Energy Symposiums, and Global Change Conferences. He has also received certifications in Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) practices and occupational safety training. Through these accolades, Dr. Obileke continues to solidify his reputation as a leading researcher dedicated to sustainable energy innovations and environmental preservation.
Conclusion
Dr. KeChrist Obileke is a highly qualified and impactful researcher in renewable energy, biofuels, and food engineering. His strong academic record, interdisciplinary expertise, and community-driven research make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Publications Top Noted
1. Microbial Fuel Cells, a Renewable Energy Technology for Bio-Electricity Generation: A Mini-Review
- Authors: Obileke KC, Onyeaka H, Meyer EL, Nwokolo N
- Journal: Electrochemistry Communications 125, 107003
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 344
2. Minimizing Carbon Footprint via Microalgae as a Biological Capture
- Authors: Onyeaka H, Miri T, Obileke KC, Hart A, Anumudu C, Al-Sharify ZT
- Journal: Carbon Capture Science & Technology 1, 100007
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 245
3. Waste to Energy: A Focus on the Impact of Substrate Type in Biogas Production
- Authors: Nwokolo N, Mukumba P, Obileke KC, Enebe M
- Journal: Processes 8(10), 1224
- Year: 2020
- Citations: 126
4. Anaerobic Digestion: Technology for Biogas Production as a Source of Renewable Energy—A Review
- Authors: Obileke KC, Nwokolo N, Makaka G, Mukumba P, Onyeaka H
- Journal: Energy & Environment 32(2), 191-225
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 124
5. Current Research and Applications of Starch-Based Biodegradable Films for Food Packaging
- Authors: Onyeaka H, Obileke KC, Makaka G, Nwokolo N
- Journal: Polymers 14(6), 1126
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 114
6. A Cold Plasma Technology for Ensuring the Microbiological Safety and Quality of Foods
- Authors: Nwabor OF, Onyeaka H, Miri T, Obileke K, Anumudu C, Hart A
- Journal: Food Engineering Reviews 14(4), 535-554
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 75
7. Preventing Chemical Contaminants in Food: Challenges and Prospects for Safe and Sustainable Food Production
- Authors: Onyeaka H, Ghosh S, Obileke K, Miri T, Odeyemi OA, Nwaiwu O, et al.
- Journal: Food Control 155, 110040
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 70
8. Recent Advances in Radio Frequency, Pulsed Light, and Cold Plasma Technologies for Food Safety
- Authors: Obileke KC, Onyeaka H, Miri T, Nwabor OF, Hart A, Al-Sharify ZT, et al.
- Journal: Journal of Food Process Engineering 45(10), e14138
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 41
9. Design and Fabrication of a Plastic Biogas Digester for the Production of Biogas from Cow Dung
- Authors: Obileke KC, Mamphweli S, Meyer EL, Makaka G, Nwokolo N
- Journal: Journal of Engineering 2020(1), 1848714
- Year: 2020
- Citations: 38
10. Bioenergy from Bio-Waste: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Trend in Scientific Research from 1998–2018
- Authors: Obileke KC, Onyeaka H, Omoregbe O, Makaka G, Nwokolo N, et al.
- Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery
- Year: 2020
- Citations: 36
11. Global Nutritional Challenges of Reformulated Food: A Review
- Authors: Onyeaka H, Nwaiwu O, Obileke KC, Miri T, Al-Sharify ZT
- Journal: Food Science & Nutrition 11(6), 2483-2499
- Year: 2023
- Citations: 33
12. Economic Analysis of Biogas Production via Biogas Digester Made from Composite Material
- Authors: Obileke KC, Makaka G, Nwokolo N, Meyer EL, Mukumba P
- Journal: ChemEngineering 6(5), 67
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 31
13. Value-Added Materials Recovered from Waste Bone Biomass: Technologies and Applications
- Authors: Hart A, Ebiundu K, Peretomode E, Onyeaka H, Nwabor OF, Obileke KC
- Journal: RSC Advances 12(34), 22302-22330
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 31
14. Financial and Economic Feasibility of Bio-Digesters for Rural Residential Demand-Side Management and Sustainable Development
- Authors: Meyer EL, Overen OK, Obileke KC, Botha JJ, Anderson JJ, Koatla TAB, et al.
- Journal: Energy Reports 7, 1728-1741
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 31
15. Sous Vide Processing: A Viable Approach for the Assurance of Microbial Food Safety
- Authors: Onyeaka H, Nwabor O, Jang S, Obileke KC, Hart A, Anumudu C, Miri T
- Journal: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 102(9), 3503-3512
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 30
16. Biogas and Syngas Production from Sewage Sludge: A Sustainable Source of Energy Generation
- Authors: Enebe NL, Chigor CB, Obileke KC, Lawal MS, Enebe MC
- Journal: Methane 2(2), 192-217
- Year: 2023
- Citations: 27
17. Comparative Study on the Performance of Aboveground and Underground Fixed‐Dome Biogas Digesters
- Authors: Obileke KC, Mamphweli S, Meyer EL, Makaka G, Nwokolo N, Onyeaka H
- Journal: Chemical Engineering & Technology 43(1), 68-74
- Year: 2020
- Citations: 24
18. Development of a Mathematical Model and Validation for Methane Production Using Cow Dung as Substrate in the Underground Biogas Digester
- Authors: Obileke KC, Mamphweli S, Meyer EL, Makaka G, Nwokolo N
- Journal: Processes 9(4), 643
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 22
19. Minimizing Carbon Footprint via Microalgae as a Biological Capture
- Authors: Onyeaka H, Miri T, Obileke K, Hart A, Anumudu C, Al-Sharify ZT
- Journal: Carbon Capture Science & Technology 1, 100007
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 22
20. Materials for the Design and Construction of Household Biogas Digesters for Biogas Production: A Review
- Authors: Obileke KC, Onyeaka H, Nwokolo N
- Journal: International Journal of Energy Research 45(3), 3761-3779
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 21