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

 

Mengyao Li | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mengyao Li | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Student at Nanyang Technological University Singapore

Mengyao Li is a dedicated researcher specializing in electromagnetic fields, metasurfaces, and frequency-selective structures. With a strong academic foundation and a passion for advancing next-generation communication and radar technologies, Li has made significant contributions to the field of low-RCS antenna-radome systems, lens antennas, and THz reconfigurable intelligent surfaces. His research focuses on innovative solutions that enhance wave manipulation, beamforming, and scattering control, making a direct impact on applications in wireless communication and stealth technology. As a Ph.D. candidate at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, under the guidance of Prof. Shen Zhongxiang (IEEE Fellow), Li has published extensively in top-tier journals and continues to explore novel electromagnetic solutions. His work not only bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications but also aligns with the future demands of 6G wireless networks and advanced sensing technologies, solidifying his position as an emerging expert in the field.

Professional Profile

Education

Mengyao Li began his academic journey with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Communication University of China, Beijing, specializing in Telecommunication Engineering. Graduating in 2020 with a GPA of 3.59/4.0, he ranked among the top 8% of students and was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate of Beijing. His undergraduate research focused on reconfigurable frequency-selective absorbers, laying a strong foundation for his future work. In January 2021, he pursued a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, specializing in Electromagnetic Fields and Microwave Technology. Under the supervision of Prof. Shen Zhongxiang, his doctoral research centers on low-RCS integrated radome and antenna systems, aiming to develop advanced solutions for stealth technology and wireless communication. Throughout his academic career, Li has demonstrated strong analytical skills and research capabilities, contributing to the advancement of electromagnetic and antenna engineering.

Professional Experience

As a Ph.D. researcher at Nanyang Technological University, Mengyao Li has been actively engaged in cutting-edge research in the field of electromagnetic wave manipulation, metasurfaces, and antenna systems. His professional work focuses on designing low-RCS antennas, frequency-selective structures, and THz reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, contributing to innovations in stealth technology and high-frequency communication. Collaborating with leading academics and industry experts, he has developed practical solutions for beam manipulation, conformal lens antennas, and ultra-wideband absorptive structures. His research has been published in top IEEE journals, showcasing his ability to bridge theoretical concepts with practical engineering applications. In addition to research, he actively mentors junior researchers, contributes to technical discussions, and engages in academic collaborations to advance antenna and metamaterial technologies. His expertise and technical acumen make him a promising figure in the field of advanced electromagnetic applications.

Research Interests

Mengyao Li’s research interests lie at the intersection of electromagnetic wave engineering, metasurfaces, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), with a strong emphasis on low-RCS antenna-radome systems, lens antennas, and THz wireless communication. His work on low-scattering antenna structures contributes to stealth and radar applications, while his innovative metasurface designs enable advanced beam steering and polarization control. Additionally, he explores MEMS-based THz metasurfaces, which hold promise for 6G wireless networks and high-frequency communication systems. His research on frequency-selective structures and transmissive antennas bridges the gap between traditional electromagnetic theory and modern reconfigurable technologies. By integrating material science, physics, and advanced fabrication techniques, Li’s research aims to create high-performance, miniaturized, and dynamically tunable electromagnetic structures, making a significant impact on next-generation wireless technologies and radar systems.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic journey, Mengyao Li has received multiple recognitions for his research excellence. As an Outstanding Graduate of Beijing, he was acknowledged for his academic performance and early contributions to telecommunication engineering. His Ph.D. research at NTU has been supported by prestigious funding, reflecting the significance of his work in low-RCS antenna systems and metasurface engineering. His journal publications in IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation and IEEE Antennas Wireless Propagation Letters further highlight his research impact in the field. Li’s innovative contributions to reconfigurable intelligent surfaces and frequency-selective radomes have been well-received in the academic community, earning him invitations to collaborate with leading researchers. With his strong research background and growing influence in electromagnetic wave control and antenna design, he continues to make valuable contributions to the field, positioning himself as a rising expert in advanced electromagnetics and wireless technology.

Conclusion

Mengyao Li is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a solid publication record, cutting-edge research contributions, and expertise in emerging electromagnetic technologies. However, improving the real-world impact, conference visibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration could further solidify the case for this award. If these areas are strengthened, Mengyao Li could become a leading figure in electromagnetic and metasurface research.

Publications Top Noted

  • Y. Ding, M. Li, J. Su, Q. Guo, H. Yin, Z. Li, J. Song – 2020 – 70 citations
    “Ultrawideband frequency-selective absorber designed with an adjustable and highly selective notch.”
    IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation 69 (3), 1493-1504

  • M. Li, L. Zhou, Z. Shen – 2021 – 30 citations
    “Frequency selective radome with wide diffusive bands.”
    IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters 21 (2), 327-331

  • M. Li, Z. Shen – 2023 – 13 citations
    “Low-RCS transmitarray based on 2.5-D cross-polarization converter.”
    IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation 71 (7), 5828-5837

  • M. Li, Z. Shen – 2023 – 5 citations
    “Integrated diffusive antenna array of low backscattering.”
    IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters

  • M. Li, Z. Shen – 2022 – 3 citations
    “Hybrid Frequency Selective Rasorber Combining 2-D and 3-D Resonators.”
    2022 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and USNC-URSI

  • M. Li, J. Su – 2020 – 1 citation
    “Wideband frequency-selective absorber based on metal cross ring.”
    2020 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Workshop Series on Advanced

  • M. Li, Z. Shen – 2024 – Not yet cited
    “Hybrid Rasorber Based on 3-D Bandpass Frequency-Selective Structures.”
    IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters

  • M. Li – 2024 – Not yet cited
    “Integrated radome and antenna systems of low radar cross section.”
    Nanyang Technological University (Ph.D. Dissertation)

  • M. Li, Z. Shen – 2023 – Not yet cited
    “Highly Selective Third-Order Bandpass Frequency Selective Surface.”
    2023 International Conference on Electromagnetics in Advanced Applications

  • M. Li, Z. Shen – 2023 – Not yet cited
    “Transmission Phase Controllable Rasorber Using All-Metal Cross-Polarization Converter.”
    2023 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and USNC-URSI

  • M. Li, Z. Shen – 2022 – Not yet cited
    “Low-RCS Transmitarray Using Phase Controllable Absorptive Frequency-Selective Structure.”
    2022 International Conference on Electromagnetics in Advanced Applications

  • M. Li, Z. Shen – 2021 – Not yet cited
    “RCS Reduction of Slot Antenna Array Using Coding Metasurfaces.”
    2021 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and USNC-URSI