Mechanical Engineering Faculty Attend Inaugural U.S.-Africa Frontiers Symposium

Uche Wejinya, associate professor and holder of the Twenty-First Century Professorship in mechanical engineering, attended the first U.S.-Africa Frontiers of Science, Engineering and Medicine symposium at the African Academy of Sciences in Nairobi, Kenya, on Oct. 12-14.

The symposium brings together outstanding young scientists, engineers and medical professionals from the United States and the member countries of the African Union for a series of symposia to discuss exciting advances and opportunities in their fields. The goal of these meetings is to enhance the scientific exchange and dialogue among young researchers in African countries and the United States, including the African science diaspora, and through this interaction, facilitate research collaboration within and beyond the region.

“The opportunity to participate in this inaugural symposium was humbling,” Wejinya said. “This experience highlighted my expertise to continue engaging students, especially underrepresented students in nanotechnology research and scientific inquiry. I intend to engage in research activities with engineers from Kenya, Ghana, Senegal and South Africa and hope to recruit future graduate students through these new partnerships.”

About 900 researchers applied to participate in this symposium, and Wejinya was among the 100 finalists to receive an invitation to attend and present his research on the fabrication and non-covalent functionalization of graphene-based devices as part of the symposium’s materials science session. The research was presented to attendees who included Felix Dapare Dakora, president of the African Academy of Sciences, and the Honorable Margaret Whitman, U.S. ambassador to Kenya.

“Uche’s invitation to present his research at this prestigious venue is a testament to the innovativeness of his scholarly pursuits,” said Darin Nutter, department head and Twenty-First Century Leadership Chair in mechanical engineering. “We are proud to be represented by such an accomplished peer and colleague.”

About the College of Engineering:  The College of Engineering supports over 140 full-time faculty to mentor 3,200 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students, awarding Bachelor of Science degrees in nine disciplines, Master of Science degrees in fifteen disciplines, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering across nine concentrations.  The College of Engineering’s research awards reached a record-breaking $53 million with multiple centers, core facilities, and multi-disciplinary partnerships across campus.

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