Previous Institution
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) - Chemical Engineering BSc
Which country do you currently live in?
UK
What are you passionate about and why?
I am passionate about affordable and clean energy (SDG 7). My passion for clean energy stems from the global plight of energy poverty and its associated stagnation of socio-economic development, particularly in marginalised communities. I fervently aim to contribute to alleviating energy poverty and thus pursued a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a master’s degree in Renewable Energy Engineering from Brunel University London. Currently, I work as a Solar System Engineer, designing efficient solar PV and thermal systems for residential, commercial and industrial applications.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
On a typical day, I report to work by 8am and firstly go through my email inbox to respond to emails from clients and co-workers. Subsequently, I go through my to-do list, highlight unfinished tasks, and then schedule my tasks for the day. I attend a routine morning departmental meeting where we discuss projects, collaborate, and synergise to complete outstanding works. Afterwards, I review solar systems designs for projects and liaise with system installers to adhere to quality standards. I size solar systems for clients employing various software. Additionally, I prepare BOQs for projects, conduct site surveys and supervise current system installations.
What are your plans for the next two years?
I plan to pursue a PhD in renewable energy, particularly solar energy storage. I aim to research to discover novel energy storage technologies or develop current and emerging technologies.
Why do you enjoy volunteering for Brunel?
Volunteering is a core of my personality. I enjoy volunteering for Brunel as it is a way of giving back for its role in shaping my career and life. My time at Brunel was memorable. Besides advancing my career academically, I also developed my social life by building long-lasting relationships and expanding my professional network. I desire to see Brunel develop, and I am avidly interested in playing a significant role in that regard by volunteering.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
I gained top-tier teaching and learning experience at Brunel and graduated with an internationally recognised degree in Renewable Energy Engineering, a program accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Energy Institute of the UK. I expanded my knowledge and skills and developed my professional brand as a Renewable Energy Engineer. Thus, my experience at Brunel opened many opportunities for me in my career, and testimony to this is my current role as a Solar Systems Engineer.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
I chose to study at Brunel primarily because of the University’s teaching and learning excellence, particularly for the MSc program in Renewable Energy Engineering. The accreditations from the IMechE and the Energy Institute for the program were incentivising. Moreover, the location of Brunel in London, a cosmopolitan city, coupled with the international student diversity and excellent accommodation services are some other criteria that influenced my choice to study at Brunel.
What is your best memory of studying here?
Reminiscing, my participation in the Brunel READY programme is my most memorable. I had the opportunity to build relationships with like-minded individuals as we generated innovative solutions for refugees in refugee camps. I developed tangible working skills through the program and refined my human-centred design knowledge.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
I encourage current students to make the best of their time at Brunel by engaging in academic and extracurricular activities. Students should build lasting relationships and expand their professional networks, and engage in spreading the Brunel name as ambassadors.
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