Kayode Komolafe | Educational Innovation in Science | Best Researcher Award

Kayode Komolafe | Educational Innovation in Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr Kayode Komolafe, Colorado School of Mines, United States

Dr. Kayode Komolafe is a PhD candidate in Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines (GPA: 3.717/4.00). He holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Mining Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Akure. Dr. Komolafe has interned with SRK Consulting and currently serves as a teaching assistant in Rock Mechanics. His research includes publications on mathematical modeling of minerals and gold prospecting. He is a licensed engineer and a member of several professional organizations. Dr. Komolafe has earned multiple awards, including the Syd.S and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control Scholarship and McQuiston Fellowship. ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ”ฌ

Publication Profile

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Education

Mr. Kayode Komolafe is a Ph.D. candidate in Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, where he has maintained an impressive GPA of 3.717/4.00 since 2022. He earned his Master of Engineering in Mining Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Akure in 2013, achieving a CGPA of 3.64/4.00. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering at the same institution in 2006, with a CGPA of 3.59/4.00. His academic journey reflects his strong commitment to excellence in the field of mining engineering. ๐ŸŽ“โ›๏ธ๐Ÿ“š

Experience

Mr. Kayode Komolafe is an experienced rock mechanics intern at SRK Consulting U.S., Inc. (Mayโ€“Sept. 2022), where he worked on characterizing hydrothermal veinlet rock masses for underground construction. He analyzed laboratory tests to determine geomechanical properties and categorized rock samples for numerical modeling. As a Teaching Assistant at Colorado School of Mines (Jan. 2022โ€“present), he organizes rock mechanics laboratories, guides students in tests and software tools like DIPS and RS2, and leads fieldwork for rock mass characterization. He also creates and grades quizzes and fosters communication between students and professors. ๐Ÿชจ๐Ÿ’ป๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ‘ทโ€โ™‚๏ธ

Conference Presentationsย 

Mr. Kayode Komolafe presented papers at the International Conference of the Nigeria Society of Mining Engineers in November 2019. His first presentation, “Socio-Economic Impact of Artisanal Limestone Quarrying and Processing at Igarra, Akoko-Edo, Edo State, Nigeria,” explored the local economic implications of limestone extraction. His second presentation, “Effects of Artisanal Limestone Exploitation on Soil and Water Bodies in Igarra, Edo State, Nigeria – A Case Study of Noble Marble and Fakunle Geoworks Open Pits,” focused on environmental impacts, particularly on soil and water quality. These studies highlight the balance between economic development and environmental sustainability. ๐Ÿž๏ธโš’๏ธ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“Š

Honors and Awardsย 

Mr. Kayode Komolafe has been recognized for his outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of mining engineering. He is the recipient of several prestigious scholarships, including the Ground Control in Mining Scholarship from the Society of Mining Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) for 2023-2024, the Mined Land Reclamation Educational Grant by the National Association of State Land Reclamationists (NASRL) for 2023-2024, and the Society of Explosives Engineers Education Foundation Scholarship (2022-2024). Additionally, he received the Denver Gold Group Scholarship and McQuiston Fellowship from the Mining Engineering Department at Colorado School of Mines. Kayode has also earned a Certificate of Appreciation from the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists in 2023 and was honored with the Presidential Award by the Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers in 2019. ๐ŸŽ“โ›๏ธ๐Ÿ…

Research Focus

Mr. Kayode Komolafe’s research primarily focuses on geomechanics, environmental impact assessments, and mathematical modeling in mining and resource extraction. His work includes predicting structural responses to blast-induced vibrations in quarries, analyzing the effect of mineral exploitation on groundwater, and applying mathematical modeling to study the impact of metals on ore properties. Additionally, Komolafe investigates cost modeling for drilling and blasting parameters in mining operations, contributing to improving efficiency and safety. His research aims to integrate human-machine relationships in mining, with a vision for the future of the industry. ๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿงฎ

Publication Top Notes

DFN: an emerging tool for stochastic modelling and geomechanical design

Prediction of structural response to blastโ€“induced vibration in Kopek Construction Quarry, Ikereโ€“Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Investigating the Effect of Dolomite Exploitation on Groundwater Condition of Ikpeshi, Akoko โ€“ Edo, Edo State, Nigeria.

Effect of Tantalum on Coltan in Cassiterite Using Mathematical Modeling Approach with Respect to Gibbs Energy

Cost Modelling and Estimation of Drilling and Blasting Parameters affecting Guarry face and Fragmentations: A Case of Jolex Construction Company, Bassa, Plateau

Envisioning Humanโ€“Machine Relationship Towards Mining of the Future: An Overview

Effect of Titanium on Itakpe Iron Ores Using Mathematical Modeling Approach with Respect to Second Law of Thermodynamic Principle

Optimization of Loading and Haulage of Materials in Selected Quarries in Jos using Arena Simulation Software

 

DUNCAN SHIKUKU | Educational Innovation in Science | Best Researcher Award

DUNCAN SHIKUKU | Educational Innovation in Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr DUNCAN SHIKUKU, LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE, Kenya

๐Ÿผ Duncan Shikuku is an accomplished Midwifery & Women’s Health Specialist, Educator, and Researcher with 10+ years of experience. Currently a Senior Technical Officer and PhD student in Global Health at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, his research focuses on improving pre-service midwifery education in Kenya and low- and middle-income countries. He has implemented complex maternal, newborn, and child health programs for LSTM, Save the Children International, and Moi University. Duncan has collaborated with UNFPA, WHO, and the International Confederation of Midwives to develop midwifery education resources. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ‘ถ๐Ÿ“š

Publication profile

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Education

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Global Health at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (expected June 2024) ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŒ. Earned an Associate Fellowship from Advance Higher Education, United Kingdom, in February 2023 ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ“š. Graduated with First Class Honors in MSc. Nursing (Midwifery & Womenโ€™s Health) from Makerere University, Uganda, in February 2017 ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿ‘ถ. Completed a BSc. Nursing (BSc.N) at Moi University, Eldoret, in December 2009 ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿฅ. Achieved top student status in Kakamega District/County with an A (plain) in K.C.S.E from Ingotse High School in 2004 ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ“˜. Scored 512/700 marks in K.C.P.E from Ebumamu Primary School in 1999 ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ†.

Experience

As the technical and operational lead, He spearheaded in-service and pre-service training & mentorship for the Kenya 4-year UKAID funded Reducing Maternal and Newborn Deaths Programme, the 3-year Johnson and Johnson Foundation funded CPD programme for nursing/midwifery educators, and the 3-year UNFPA funded Midwifery Educator Faculty Strengthening in Kenya. My role included providing technical oversight and support to the Ministry of Health, Nursing Council of Kenya, Clinical Officers Council, Kenya Medical Training College, and county governments. I developed midwifery CPD modules for Kenya and other low- and middle-income countries, managed project data, designed study protocols and surveys, and disseminated findings for informed decision-making. ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿคฑ๐ŸŒ

Awards

Awarded the best poster presentation at the 2021 Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Postgraduate Research Students Conference (International Public Health & Clinical Sciences Departments) ๐Ÿ†. Recipient of the prestigious INTRA-ACP Mobility Scholarship at Makerere University, Uganda (2014-2016) ๐ŸŽ“โœˆ๏ธ. Achieved the top student accolade in Kakamega District during the 2003 national Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ“š.

Research focus

Dr. DN Shikuku’s research focuses on maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services in Kenya. Their studies investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health service utilization and outcomes, neonatal resuscitation practices, and immunization strategies in hard-to-reach areas. Dr. Shikuku also explores factors influencing caesarean section rates, fetal death reduction through clinical mentorship, and the enhancement of midwifery educators’ capacity. Their work emphasizes improving healthcare quality and access, particularly in rural and underserved communities, through innovative and evidence-based approaches. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ‘ถ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โš•๏ธ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“ˆ

Publication top notes

Early indirect impact of COVID-19 pandemic on utilisation and outcomes of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services in Kenya: A cross-sectional study

Practice and outcomes of neonatal resuscitation for newborns with birth asphyxia at Kakamega County General Hospital, Kenya: a direct observation study

Doorโ€“toโ€“door immunization strategy for improving access and utilization of immunization Services in Hard-to-Reach Areas: a case of Migori County, Kenya

Prevalence and factors associated with caesarean section in Rwanda: a trend analysis of Rwanda demographic and health survey 2000 to 2019โ€“20

Reducing intrapartum fetal deaths through low-dose high frequency clinical mentorship in a rural hospital in Western Kenya: a quasi-experimental study

Quality of care during neonatal resuscitation in Kakamega County General Hospital, Kenya: a direct observation study

Improving midwifery educatorsโ€™ capacity to teach emergency obstetrics and newborn care in Kenya universities: a pre-post study

The effect of the community midwifery model on maternal and newborn health service utilization and outcomes in Busia County of Kenya: a quasi-experimental study

The determinants of staff retention after Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care training in Kenya: a cross-sectional study

Evaluation of capacity to deliver emergency obstetrics and newborn care updated midwifery and reproductive health training curricula in Kenya: Before and after study