Pascal Mwenge | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Posted on by Soil Scientist

Mr. Pascal Mwenge | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Pascal Mwenge, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa

Mr. Pascal Kilunji Mwenge is a PhD candidate and part-time lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Vaal University of Technology, South Africa. With over six years of experience in laboratory research, he specializes in biofuels, wastewater treatment, and the application of machine learning in chemical engineering. Pascal has been recognized for his innovative contributions to sustainable energy, earning accolades such as being a semi-finalist in the 2024 MIT Climate & Energy Prize and a finalist in the 2024 ClimateLaunchpad South Africa. He is also a registered Candidate Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Pascal Mwenge stands out as a passionate and innovative researcher committed to sustainable energy solutions. His contributions to biodiesel production from waste materials, combined with the use of machine learning for predictive modeling, make him a leading young scientist in the field of chemical engineering. His leadership in academia and recognition in prestigious awards further bolster his suitability for the Research for Young Scientist Award.

 

🎓 Education

Pascal Kilunji MWENGE is currently a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at Vaal University of Technology, South Africa, having started in March 2022. He earned his Master of Technology in Chemical Engineering in November 2021 and his Bachelor of Technology in the same field in April 2017 from the same institution. Pascal also holds a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering from Vaal University of Technology (2015) and a National Senior Certificate in Industrial Chemistry (2009) from Institut Technique Mutoshi, D.R. Congo.

 

💼Experience

Pascal has extensive experience in both academia and industry. He has been a part-time Junior Lecturer/Lecturer at Vaal University of Technology since July 2019, where he is involved in supervising research projects, preparing labs, and facilitating practicals. Additionally, Pascal has been a Supervisor and Co-Supervisor of BTech projects, overseeing more than 40 research projects. Previously, he held roles as a Laboratory Assistant, Teaching Assistant, and Quality Control Lab Technician. He also served as a Trainee Chemical Engineer at Epic Foods, gaining experience in effluent treatment, quality control, and laboratory management.

 

🔬Research Focus

Pascal’s research primarily focuses on biofuel production, wastewater treatment, and the application of machine learning in chemical engineering. His work has included projects on biodiesel production from waste oils, optimization of catalytic processes, and predictive modeling using machine learning. He is particularly interested in sustainable energy solutions and environmental challenges, with a focus on waste-to-value-added products.

 

Awards

Pascal has received several accolades for his innovative contributions to climate and energy solutions. He was a semi-finalist in the 2024 MIT Climate & Energy Prize and a finalist in the 2024 ClimateLaunchpad South Africa competition. Additionally, he has been recognized for his academic excellence with multiple awards and honors, including the Best Presentation Award at the 20th International Conference on Green Chemistry and Sustainable Engineering. Pascal is also a registered Candidate Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

 

Skills

Pascal is proficient in a wide range of laboratory techniques and tools including Ultra High-performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), and various computer simulation programs like ChemCad and DWSIM. His technical expertise also extends to machine learning, data collection, and analysis, academic writing, and research supervision.

 

Publications

  • Machine learning-based predictive modelling of biodiesel production from animal fats catalysed by a blast furnace slag geopolymer
    • Authors: Mwenge, P., Rutto, H.
    • Journal: Results in Engineering
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Kinetics and simulation of biodiesel production using a geopolymer heterogeneous catalyst
    • Authors: Mwenge, P., Djemima, B., Zwane, S., Rutto, H., Seodigeng, T.
    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Science and Health – Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Biodiesel production using Chlor-alkali brine sludge waste as a heterogeneous catalyst: optimisation using response surface methodology
    • Authors: Mwenge, P., Rutto, H., Enweremadu, C.
    • Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Energy
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 3

 

  • Production of Biodiesel using Calcined Brine Sludge Waste from Chlor-Alkali Industry as a Heterogeneous Catalyst
    • Authors: Mwenge, P., Rutto, H., Enweremadu, C.
    • Journal: Environmental and Climate Technologies
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 2

Conclusion:

Mr. Pascal Mwenge is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. His innovative research, leadership qualities, and recognition in the field of sustainable energy and environmental science demonstrate his potential to continue making significant contributions to the global scientific community. With further expansion of his international collaboration and research focus, he could solidify his place as a leading researcher in the sustainability sector.