Pascal Mwenge | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Pascal Mwenge | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

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

Pascal Mwenge is a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Engineering at Vaal University of Technology, South Africa. His research focuses on biofuels, wastewater treatment, and machine learning applications in chemical engineering. With over six years of laboratory experience, he also serves as a part-time lecturer and has supervised more than 40 undergraduate research projects. Recognized for his contributions to climate and energy innovation, he was a semi-finalist in the 2024 MIT Climate & Energy Prize and a finalist in the 2024 ClimateLaunchpad South Africa. His expertise spans laboratory analysis, data science, and sustainable energy solutions.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Pascal Mwenge is a promising young scientist with a strong foundation in chemical engineering, sustainable energy, and machine learning applications. His innovative research, technical expertise, and academic leadership make him a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. His recognition in global climate and energy competitions further strengthens his case.

 

🎓 Education

He holds a Master of Technology and a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from Vaal University of Technology, having previously obtained a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering and a National Senior Certificate in Industrial Chemistry. He has further enhanced his knowledge through certifications in data science, occupational health and safety, educational psychology, and first aid training.

 

💼Experience

His professional journey includes roles as a quality control lab technician and assistant manager in effluent and emulsifiers plants, where he ensured compliance with municipal regulations and conducted quality and safety inspections. As a trainee chemical engineer, he gained hands-on experience in effluent monitoring, laboratory analysis, and production planning. His teaching assistant and laboratory assistant roles further reinforced his expertise in student mentorship, practical demonstrations, and research facilitation.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research focuses on biofuel production, wastewater treatment, and the integration of machine learning in chemical engineering processes. He has supervised and co-supervised over 40 Bachelor of Technology and Advanced Diploma research projects, guiding students in developing research methodologies and analytical skills. As a part-time lecturer, he has been instrumental in teaching courses such as Applied Thermodynamics, Equipment Design, Plant Design, and Unit Operations. His contributions extend to laboratory management, where he has played a key role in commissioning pilot-plant equipment, facilitating safety training, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards.

 

Awards

Recognized for his outstanding contributions to climate and energy innovation, he was a semi-finalist in the 2024 MIT Climate & Energy Prize and a finalist in the 2024 ClimateLaunchpad South Africa competition. His academic excellence was further acknowledged with the Best Presentation Award at the 20th International Conference on Green Chemistry and Sustainable Engineering in Cape Town. He has received merit bursaries from Vaal University of Technology and actively participated in various academic and professional organizations, including serving as an executive committee member of the Postgraduate Students Association.

 

Skills

Proficient in computer literacy and simulation software, he is skilled in ChemCad, DWSIM, and Microsoft Office applications. His laboratory expertise includes Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). He has extensive experience in field sampling, data collection, academic writing, and research analysis, with a strong foundation in machine learning applications in chemical engineering.

 

Publications

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

Conclusion:

Pascal Mwenge is well-suited for this award based on his research excellence, innovative contributions to renewable energy, and leadership in academia. Strengthening his research impact through citations, collaborations, and funding acquisition could further solidify his position as a leading young scientist. Given his achievements and potential, he is a strong contender for the Research for Young Scientist Award.

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.