Fredrick Madaraka MwemaDr FM Mwema is a lecturer and a postdoctoral research fellow at the departments of mechanical engineering at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Kenya and University of Johannesburg, South Africa respectively. His research interest is the field of manufacturing and materials, specifically in surface engineering and coating technologies, severe plastic deformation, advanced materials and characterizations. He has extensively worked on thin film preparation through RF magnetron sputtering and published his works in several peer reviewed journals, book chapters and conferences. He has over 45 publications. He also has interest in additive manufacturing technologies including laser based manufacturing and fused deposition modeling. He is currently supervising 3 masters and 2 PhD students on additive manufacturing, surface engineering and advanced recycling of polymer-based composites for green building technologies. Esther Titilayo AkinlabiProfessor Esther Akinlabi is a Full Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg. Her research interest is in the field of modern and advanced manufacturing processes – Friction stir welding and additive manufacturing. Her research in the field of laser based additive manufacturing include laser material processing and surface engineering. She also conducts research in the field of renewable energy, and biogas production from waste. She is a rated National Research Foundation (NRF) researcher and has demonstrated excellence in all fields of endeavors. Her mentorship and research experience are enviable as she guides her team of postgraduate students through the research journey. She is a recipient of several research grants and has received many awards of recognition to her credit. She is a member of the prestigious South African Young Academy of Science and registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Prof Akinlabi has filed two patents, edited one book, published four books and authored/co-authored over 250 peer reviewed publications.
