Education for Laser-based Manufacturing - ELbM

Just 10 more days until the 4th call deadline!!!!!

Make sure you complete your application by the 31st August 2023.

If you have any enquiries don't hesitate to contact us via inbox or email us at [email protected]

ELbM is pleased to announce that its 4th call for applications to the Intra Africa Mobility is open.

We invite you to have a look at opportunities to study and research at one of our partner Universities https://elbmmobility.org/

The online application is open...

Submit your application by August 31st 2023

Geoffrey Okoth is yet another ELbM success story having completed his 10-month credit-seeking mobility at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).

ELbM: Please introduce yourself and provide a brief background of your education, highlighting your academic journey and your area of specialization in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.

Geoffrey: My name is Geoffrey Hoseah Okoth. A Kenyan Bachelor of Science degree graduate in Manufacturing Engineering and Technology from Egerton University. Currently, I am a Master of Science degree student specializing in Mechatronic Engineering, at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). I am an ELbM Credit-seeking scholar hosted at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).

ELbM: What motivated you to participate in the Education for Laser-based Manufacturing (ELbM) credit-seeking mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology? How has this experience contributed to your academic and professional development?

Geoffrey: I was motivated to choose BIUST as the preferred host institution for my research since it boasts a robust and adequately resourced Engineering and Technology faculty. Moreover, BIUST was established primarily as a research-intensive university that specializes in STEM courses coupled with its geographical proximity to laser-based institutions such as CSIR-African Laser Centre which enabled me to seamlessly share resources, laboratories, and equipment during my mobility program.

ElbM: Can you discuss any specific projects or research that you were involved in during your mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology? What were the objectives, methodologies used, and outcomes of these projects?

Geoffrey: I utilized the Faculty of Engineering laboratories to fabricate my tensile strength test rig for my AMed vehicle door hinge. The CAD and finite element analysis (FEA) software provided by BIUST also helped me achieve my research objectives.

ELbM: How have you applied the knowledge and skills gained during your mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology to address real-world challenges in the field of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering?

Geoffrey: Global warming (and climate change) is an existential crisis facing the world. My research project seeks to mitigate the challenge through the production of lightweight vehicle components using novel low-density metals via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Lighter (internal combustion) vehicles mean less fuel burned which translates to less global-warming greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

ELbM: Tell us about a challenging situation you encountered during your credit-seeking mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology and how you successfully resolved it. What did you learn from this experience?

Geoffrey : The experience has been generally interesting and kind to me. However, the biggest challenge was getting suitable accommodation on arrival at BIUST. It took several days and considerable effort to settle down. What did I learn? Most homeowners shun short-term potential foreign tenants.

ELbM: Collaboration and teamwork are crucial in the field of engineering. Can you provide an example of a collaborative project or team-based activity you were a part of during your mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology? What was your role, and how did you contribute to the project's success?

Geoffrey: I actively participated in the assessment of undergraduate ‘Project Based Learning’ projects. I managed to assess, grade, and advise the students, in collaboration with other team members.

ELbM: How have your intercultural experiences and interactions during the mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology influenced your perspective on global engineering practices? In what ways do you believe these experiences will benefit you in your future career?

Geoffrey : During my laboratory work, I learned new fabrication methodologies, such as the use of magnets to properly position parts during welding. I was also privileged to interact with experienced and kind workshop staff who tirelessly helped to actualize my research objectives. The new skills learned, both soft and hard, will come in handy in my future engineering engagements.

ELbM : Reflecting on your time at Botswana International University of Science and Technology, what courses or modules do you feel had the most significant impact on your understanding of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering concepts? Why were they particularly valuable to you?

Geoffrey : INME 600 – M.Eng. Research Thesis module provided a practical methodology during my research work. The frequently scheduled peer and faculty reviews greatly helped in the improvement of the quality of my work.

ELbM: What are your future career goals in the field of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering? How has the ELbM credit-seeking mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology shaped your career aspirations?

Geoffrey: My main motivation for pursuing postgraduate studies is to fulfill my desire and dream of becoming an Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering university lecturer. I am convinced that my skillset, talents, and passion are best suited for academics and research. That said, I strive to finish my masters within the shortest time possible so that I immediately enroll for my Ph.D. This scholarship opportunity has pushed me closer to achieving that dream.

ELbM : Can you discuss any specific skills or competencies that you have developed or strengthened during your mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology? How do you plan to leverage these skills in your future endeavours?

Geoffrey : I have strengthened my resilience (I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore), improved my teamwork skills (I am more patient and accommodating), and most importantly, gained valuable laser-based knowledge and competencies. I am definitely going to need these skills in my next academic journey, the Ph.D.

ELbM: Lastly, what advice would you give to future students considering the ELbM credit-seeking mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering? What key benefits or opportunities should they be aware of?

Geoffrey: Dear future students, the ELbM credit-seeking mobility program at BIUST has been an interesting and rewarding experience. It has been a complete 360o life experience, for me. ELbM and BIUST offer you that. Yours truly, Geoffrey.

Amos Nyakundi has recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the 10-month Credit Seeking Mobility program through the ELbM mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).

ELbM: Please introduce yourself and provide a brief background of your education, highlighting your academic journey and your area of specialization in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.

Amos: I am Amos Magari Nyakundi, a mobility student from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). I am pursuing a master's degree in Mechatronics Engineering at my home university and came to Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) for research.

ELbM : What motivated you to participate in the Education for Laser-based Manufacturing (ELbM) credit-seeking mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology? How has this experience contributed to your academic and professional development?

Amos: My motivation to apply for the ELBM mobility program at BIUST was due to BIUST's reputation and research opportunities. BIUST offers research programs and contains facilities that align with my research interests. This would provide me with the chance to contribute cutting-edge research and make meaningful contributions to my field. Also, the university has experts who could help me achieve my career goals. The opportunity to work under the guidance of renowned professors who are leaders in the manufacturing field also played a significant role.The experience has played a significant role in my academic development, where I have been able to complete my experiments which was the main objective of this program. Also, I have learnt a lot under the guidance of the BIUST experts, an essential aspect of my professional development.

ELbM: Can you discuss any specific projects or research that you were involved in during your mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology? What were the objectives, methodologies used, and outcomes of these projects?

Amos I did my experiments at the Council for Scientific and industrial research (CSIR), South Africa. The research objectives were to investigate the influence of laser-engineered net shaping (LENS) process parameters on the microstructural and mechanical properties of cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy. I used a design of experiment methods to obtain a combination of parameters that I used to obtain my optimal process parameters. I managed to obtain samples with maximum hardness, minimum porosity and surface roughness.

ELbM: How have you applied the knowledge and skills gained during your mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology to address real-world challenges in the field of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering?

Amos : The knowledge and skills gained in the mobility will be vital in addressing the real-world challenges in the engineering field. The skills gained will be used to develop reliable implants and reduce the challenges experienced due to the failure of dental implants.

ELbM: Tell us about a challenging situation you encountered during your credit-seeking mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology and how you successfully resolved it. What did you learn from this experience?

Amos: In BIUST, I worked under the supervision of experts and did not face any unforeseeable challenges during the program.

ELbM: Collaboration and teamwork are crucial in the field of engineering. Can you provide an example of a collaborative project or team-based activity you were a part of during your mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology? What was your role, and how did you contribute to the project's success?

Amos : I was part of a team-based activity during my visit to CSIR. At the campus, we were supposed to work as a team to complete our research. My role was operating the facilities available such as the optical microscope and the LENS machine. I ensured that everything was completed on time.

ELbM : How have your intercultural experiences and interactions during the mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology influenced your perspective on global engineering practices? In what ways do you believe these experiences will benefit you in your future career?

Amos: I have learnt that cross-cultural collaboration can lead to the exchange of ideas and knowledge which are vital in solving global engineering practices. Also, cross-cultural collaboration allows individuals to learn from different engineering approaches employed in different regions. I have also learnt that by interacting with engineers from diverse cultural backgrounds, an individual can gain new insights into alternative problem-solving methods. These experiences have broadened my perspective and will be used in fostering innovation, promoting cross-culture understanding, and contributing to effective engineering practices.

ELbM : Reflecting on your time at Botswana International University of Science and Technology, what courses or modules do you feel had the most significant impact on your understanding of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering concepts? Why were they particularly valuable to you?

Amos: I did not pursue any specific course but gained a lot on additive manufacturing which will be valuable in writing my thesis and professional development.

ELbM : What are your future career goals in the field of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering? How has the ELbM credit-seeking mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology shaped your career aspirations?

Amos : My future career goal is to pursue a doctoral program in additive manufacturing. BIUST has shaped my career aspirations by allowing me to learn and work in an additive manufacturing environment. This has enhanced my skills and motivated me to further my studies in the field.

ELbM: Can you discuss any specific skills or competencies that you have developed or strengthened during your mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology? How do you plan to leverage these skills in your future endeavours?

Amos: I learnt and operated various machines, particularly the laser-engineered net shaping machine and the operation of other-directed energy deposition machines. These skills will be vital in my home country, where I can work in any company that uses these additive manufacturing machines. I plan to use these skills in my further studies and have a company specializing in additive manufacturing.

ELbM : Lastly, what advice would you give to future students considering the ELbM credit-seeking mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering? What key benefits or opportunities should they be aware of?

Amos: The students should clearly define their research goals and objectives. This will offer them a sense of direction and allow them to stay focused throughout their program. They should also manage their time effectively to ensure they make progress in their research. Also, they should develop a strong relationship with their supervisors since they are crucial in supporting their research.
The key benefits include working with industrial and manufacturing engineering experts, which will offer them a chance for skill development and knowledge.

Meet Elphas Kibet, a student from Kenya who successfully completed a 10-month Credit Seeking Mobility program through ELbM. He was placed at Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).

ELbM: Please introduce yourself and provide a brief background of your education, highlighting your academic journey and your area of specialization in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.

Elphas: I am Elphas Kibet, from Kenya, a graduate engineer registered with Engineers Board of Kenya. I graduated with Bsc. Manufacturing engineering at Egerton University, Kenya in the year 2016. In 2021, I joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to pursue a Msc. Mechatronics Engineering. This was in accord with the market demand, which necessitated bridging the gap between manufacturing and electronics sector, having worked for 5 years in the computer-based sector. ELbM further aided my research focus on additive manufacturing through the credit-seeking programme.

ELbM What motivated you to participate in the Education for Laser-based Manufacturing (ELbM) credit-seeking mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology? How has this experience contributed to your academic and professional development?

Elphas: ELbM programme motivated me through the diversity initiative, where scholars are required to study in another African country and my stay at Botswana International University of Science and Technology has enabled me to optimise the available resources to conduct a quality research and experiments on laser-based. The cultural diversity of the Botswana nation would also be a beautiful experience. This experience has enabled me to successfully complete my research experiments on laser-manufacturing, learn new laser-manufacturing aspects and interact with great scholars in the field. On returning to Kenya I will use the acquired knowledge and experience to improve on the manufacturing sector and further the research on laser-manufacturing.

ELbM: Can you discuss any specific projects or research that you were involved in during your mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology? What were the objectives, methodologies used, and outcomes of these projects?

Elphas: I conducted research on the simulation of laser parameters to predict residual stress evolution. BIUST was instrumental in terms of the availability of the ANSYS software package and the high-performance workstation machine. This necessitated the accomplishment of the research methodology that involved the use of Finite Element Analysis available in the workbench module, a thermal-mechanical model was developed. The actual deposition process was achieved through the use of APDL commands, with which laser parameters could be varied and the residual stress results calculated.

ELbM: How have you applied the knowledge and skills gained during your mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology to address real-world challenges in the field of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering?

Elphas : Yes, the main challenged is addressed in FEA model prediction of residual stress, which is detrimental, measuring the magnitudes is usually ignored by manufacturers due to the cost aspect, this model will help users actually predict residual stress evolution, and plan in avoiding the use of specific parts where the stresses are high that can actually result in failure.

ELbM: Tell us about a challenging situation you encountered during your credit-seeking mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology and how you successfully resolved it. What did you learn from this experience?

Elphas: The means of transport to and from school was the main challenge, the taxis were available at the morning hours but during the evening hours, there were no means of transport, at times you could walk and get to the house late hours. I managed to buy a bicycle that actually solved my problems.

ELbM: Collaboration and teamwork are crucial in the field of engineering. Can you provide an example of a collaborative project or team-based activity you were a part of during your mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology? What was your role, and how did you contribute to the project's success?

Elphas: Teamwork was occasionally necessary, especially in terms of project direction discussion, at some point I contributed through a discussion on the progress presentations of one our colleague’s. This was concerning the consideration of laser parameters on the work, and it actually added value in the way the research direction was employed.

ELbM: How have your intercultural experiences and interactions during the mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology influenced your perspective on global engineering practices? In what ways do you believe these experiences will benefit you in your future career?

Elphas: Social interactions are necessary in the professional career, it does not only add value to the knowledge on ones’ cultural practices but also builds the career network. I believe that in near future, whenever, I need a materials’ engineer consultancy, I will certainly make a call. This is as a result of the interactions.

ELbM: Reflecting on your time at Botswana International University of Science and Technology, what courses or modules do you feel had the most significant impact on your understanding of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering concepts? Why were they particularly valuable to you?

Elphas: Computer programming and materials engineering. The focus of my research is on the simulation aspect to attain best mechanical properties. APDL coding on simulation, was achieved through the learning of basic C and python languages. Mechanical properties requires the knowledge of materials science, learning the microstructural aspect improved my understanding on the materials’s properties

ELbM : What are your future career goals in the field of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering? How has the ELbM credit-seeking mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology shaped your career aspirations?
Elphas : My future career goals are on the additive manufacturing aspect. I aspire to be an additive manufacturing specialist. Prof Olakanmi has been instrumental on shaping my career aspirations, especially through the supervision and facilitating experimental research at the CSIR centre, south Africa.

ELbM : Can you discuss any specific skills or competencies that you have developed or strengthened during your mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology? How do you plan to leverage these skills in your future endeavours?

Elphas: Creativity and analytical skills, was strengthened during the mobility program, especially on the research works that involved rigorous effort in implementing methodologies, which changed occasionally according to the updated objectives. The results also require critical analysis, which was strengthened during the progress meeting with the supervisors. These skills will aid in my future research directions especially on the doctorate programme.


ELbM : Lastly, what advice would you give to future students considering the ELbM credit-seeking mobility program at Botswana International University of Science and Technology in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering? What key benefits or opportunities should they be aware of?

Elphas: BIUST is an international standard university that provides diverse programmes, especially in engineering. It is a good place to study, considering the quiet environment besides the hospitality of the entire community. ELbM programme provides a lucrative allowance that enables the scholars to have a comfortable stay and concentrate on the research works.

THE 2022/23 ELbM 3rd Call Supplementary Scholarship is still open...Apply NOW !!
Deadline: March 31st 2023

Special Announcement!!!
The 2022/23 ELbM Supplementary call for applications is now out. Apply now at www.elbmmobility.org
Deadline: 31st March 2023

Just 4 more days until the 3rd call deadline!!!!!

Make sure you complete your application by the 7th October 2022.

If you have any enquiries don't hesitate to contact us via inbox or email us at [email protected]

Important update!

3rd call for scholarships deadline has been extended to 7th October 2022. Apply now! Visit our website for more information: https://elbmmobility.org/

ELbM is pleased to announce that its 3rd call for applications to the Intra Africa Mobility is open.

We invite you to have a look at opportunities to study and research at one of our partner Universities https://elbmmobility.org/

The online application is open...

Submit your application by August 31st 2022

The current supplementary call for scholarship applications has just ended. Please follow our page for more updates regarding the results and future calls for scholarships!

Wishing all the best to all those who have successfully submitted their applications. Do like our page and share, cheers!!!