22/06/2023
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.
