Dr Osezua Ibhadode - Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Engineering
17 January 2023
This cohort hire is designed to make an immediate and substantive contribution to advancing Black academic excellence at the University of Alberta. A commitment to recruiting and retaining an increasingly diverse group of excellent scholars is essential to addressing the cumulative impacts of biases and inequalities that have stood in the way of inclusive excellence.
The scholars hired through this Black academic excellence cohort hire will join the ranks of the growing Black Faculty Collective, while also being welcomed into academic Departments and Faculties committed to inclusivity and academic excellence.
Meet Dr Osezua Ibhadode, a new Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Engineering
Tell us about you!
I am a new assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta. Prior to joining the department, I was a postdoctoral fellow at the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) Lab, Mechanical Engineering, at the University of Waterloo for a little over a year; I also completed my PhD in the same department and lab. I completed my Masters degree at the University of Lagos, Nigeria and I lectured at the University of Benin, Nigeria before commencing my PhD in 2017.
What brought you to the University of Alberta?
University of Alberta is one of the best universities in Canada, and indeed the world. I have always admired this university so I had applied twice for different reasons. In the first attempt, I applied for a PhD program, however, I ended up at the University of Waterloo. The second time, I applied for a faculty position earlier this year and got an offer which finally led me here. So, I guess my heart has always been set for UAlberta.
What is your AREA OF RESEARCH? OR What are your current research interests?
My research is currently focused on design for additive manufacturing (commonly called 3D printing), especially metal additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing/3D printing is comparable to paper printing. They both need the following: “models” prepared by a computer, printing/printer settings, and a printer. In design for additive manufacturing, we tend to deal with the first need: models prepared by a computer. My research goal is to provide robust computational tools and frameworks with manufacturability-integrated design capabilities. I try to figure out the best “models'' that should be printed by optimizing their structures for functionality and manufacturability. I typically use mathematical-based algorithms to structurally optimize parts and implement process models that can be utilized to improve the designs before they’re printed. My research is largely dependent on computational resources which are either open source, commercial, or developed by myself. Some tools or algorithms I use are: computer aided design/manufacturing/engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE), structural optimization (topology,sizing), lattice/meta-structural design. I work on parts or components that need to be printed using reactive metals (Ti-, Al-alloys), non-reactive metals (Fe-, Ni-alloys), polymers (ABS, PLA), and some ceramics (CPP). My methodologies have been applied to solve design problems in the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.
What inspired you to enter this field?
Within the engineering field, I have always been fascinated by the ways in which functional parts, components, or systems are made. During my highschool years, I was passionate about engineering drawing and math but design and prototyping tools were limited then. With the current advancements in computation and growth in 3D printing, new levels of design freedom are possible.
Describe your teaching style. / Describe your teaching philosophy.
My passion and commitment to teaching are at par with my research enthusiasm. Amongst the several pertinent teaching qualities that exist, three stand out for me: the ability to provide students with an up-to-date and all-round knowledge of the course, prioritizing student-instructor and student-student interactions, understanding students’ learning rates and dispositions. To elaborate a little further, it is important for the teacher to keep their lesson notes rich, well-structured, and updated to facilitate right knowledge transfer. A teacher should show enthusiasm for the course and be receptive to questions and comments for healthy interactions to be sustained. Finally, understanding students’ learning rates can help the teacher know when to increase or decrease the amount of information shared per time, or how to deliver the information more appropriately.
What are your impressions of Edmonton/the University of Alberta so far?
Despite the weather which I am still getting used to, I love how Edmonton is a relatively big city yet calm and cozy. This is often uncommon with big cities. I have had a really pleasant experience at UAlberta so far. My Dean, Chair, and colleagues have been very supportive in getting me up to speed with the culture and work routine. This has greatly helped me settle down and get familiar with the environment.
What interests you outside of work? / What else do you enjoy? / Do you have any hidden talents?
When I am not doing research or teaching, which takes a good portion of my time, I cherish spending time with family and friends and having get-aways. I love music a lot and I play the keyboard and drums. I wish I were a great singer.