Emmanuel Abuga

Project: Catalyst Breakup during the High-Pressure Polymerization of Ethylene: Effect of Reaction Phase and Catalyst Type My role focuses on understanding how catalyst fragmentation influences polyethylene particle morphology and properties. I conduct gas and slurry phase ethylene polymerizations using Ziegler–Natta and metallocene catalysts under controlled pressure and temperature, and perform advanced polymer characterization using SEM, DSC, NMR, and HT-SEC. This work aims to connect catalyst behavior to process conditions and polymer performance, contributing to improved understanding of industrial polyethylene production mechanisms.

Led initiatives to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities within the student community. Organized events, encouraged dialogue across cultures, and supported a collaborative environment where all members felt valued.

Supported over 60% of ongoing corporate banking projects for clients in the energy and industrial sectors by conducting technical and financial assessments, bridging the gap between engineering operations and financing requirements. Contributed to project evaluation reports, performing risk analysis and sustainability assessments that highlighted long-term operational efficiency and environmental impact. Collaborated with senior bankers and engineers to review feasibility studies and loan structuring for large-scale industrial projects, gaining insights into both technical operations and capital investment strategies. Monitored financial and operational performance indicators of client projects, preparing briefing notes that improved decision-making on energy infrastructure financing. Developed reporting templates that improved the consistency and accuracy of internal project documentation by 20%.

Worked on low-carbon and renewable process technologies, focusing on bio-based feedstocks, catalyst systems, and waste-to-energy pathways. Conducted technical analysis and environmental assessments to evaluate industrial applications and process efficiency. Co-authored 2 peer-reviewed publications in Elsevier journals on oxalic acid biosynthesis and bio-derived heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production. Publications: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advances in the Application and Biosynthesis of Oxalic Acid from Bio-derived Substrates. Environmental Research, Elsevier, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118703 A Comprehensive Insight into the Role of Synthesis Methods on the Properties and Performance of Bio-derived Heterogeneous Catalysts for Biodiesel Production. Molecular Catalysis, Elsevier, 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2025.115057

Gained hands-on experience in the polypropylene production plant, working with propylene feedstock from the FCC unit to produce polypropylene pellets used in automotive, electrical, and consumer goods. Supported process monitoring and optimization to ensure plant efficiency and product quality. Contributed to safety and process improvement initiatives, applying Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) training in day-to-day operations. Acquired practical knowledge of plant design, process flow, and petrochemical operations, with exposure to industrial-scale equipment and control systems.

Gained practical experience in the production process of balms and inhalers, widely used for treating colds, catarrh, and joint pain. Assisted in quality control operations, analyzing raw materials such as methyl salicylate, camphor, and eucalyptus oil to ensure compliance with required standards before production. Conducted post-production analysis to verify product composition against reference values, contributing to over 95% batch compliance with quality benchmarks. Supported production and testing workflows that improved overall process reliability and product consistency, reducing rework and waste.