Research Collaboration with Industry
Throughout her career, Dr. Omotola has actively sought to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Her research collaboration with industry partners has resulted in the development of new and improved technical approaches, particularly in the field of environmental and nano sciences. Her work has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also provided practical solutions to industry challenges, thereby enhancing the relevance and application of academic research.

Postgraduate Research Supervision
Dr. Omotola is highly regarded for her role in supervising postgraduate research. She has successfully guided numerous PhD and MSc students, helping them navigate the complexities of scientific research to achieve their academic goals. Her mentorship has been pivotal in shaping the next generation of scientists and researchers, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions in their respective fields.

Editorial and Review Roles
In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Omotola serves as an Editorial Member of the International Journal of Chemical Material and Environmental Research. Her editorial expertise is complemented by her role as an editor and reviewer for other high-impact Elsevier journals. These positions underscore her standing in the academic community and her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of scholarly publishing.

External Examination of Postgraduate Degrees

Dr. Omotola’s academic rigor and expertise are further demonstrated by her role as an external examiner for postgraduate degrees at several prestigious institutions. She has examined master’s theses various universities globally, e.g Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Venda, and University of the Western Cape, among others. Her evaluations are highly respected, ensuring that academic standards are upheld and that students receive thorough and fair assessments.

Facilitator and Mentor
Dr. Omotola’s dedication to education extends beyond the traditional classroom. She has facilitated the Science Foundation Academic Literacy Program at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa, providing essential support to foundation students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her role as a facilitator for the MTN-sponsored Nano Science Workshop in South Africa highlights her commitment to promoting scientific literacy and innovation.

As a tutor and mentor for undergraduate Chemistry and English for science modules at UWC, Dr. Babajide has provided invaluable guidance and support to students, helping them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for academic success. Her mentorship has had a lasting impact on many students, fostering a passion for science and research.

More recently she has conducts extensive mentorship to early to mid-career academics, scholars and higher education professionals who are high achievers, goal getters, vision holders and driven individuals that desire to accelerate their academic careers.

Community Engagement and Advocacy
Dr. Omotola’s contributions are not limited to academia. She has served as a resource person for community engagement workshops, including the Equity and Equality of Nanotechnology workshop at Georgia Tech University, Atlanta, USA. Her advocacy for equitable access to scientific advancements underscores her commitment to social justice and the ethical implications of scientific research.

Employment at Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Since July 2016, Dr. Omotola Babajide has been a vital part of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), where she lectures in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. Her functional areas include renewable energy, environmental engineering, global and environmental studies, and physical sciences. As a lecturer in the Mechanical Engineering Department, she has been responsible for providing students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, both locally and globally. Dr. Omotola also developed and facilitated numerous research projects at CPUT, including the supervision of a PhD research project on the potential use and transesterification of maggot oil into biodiesel. Her work aims to increase the knowledge and capacity of participants regarding current global environmental concerns and integrate this knowledge into their academic programs.

Postdoctoral Research at the University of the Western Cape
From January 2014 to December 2016, Dr Omotola served as a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Chemistry Department at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. Her research focused on sustainable and renewable energy systems, providing bench-scale results in biodiesel catalysis for potential industry applications. She collaborated with the Environmental and Nano Sciences Research group’s industrial partners to develop new technical approaches, resulting in improved process systems. Prior to this time, she had engaged as a post-doctoral research fellow in collaboration with the (SEERU) Research Group at the Wits University, Johannesburg, South Africa. The aim is to develop expertise through research and teaching of tools for processes that are important for the development of clean and renewable energy production and consequently a sustainable environment.

During this period, Dr. Omotola also continued to co-supervise graduate research students, manage laboratory operations, and provide technical training and coaching to new students and interns. Her leadership and organizational skills were evident in her ability to facilitate research projects and maintain a productive research environment.

Academic Conferences and Presentations
Dr. Omotola Babajide is an active participant in the global academic community, having presented papers at numerous international conferences. Some of the notable conferences she has attended include:

• The 33rd International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management, Annapolis, MD, USA (2018)
• Toyin Falola Annual International Conference on Africa and the African Diaspora (TOFAC), Ondo, Nigeria (2017)
• The 6th World Sustainability Forum, Cape Town, South Africa (2017)
• The 14th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology, Rhodes, Greece (2015)
• The 247th ACS National Meeting, Dallas, Texas, USA (2014)
• The 28th International Conference on Solid Waste Technology & Management, Widener University, Philadelphia, PA, USA (2013)
• The 5th SA Innovation Summit, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa (2012)
• The 2nd International Symposium on Electrochemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa (2012)
• The 10th Annual AIChE Meeting, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA (2010)

Her presentations have covered a wide range of topics, including the use of coal ash in biodiesel synthesis, the role of science centres in Africa’s transformation, and the environmental sustainability of coal fly ash beneficiation. These contributions highlight her diverse research interests and her ability to address critical environmental and scientific challenges.

Dr. Omotola’s illustrious career is a testament to her dedication to education, research, and community service. Her extensive experience, spanning multiple continents and fields of study, reflects her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing global environmental issues. As the Rector of Colegio Real Educational Institute, she continues to inspire and lead with a vision of excellence and innovation, shaping the future of education and research for generations to come.