Nelson Akafuah

Nelson Akafuah is an Associate Professor, Chair of the Fujio Cho Department of Engineering Technology, and Director of the Institute of Research for Technology Development (IR4TD) at the University of Kentucky. His work bridges technical expertise in paint processes, lean manufacturing, and energy systems with educational leadership in engineering pedagogy.

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky
• Executive MBA, Jack Welch Management Institute, Strayer University
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of New Orleans
• B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Ghana

His research focuses on:

• Automotive coating technology and process improvement
• Lean manufacturing systems
• Combustion and fire dynamics
• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications
• Sustainable business models in the automotive industry

The 15 most recent publications highlight his contributions to lean manufacturing principles, CFD modeling of atomization processes, sustainable energy systems, and wildfire combustion mechanisms. Key trends include optimization of hybrid energy cycles, droplet transport analysis, and integration of AI/ML into industrial processes.

Appointments: Department Chair (2021–present), Director of IR4TD (2021–present), and various academic roles since 2000. His work spans collaborative projects in renewable energy, automotive systems, and fire science.