Mr. Adolor David Aiyeki | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award
Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Russia
Adolor David Aiyeki is a dynamic Ph.D. researcher at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Russia, with a strong background in mechanical engineering and advanced manufacturing technologies. Passionate about innovation, sustainability, and technology’s role in transforming society, he thrives in interdisciplinary research settings. He has held various technical and leadership roles, including Assistant Home Automation Engineer and Mechanical Engineer, with impactful contributions in automation, energy, and environmental systems. His research in photopolymerization-based ceramic additive manufacturing and lunar regolith applications reflects his pursuit of future-forward engineering. Beyond the lab, he is a committed volunteer and SDG advocate, empowering youth through awareness initiatives. With international scholarships, awards, and a robust portfolio in CAD, FEA, and material science, Adolor aims to bridge science and society. His blend of technical acumen, leadership, and purpose-driven advocacy positions him as a change-maker in engineering innovation and sustainability.
Profile
🎓 Education
Adolor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Benin (2017), where he worked on biomass gasifier design and participated in energy-related seminars. He earned his Master of Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies from Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (2024), with a thesis focused on lunar regolith as an engineering material. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics and Mechanics at Skoltech (expected 2028), researching supercritical CO₂ processing for ceramic additive manufacturing. His academic background is bolstered by courses in CFD, multiphase flow, additive technologies, and finite element analysis, providing a well-rounded foundation in applied engineering and materials science. Throughout his education, he demonstrated a consistent interest in emerging technologies and sustainability, securing academic scholarships and engaging in multidisciplinary research. His academic journey reflects a continuous pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and impactful problem-solving on both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications.
💼 Experience
Adolor has held diverse roles across academia and industry. As Assistant Home Automation Engineer at Hometronix Nigeria (2021–2022), he developed custom automation solutions, boosting client satisfaction and project efficiency. Prior to that, he served as a Mechanical Engineer at Friday Omoragbon & Sons (2020), overseeing welding and pipeline projects with significant cost and quality improvements. He interned as an Electromechanical Engineer at Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (2019), gaining hands-on experience in power systems. His teaching role at Pioneer Educational Centre (2018) enhanced student outcomes in math and science. As an Automotive Technician Intern (2016), he streamlined engine maintenance processes. Beyond employment, he has led SDG awareness initiatives as a volunteer with the UN SDG Action Campaign since 2019, promoting sustainability among youth. His work consistently combines technical expertise with communication and leadership, showcasing a blend of engineering competence and community engagement across multiple domains.
🏅 Awards and Honors
Adolor has received several prestigious honors for academic and research excellence. At Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, he earned the 2023–2024 Scholarship for Development and Academic Excellence and won Best Research Thesis (2024). He was awarded the Matthew Okpebholo Foundation Final Year Undergraduate Scholarship (2017) and the Agbami Medical and Engineering Professionals Undergraduate Scholarship (2014–2017). In high school, he was twice recognized by the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, earning a Silver Medal (STAN O-Level Science Subjects, 2009) and a Gold Medal (Science Talent Search Innovation Championship, 2009). He also graduated as the Best Science Student from Blessed Saint Paul High School (2009). These accolades reflect his early and sustained commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in science and engineering. Adolor’s recognition spans academic, technical, and competitive spheres, underscoring his dedication to intellectual rigor and impactful contributions in his field.
🔬 Research Focus
Adolor’s research focus lies at the intersection of advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and energy sustainability. His Ph.D. investigates supercritical CO₂ processing for enhancing ceramic photopolymerization in 3D printing—a pioneering direction in material science. During his Master’s, he explored lunar regolith as an engineering material, contributing to space-based construction technology. His broader research interests include composite manufacturing, finite element analysis, and the development of functional coatings. He is proficient in software like ANSYS, Abaqus, Siemens NX, and Python, enabling high-fidelity simulations and product design. Adolor integrates sustainable practices into his work, evident from past projects on biomass energy and flow station installations. Through SDG advocacy, he connects research to community impact, especially in climate action and clean energy. With a long-term vision of fusing innovation with social benefit, his research aims to solve complex challenges on Earth and beyond, blending creativity with scientific precision.
📝 Conclusion
Publication
📘 Improved Additive Manufacturing of Lunar Regolith Simulant via Digital Light Processing for In-Situ Resource Utilization on the Moon
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Journal: Acta Astronautica
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Type: Journal Article
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Date: April 2025
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Contributors: Adolor David Aiyeki, Andrey Tikhonov, Svyatoslav Chugunov