Emmanuel Chikelu

Assisted in the synthesis and preparation of candidate cloud-seeding materials, including salt-based crystals, engineered aerosols, and composite nucleating agents.

Conducted controlled laboratory tests to evaluate nucleation efficiency, hygroscopicity, and particle size behavior under varying humidity and temperature conditions.

Operated and maintained analytical instruments such as SEM, XRD, FTIR, particle sizers, and environmental chambers to characterize material structures and performance.

Performed stability and dispersion studies to determine material behavior in simulated atmospheric environments.

Analyzed experimental data to compare nucleation thresholds and optimize material formulations for higher seeding efficiency.

Supported the development of standard operating procedures, sample preparation workflows, and data recording templates for repeatable experiments.

Collaborated with senior researchers on testing methodologies for cloud-active particles, and participated in weekly technical review meetings.

Documented results in technical summaries, and contributed to internal reports assessing environmental impact, material feasibility, and application potential.

• Assisted in monitoring and optimizing key process units (raw mill, kiln, preheater, cooler, finish mill).
• Collected and analyzed process data (temperature profiles, feed rates, fuel usage, emission levels) to support daily operations.
• Supported raw material and product quality checks, including sampling and basic laboratory testing.
• Participated in troubleshooting production issues such as kiln instability, slagging, dust carryover, or clinker quality deviations.
• Observed and assisted in routine equipment inspections for conveyors, cyclones, heat exchangers, ESP/baghouse systems, and rotary kiln components.
• Helped track process KPIs (energy consumption, throughput, clinker factor, heat balance).
• Worked with senior engineers to evaluate minor process modifications or efficiency improvement ideas.
• Supported safety procedures, permit-to-work systems, and adherence to plant operational standards.
• Prepared shift logs, technical notes, and simple process diagrams for internal use.
• Participated in maintenance shutdown planning and field walk-downs.