Musamba Banza | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Musamba Banza | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc fellow | UNISA | South Africa

Dr. Musamba Jean Claude Banza is a distinguished researcher and expert in machine learning and material development, with a strong commitment to advancing sustainable technologies. His research spans multiple domains, including machine learning applications in computer vision, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, alongside material science innovations aimed at addressing environmental challenges. Dr. Banza has contributed to the development of advanced materials like biodegradable packaging, polymeric hydrogels for environmental remediation, and nanocomposites for wastewater treatment. He is passionate about exploring cutting-edge technologies to solve complex real-world problems and has a track record of delivering impactful solutions. Dr. Banza holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Vaal University of Technology and has published extensively in international journals. His work is recognized globally, having earned him several awards for excellence in research and innovation.

Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Education

Dr. Musamba Jean Claude Banza completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering at Vaal University of Technology in 2022. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering (2014), followed by a Master of Technology in Chemical Engineering (2019), also from Vaal University of Technology. He further honed his expertise in the field with a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering (2016). Throughout his studies, Dr. Banza consistently demonstrated excellence, paving the way for his future groundbreaking work in machine learning and material development. His education provided him with a solid foundation in chemical engineering principles, materials science, and data analysis, which he has successfully applied in both academic research and industrial projects. His studies in sustainable materials and environmental science form the backbone of his innovative solutions in addressing pressing global challenges.

 

Experience

Dr. Musamba Jean Claude Banza has extensive professional experience in both academia and industry. He currently holds a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of South Africa (2025-2027) in the Department of Environmental Sciences. Prior to this, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Vaal University of Technology from 2023 to 2024, contributing to research in the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering. Between 2019 and 2022, Dr. Banza served as a part-time lecturer and supervised numerous Bachelor’s and Master’s students. His industry experience includes working at Ruashi Mining (Metorex and Jinchuan Group) from 2012 to 2014, where he optimized copper and cobalt leaching circuits and conducted mass balance analysis and water balance studies. His diverse career has allowed him to bridge the gap between research and practical applications, demonstrating his ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in both academia and the industrial sector.

Research Interests

Dr. Musamba Jean Claude Banza’s research focuses on the intersection of machine learning, material development, and environmental science. He has made significant strides in applying machine learning techniques, such as artificial neural networks (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), to solve complex challenges in various fields, including water treatment and environmental remediation. His work includes the development of advanced materials, such as biodegradable packaging, nanocomposites, and polymeric hydrogels designed to remove organic dyes, heavy metals, and rare earth elements from wastewater. Dr. Banza’s research also emphasizes the optimization of adsorption processes using novel materials for sustainable solutions in hydrometallurgical effluent treatment. By combining his expertise in material science with advanced machine learning algorithms, Dr. Banza is creating groundbreaking solutions that address both environmental and industrial challenges. His focus on sustainability and performance has led to practical applications that contribute to cleaner, safer environments.

Awards

Dr. Musamba Jean Claude Banza has received several prestigious awards for his exceptional contributions to research and innovation. In 2021, he was recognized as a Young Researcher by the International Academic Awards for his pioneering work in material science and machine learning. He was again honored in 2024 when he was selected as the Best Researcher by the International Academic Awards, acknowledging his significant impact on environmental remediation technologies and sustainable materials. Additionally, Dr. Banza earned a certificate from Elsevier for his article’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing the global relevance of his research. These accolades underscore his dedication to addressing critical environmental issues through innovative scientific solutions. Dr. Banza’s awards demonstrate his consistent excellence in both academic and applied research, marking him as a leader in his field.

Publications

Blast Furnace Slag for SO2 Capture: Optimization and Prediction Using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network

Authors: Kohitlhetse, I., Evans, S.K., Banza, M., Makomere, R.

Journal: Chemical Industry and Chemical Engineering Quarterly

Year: 2024

Volume: 30(4), pp. 349–357

Citations: 0

Modeling of Biomethane Production from Ultrasonic Pretreated Fruit and Vegetable Waste via Anaerobic Digestion

Authors: Matobole, K., Seodigeng, T., Banza, M., Rutto, H.

Journal: Journal of Environmental Science and Health – Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering

Year: 2024

Volume: 59(10), pp. 513–522

Citations: 0

Batch and Continuous Fixed Bed Adsorption of Copper (II) from Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Using Green and Recyclable Adsorbent from Cellulose Microcrystals (CMCs)

Authors: Banza, M., Seodigeng, T., Linda, S., Owona, S., Musampa, P.

Journal: Journal of Environmental Science and Health – Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering

Year: 2024

Volume: 59(9), pp. 488–498

Citations: 0

Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Polymeric Ultra-Permeable Biodegradable Ferromagnetic Nanocomposite Adsorbent for Removal of Cr(VI) from Synthetic Wastewater: Kinetics, Isotherms, and Thermodynamics

Authors: Suter, E., Rutto, H., Makomere, R., Kiambi, S., Omwoyo, W.

Journal: Frontiers in Environmental Chemistry

Year: 2024

Volume: 5, Article: 1451262

Citations: 1

The Impact of Ozone Treatment on the Removal Effectiveness of Various Refractory Compounds in Wastewater from Petroleum Refineries

Authors: Khoza, N., Seodigeng, T., Banza, M., Ochieng, A.

Journal: Journal of Environmental Science and Health – Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering

Year: 2024

Volume: 59(4), pp. 189–199

Citations: 0

Energy Storage Through a Regenerative Hydrogen Fuel Cell in a Hybrid System of Renewable Energy for Power Generation

Authors: Nkwambe, M.S., Sutherland, T., Seodigeng, T., Banza, M.

Journal: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Year: 2024

Volume: 108, pp. 73–78

Citations: 2

Mass Transfer Modelling of Sclerocarya Birrea Kernels in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Authors: Reddy, T., Seodigeng, T., Banza, M., Rutto, H.

Journal: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Year: 2024

Volume: 108, pp. 25–30

Citations: 0

Application of Artificial Neural Network and Shrinking Core Model for Copper (II) and Lead (II) Leaching from Contaminated Soil Using Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid

Authors: Banza, M., Rutto, H., Seodigeng, T.

Journal: Soil and Sediment Contamination

Year: 2024

Volume: 33(1), pp. 43–63

Citations: 5

Comparison Study of ANFIS, ANN, and RSM and Mechanistic Modeling for Chromium(VI) Removal Using Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals–Sodium Alginate (CNC–Alg)

Authors: Banza, M., Seodigeng, T., Rutto, H.

Journal: Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering

Year: 2023

Volume: 48(12), pp. 16067–16085

Citations: 16

The Use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in Dry Flue Gas Desulphurization Modeling: Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) and Bayesian Regularization (BR) Algorithm Comparison

Authors: Makomere, R., Rutto, H., Koech, L., Banza, M.

Journal: Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering

Year: 2023

Volume: 101(6), pp. 3273–3286

Citations: 15

 

Conclusion

Given his innovative contributions to sustainable technologies, interdisciplinary research in machine learning and material development, and global recognition through multiple awards, Dr. Musamba Jean Claude Banza is undoubtedly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His research, publications, and commitment to making a lasting impact on both industry and academia further solidify his candidacy. Dr. Banza’s work is poised to continue influencing global solutions for environmental challenges, making him an outstanding candidate for this prestigious recognition.

Richard Kwame Adom | Environmental Management | Excellence in Research

Dr. Richard Kwame Adom | Environmental Management | Excellence in Research

Teaching and Research | University of Witwatersrand | South Africa

Dr. Richard Kwame Adom is a distinguished expert in water governance and environmental management with nearly three decades of teaching and practical experience. His work spans water policy development, climate change adaptation, sustainable development, and food security, focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. As a teaching and research fellow at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, Dr. Adom is widely recognized for his contributions to geography, environmental studies, and integrated water resource management. His collaborations with governments, international organizations, and NGOs have advanced sustainable environmental solutions and resilience to climate change.

Profile

Scholar

Education

Dr. Adom’s academic journey reflects a lifelong dedication to addressing environmental challenges. He earned his Ph.D. in Human and Environmental Geography from the University of Witwatersrand, specializing in water governance and environmental change. His academic foundation includes two master’s degrees: an MPA in Public Management from the University of Fort Hare and an MSc in Economic Geography from the University of Witwatersrand. His undergraduate studies in Geography and Environmental Science and Environmental Management, along with a Diploma in Education, established his strong interdisciplinary expertise.

Experience

Dr. Adom serves as a Teaching and Research Fellow at the University of Witwatersrand. He leads modules on sustainable development, environmental politics, and GIS, while supervising graduate research. His professional experience includes advisory roles for national governments and global organizations like the African Development Bank, FAO, and DFID. His contributions encompass environmental impact assessments, community-based initiatives, and strategic policy development for climate resilience. He previously held teaching and administrative roles at the University of Fort Hare and University of Ghana, enriching his expertise in diverse academic environments.

Research Interests

Dr. Adom’s research focuses on the intersection of climate change, water resource management, and sustainable livelihoods. He examines the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of deforestation, climate funding challenges, and water-energy-food nexus strategies. His work emphasizes actionable policy frameworks and adaptive strategies to enhance resilience in vulnerable communities, particularly in Africa. Dr. Adom’s innovative methodologies in water governance have garnered significant attention and adoption in academic and policy circles.

Awards

Dr. Adom’s academic and professional achievements have been recognized through various honors, including:

  • 2023: Climate Resilience and Governance Excellence Award, Johannesburg.
  • 2022: Leadership in Environmental Research Award, South African Geographical Association.
  • 2020: Research Impact Excellence Award, University of Witwatersrand.
    His contributions have also earned nominations for prestigious awards in environmental policy and governance.

Publications

Dr. Adom has authored numerous impactful publications, including:

  1. “Assessing Social, Economic, and Environmental Challenges of Veld Fires in South Africa” (2025, Journal of Sustainable Forestry, Cited by 24)
  2. “The Complex Task of Evaluating Institutional Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change” (2025, Climate Resilience and Sustainability, Cited by 18)
  3. “Deforestation and Climate Change Implications on Rural Livelihoods in Ghana” (2024, Environmental Management, Cited by 31)
  4. “Exploring Complications of Climate Change Funding in Sub-Saharan Africa” (2024, Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Cited by 15)
  5. “Overcoming Policy Implementation Challenges in South Africa’s Water Sector” (2024, Sustainable Water Resource Management, Cited by 19)
  6. “Enhancing Climate Change Governance in South Africa” (2023, Environmental Policy and Governance, Cited by 21)
  7. “The Threat of Climate Change to Water and Food Security in South Africa” (2022, American Journal of Environment and Climate, Cited by 27)

Conclusion

Dr. Richard Kwame Adom is a visionary academic and practitioner whose work bridges theoretical insights and practical solutions to address pressing environmental challenges. His expertise in climate change adaptation, water governance, and sustainable development has left an indelible mark on the academic and professional fields. As a collaborative leader, his contributions continue to influence policy frameworks and empower communities for a more sustainable future.