Biography:
Ozak-Obazi Oluwaseyi Esu, born on 23 April 1991, is a Nigerian electrical engineer who has made significant contributions in her field. As the technical lead at the BRE Centre for Smart Homes and Buildings (CSHB), she has demonstrated her expertise and passion for creating sustainable and efficient living spaces.
Esu’s journey began in Kaduna, Nigeria, where she was born. In Lagos, she completed her A-Level examinations in mathematics, physics, and geography. It was during her time in Nigeria that she witnessed the energy problem plaguing the country, which motivated her to pursue a career in engineering.
In 2008, Esu moved to the United Kingdom, where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Her commitment to her studies was evident as she served as the president of the Nigerian Society during her time at university. Esu’s dedication did not go unnoticed, as she secured a £54,000 scholarship for postgraduate study and earned her PhD in 2016.
During her doctoral research at Loughborough University, Esu focused on wind turbine blades and their condition monitoring through the use of low-cost sensors in consumer electronics. Her work offered valuable insights into vibration-based condition monitoring, and her findings were published in scientific journals such as Renewable Energy and System, REWE. Esu also presented her research at various international conferences, including those focused on renewable energy and vibration testing.
In November 2014, Esu joined Cundall Johnston and Partners as a graduate engineer while concurrently completing her PhD. Her skills and dedication quickly became apparent as she played a crucial role in the technical design and construction supervision of multiple schools across the UK. In addition, she contributed to the design team responsible for the Energy Systems Catapult office in Birmingham, which earned the prestigious British Council for Offices ‘Fit Out of Workplace’ Midlands Regional Award in 2017.
Recognizing her exceptional talent and contributions, Esu was promoted to electrical engineer in 2017. In this role, she took on the responsibility of leading, managing, and coordinating the appraisal of existing electrical infrastructure and designing new electrical building services. Additionally, she served as a mentor for students, showcasing her commitment to the development and growth of others in her field.
In January 2019, Esu joined the BRE Centre for Smart Homes and Buildings as the technical lead. The center, known for its collaborative approach, seeks to accelerate the use of smart products and services in the built environment. Within this role, Esu performs research on various smart building topics, develops proposals and propositions, and plays a vital role in shaping the future of smart cities.
Beyond her professional roles, Esu also shares her knowledge and expertise as a guest lecturer at the University. Her commitment to education and inspiring the next generation of engineers is just one aspect of her influence on society. Through her work and dedication, Esu has become a role model for aspiring female engineers in Nigeria and beyond.