Engineering Technology, Institute of Research for Technology Development, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, True Lean, Director of Undergraduate Certificates, Director of Undergraduate Studies
Nelson Akafuah is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Fujio Cho Department of Engineering Technology at the University of Kentucky. He also serves as the director of the Institute of Research for Technology Development (IR4TD).
Nelson earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. He also holds an Executive MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Orleans, and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana.
Throughout his career, Nelson has held several technical and management positions. These include serving as a project engineer at KITE, an energy consulting firm in Kumasi, and as a mechanical engineer at General Electric Power Systems in Schenectady, New York. He has also been the Associate Director of IR4TD.
Nelson's research focuses on various aspects of paint processes for automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier One suppliers. He is dedicated to implementing systems and tools that enhance energy efficiency, improve overall performance, and increase operational quality and productivity through lean manufacturing principles.
Strong connections to family and community are vital to Nelson and his professional work. He is passionate about helping others achieve their dreams and is guided by a commitment to serving his students and helping them envision a possible future.
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky
MBA., Executive, Jack Welch Management Institute, Strayer University
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of New Orleans
B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, K.N. University of Science and Technology, Ghana
2021 – Present: Department Chair, Department of Engineering Technology, University of Kentucky
2021 – Present: Associate Professor, Department of Engineering Technology, University of Kentucky
2021 – Present: Director, Institute of Research for Technology Development (IR4TD), University of Kentucky
2018 – Present: Director, Undergraduate Production Engineering Certificate, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky
2019 – 2021: Faculty Fellow in the College of Engineering and Chair of the Engineering Technology Implementation Committee, University of Kentucky
2019 – 2021: Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky
07/2019 – 08/2019: Associate Research Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky,
2017 – 2021: Associate Director, Institute of Research for Technology Development (IR4TD), University of Kentucky
2011 – 2019: Assistant Research Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky
2010 – 2011: Post-Doctoral Research Scholar, IR4TD, University of Kentucky
2005 – 2009: Research Assistant, IR4TD, University of Kentucky
2003 – 2005: Research Assistant, Energy Conversion and Conservation Center, University of New Orleans
2002 – 2003: Mechanical Engineer, General Electric Power Systems, Schenectady, NY
2001 – 2002: Research Assistant, Energy Conversion and Conservation Center, University of New Orleans
8/2000 – 12/2000: Mechanical Engineer, Kumasi Institute of Technology, Energy, and Environment, Kumasi, Ghana
1999 – 2000: Post-Bachelors Teaching Assistant in Mechanical Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
