Professor Esther Titilayo Akinlabi is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and currently serving as the Director of the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), Ibadan, Nigeria. Prior to joining PAULESI, she started at UJ as a Lecturer in November 2010, grew through the academic ranks and was promoted to the position of Full Professor in May 2016 owing to her exceptional research publication output, supervision of students, and the attraction of external grants to the university. She had the privilege to serve as the Head of Department of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science and as the Vice Dean for Teaching and Learning at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Her research interest is in the field of modern and advanced manufacturing processes – Friction stir welding and additive manufacturing. She has successfully graduated 30 PhD and 42 Masters students. Her research in the field of laser based additive manufacturing include laser material processing and surface engineering. She also conducts research in the field of renewable energy, and biogas production from waste. She is a rated National Research Foundation (NRF) researcher of South Africa and has demonstrated excellence in all fields of endeavors. Her leadership, mentorship and research experience is enviable as she guides her team of postgraduate students through the research journey. She is a recipient of several research grants and has received many awards of recognition to her credit. She is an alumnus of the prestigious South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS), registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). She is also a member of Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). Prof Akinlabi has filed two patents, edited two books, published seven books and authored/co-authored over 600 peer reviewed publications.