Our Scholar Advisors

Dr. Hiba Bensalah is a Chemical Engineer and Materials Scientist at the University of Oxford and founder of Waste2Watt. She believes that great researchers and entrepreneurs are made early, through the right questions, the right mentors, and the courage to think beyond the obvious. Having navigated academia and deep-tech startup building across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, she is committed to helping students develop the research mindset and entrepreneurial confidence they need to create real-world impact, wherever they come from.

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Hiba's speciality: 

• Materials Science & Engineering

• Clean Energy & Battery Technologies

• Waste Valorisation & Circular Economy

• Water Treatment & Environmental Technologies

• Science Entrepreneurship & Deep Tech Startups

Dr. Nelson Y. Dzade is a passionate educator and an interdisciplinary materials scientist, who uses advanced computer modeling to design cleaner energy technologies while also building global collaborations and mentoring the next generation of scientists, especially across Africa. He is an associate professor and chair of the undergraduate Energy Engineering Program at Penn State, where he leads the Materials and Minerals Theory Group. He is also the Director of Penn State Alliance for Education, Science, Engineering, and Design with Africa (AESEDA), a strategic platform that advances interdisciplinary research, education, sustainability, and innovation through equitable international partnerships, particularly across Africa. He is a recipient of several competitive awards, including the U.S. Department of Energy Early Career Research Award; UK Research and Innovation Fellowship Award, Penn State EMS Innovative Teaching Award, and Faculty Advising Award. He holds a PhD in Computational Materials Science from University College London, UK.

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Nelson's speciality:

• Materials design and informatics

• Multiscale modeling of energy materials 

• Sustainable energy conversion and storage

• Surface reactivity and interfacial phenomena

• Mineral processing and separation

Dr Javad Shamsi is a nanochemist and nanophysicist whose research focuses on the design and development of semiconductor nanomaterials, particularly quantum dots, for applications in both classical and quantum lighting technologies. His work bridges fundamental materials science with emerging quantum technologies, with a strong emphasis on sustainable energy materials and next-generation optoelectronic devices. Having lived and worked across the Middle East, Europe, and the United Kingdom, Javad has developed a deep appreciation for the role of cultural diversity in shaping scientific innovation. He believes that science is a universal language that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Drawing on his extensive experience as a Bye-Fellow and Tutor at St Edmund's College, University of Cambridge, Javad is a strong advocate for inclusive and interdisciplinary research environments. He believes that diverse perspectives challenge unconscious biases, inspire creativity, and lead to new scientific discoveries. Passionate about education, mentorship, and leadership, he is committed to helping the next generation of scientists understand the breadth of career opportunities available in science and technology, empowering them to pursue their ambitions with confidence.

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Javad's speciality:

• Energy materials and efficient energy technologies

• Quantum technologies for broad societal impact

• Interdisciplinary research

• Scientific leadership

• Community building, and fostering collaboration across cultures and disciplines

As a physicist, nanoscientist, leadership specialist, and co-founder of DAMINY EduNERGY, fluent in English and French, Nutifafa has a unique interdisciplinary background. He is a Professor of Materials
Science and Engineering at Penn State. He holds a doctorate in Nanoscience from the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. He is a recipient of many scholarly awards, including the 2025 ACS Materials Au Rising Star. He is a reviewer for 20+ scientific journals and has more than 20 years of combined experience in STEM and French education. His vision/mission is to improve global education
and energy access, contributing to the Energy Transition.

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Nutifafa's speciality:

• Energy (Renewable, Solar Energy, photovoltaics)

• Physics

• Nanoscience

• Materials Science

• Leadership and Professional development

​Dr. Manuel Kernen brings over 15 years of hands-on experience in education, research, and social impact across East Africa, North America, and Europe. One of his particular strengths is taking complex, multi-layered issues and helping scholars see them clearly, breaking down dense concepts into accessible frameworks without losing their depth or nuance. He is especially drawn to projects at the intersection of public health, gender, education, and global politics, and brings a frank, constructive mentorship style that helps scholars sharpen their thinking and find their own voice. Manuel also helps scholars make well-founded decisions about their careers, whether academically oriented, entrepreneurial, or both.

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Manuel's speciality:

• Interdisciplinary research and project design

• Social impact, activism, and nonprofit leadership

• Evidence-based policy and government collaboration

• Peace, conflict, and global politics

• Community-based research and real-world problem-solving

Dr Gerald Arhin is a Research Fellow in the Political Economy of Climate Compatible Development at University College London. Gerald’s research interrogate the power and politics that shape the policies and decisions intended to arrest the climate crisis. He is passionate about putting communities and vulnerable groups at the heart of energy transition agendas, and believes in mentoring the young generation in a way that they think ‘justice’ at the early stage of their academic/professional life. Gerald Holds a PhD in Development Policy and Management from University of Manchester and coordinates the Critical Mineral Working group of the Africa Institute for Sustainable Energy and System Analysis (AISESA).

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Gerald's speciality:

• Critical minerals governance

• Political economy of development

• Just transitions

• Equity in energy access and planning

• Disability inclusion

Dr. Elizabeth Tennyson is a physicist and materials scientist with expertise in sustainability, energy systems, and climate-focused research. Her work spans advanced research at the University of Cambridge, global development programming, and sustainability education through her co-founded charity, Sustain/Education. At Rondil Scholars Hub, Beth brings a passion for helping students explore the energy transition, climate resilience, and real-world sustainability challenges through rigorous research, creative problem-solving, and impact-driven learning.

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Beth's speciality:

• Energy transition and clean energy systems

• Energy access and global development

• Physics, materials science, and engineering

• Climate resilience and community impact

• Research skills for real-world environmental challenges

Dr. Sandile Mtetwa-Omuthe is a Cambridge-trained chemist and Gates Cambridge Scholar Alumna with expertise in clean energy, innovation, and applied research. As Co-Founder and Head of Innovation and Applied Research at Rondil Scholars, she helps students build interdisciplinary research skills, connect scientific ideas to real-world challenges, and explore pathways into higher education and impactful careers. With experience across entrepreneurship, consultancy, international development, and nearly a decade of mentoring students globally, Sandile is passionate about helping young scholars grow as confident researchers, problem-solvers, and changemakers.

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Sandile's speciality:

• Clean and sustainable energy research (hydrogen generation, photocatalysis, metal-organic frameworks, carbon storage)

• Innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving

• Energy and climate research-to-policy 

• Interdisciplinary research skills

• Leadership and community engagement

Dr. Ronald Omuthe is an Education and International Development specialist with experience across Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. His work focuses on strengthening education systems, expanding access, and improving the quality of learning in a rapidly changing global and technological landscape. As a researcher and mentor, he is committed to helping students develop the confidence, critical thinking, and research skills they need to publish meaningful work, access top-tier universities, and contribute to the future of education.

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Ronald's speciality:

• Research skills and academic publishing

• University admissions and pre-university preparation

• Education technology and the future of learning

• Equity, access, and social impact in education

• Critical thinking, writing, and project development