Olamide Folakemi Eso

Course studying

Sustainable Energy Techology PhD

Research area

Adaptation of watergy to achieve thermal comfort in buildings in the tropical savannah climate

What made you want to become an engineer?

As a little girl, I was always excited when permitted by my parents to play with my Lego toys after coming back from school every day. Although, it was sometimes a daunting activity for me to keep the Lego toy house in place, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of building it. I remember vividly how dedicated I used to be to get this play task done. I guess this was where my desire to become an engineer in the architecture field originated from.

In addition, my father also had a huge influence on my decision to pursue a degree in architecture at undergraduate and master’s levels. However, my pursuit of a PhD degree in sustainable energy technology in the engineering field of study was because of my intense desire to want to know more after my second degree.

I was not satisfied with the solutions I could create with my skills in architecture. I wanted to create solutions that would make buildings more comfortable, environmentally friendly and energy-cost friendly. Coming from a hot country where energy supply is a bit erratic, I wanted to find a solution to the high-energy demand for cooling of buildings in hot climates. Along the line, I stumbled on a type of energy storing and energy-producing model called ‘watergy’ that potentially seem like the suitable solution I was looking for. This is what motivated me to undertake a PhD in the engineering field. I wanted answers to my questions to make a change in my country Nigeria.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, I see myself to have completed my PhD, and to have been able to develop prototype buildings using the solution developed from my PhD research in my home country, Nigeria. I am also passionate about good governance, development and growth in the African continent. So, if the opportunity arises to lead in any capacity in Africa, I will take it up to ensure that positive change is realised in that region.

Why is Black History Month an important celebration for you? 

Black History Month is so important because it is a time to celebrate our history and heritage as Black people. I believe that the story of a person is not complete without including his or her history or background. This is the importance of celebrating Black History Month. It is also an opportunity to campaign for equality, inclusiveness, acceptance and the resilience of Black people and indeed all other races in the world. Black History Month affords the opportunity for all races all over the world to deeply reflect on the fact that we are more connected than we think and to embrace unity. 

What are your experiences as a person of colour in the UK?

My experience here in the UK as a person of colour has been very positive and amazing. I don’t know if this is case for everyone else, but from my personal experience I have been treated with respect by both the locals and international residents.

I have been given several opportunities to express myself and just be myself. I have never been judged by my colour but rather everyone has been eager to give me an opportunity to contribute. The university environment has also been like a home away from home for me. I like it here I must say. In my opinion this is what a civilised society should be like. I have learnt a lot of valuable lessons about life here in the UK.

Who would you say your role model is?

Nelson Mandela is my all-time hero. He was a man of profound character that stood up for what he believed in and influenced the world to respect one another. I admire his resilience in the face of his trials and imprisonments.

But above all, I really admire the way he handled his leadership responsibilities. He understood what being a true leader was. He was passionate about service to his people and freedom for his people. He did not care so much about the gains and privileges he enjoyed through governance. He was indeed an amazing and selfless leader. What a profound man he was!

How do you think the faculty and University can further progress inclusion and diversity? 

As a university that houses students of different races from all over the world, the University of Nottingham should continue to encourage more of this type of celebrations. It will serve as an opportunity for other races to express their diversity in the university too, as they celebrate the history that they hold dear to their hearts.

I would also like to see more BAME in position of authority, as teaching staff or as admin staffs at the faculty level and across the university. This will further project that the faculty of engineering and the university are committed to ensuring that inclusiveness and diversity are embraced in their recruitment process.