FST holds maiden Short Course on Applied Rheology

The Centre for Capacity Building and Innovation (CCBI) in collaboration with the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST)  and the University of British Columbia, Canada, held it's maiden short course in Applied Rheology using a state-of-art Rheometer acquired by FST. This was in line with KNUST's mission of advancing knowledge in science and technology through creating an environment for undertaking relevant research, quality teaching, entrepreneurship training and community engagement to improve the quality of life. The three day short course was mainly coordinated and spearheaded by Professor Jacob K. Agbenorhevi from the Department of Food Science and Technology and jointly facilitated with Prof. Vassilis Kontogiorgos from the University of British Columbia, Canada (UBC).

 

The course kickstarted at 10am on Tuesday, 7th May, 2024 and ended at 2pm on Thursday, 9th May. There were 18 participants who were physically present and over 20 participants via zoom. Also in attendance were the Head of Department, Professor Faustina Wireko-Manu, immediate-past Head of Department and representative of the Provost, Professor Isaac William Ofosu, Chairman of the laboratory committee, Dr. John-Lewis Zinia Zaukuu, Manager of the Processing Unit, Dr. Eric Owusu-Mensah, the Department Secretary, Ms. Naa Dede Ayensu and Technicians in the Department: Mr. Redeemer Agbolegbe, Mr. Mighty Akley and Justice Opoku. Some Teaching and Research Assistants in the Department also graced the event with their unwavering support.

 

The opening ceremony featured an introductory address by the Course Coordinator, Professor Agbenorhevi, followed by an opening prayer led by one of the attendees. This set the stage for a session of self-introductions, allowing both in-person and online participants to share their names, professions, expectations and interests related to Rheology.

 

After a brief intermission for a tea-break, Prof. Agbenorhevi and Mr. Mighty Akley conducted a guided tour of the laboratory, providing participants with an insightful demonstration of the Rheometer’s operations.

 

 

The day concluded with an online lecture that began promptly at 3:00 PM and delivered by Prof. Vassilis Kontogiorgos.

 

The second day started with participants gathering at 10:00 AM for breakfast. Professor Jacob facilitated a review session, recapping the previous day’s learnings. The group then transitioned to the main laboratory for a hands-on practical session led by Mr. Mighty Akley, who demonstrated various sample analyses. Participants were subsequently invited to conduct their own experiments under guidance.

 

Following a lunch break, the day continued with the second online lecture delivered by Prof. Vassilis Kontogiorgos, further delving into the intricacies of Rheology.

 

 

The final day provided participants with the unique opportunity to analyze their own samples, with assistance from Mr. Mighty Akley and Prof. Agbenorhevi. 

 

After a lunch break at 1:00 PM, the course drew to a close with the coordinator’s concluding remarks, and a representative of the Provost, giving a closing address and acknowledgement.

 

 

Presentation of certificates to all attendees was done by the Head of Department, Professor Faustina Wireko-Manu, the representative of the Provost and former Head of Department, Professor Isaac William Ofosu and Dr. Eric Owusu-Mensah. Participants were encourage to apply and disseminate their newly acquired knowledge while considering collaborations with the Department and University as a whole.