Dr Tosin Somorin

Chancellor'S Fellowships

Chemical and Process Engineering

Personal statement

My research focuses on energy and environmental engineering, with emphasis on sustainable conversion of waste to value-added products; and integrated bio-processes and energy technologies. This research area addresses global energy inequalities and waste problems, contributing to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs 7, 11 & 13 “affordable and clean energy”, “sustainable cities and communities” and “climate action”. Focus research areas include:

integrated bioprocess development for the sustainable conversion of waste gases and organic residues to high-energy carrier fuels and/or products;
thermochemical conversion of carbon-based fuels;
biogenic carbon sequestration involving the development of gasification-syngas fermentation technology and engineered biochar, for simultaneous carbon capture and value recovery from wastewater and biosolids;
life cycle assessment and development of circular valorisation process routes.

To address specific challenges, my research group carry out experimental design, testing and evaluation; process modelling and simulation; feasibility studies including life cycle cost, techno-economic and environmental analysis, to support the development of innovative concepts.

Expertise

Back to staff profile

Qualifications

I joined the University of Strathclyde in 2019 as a Chancellor Fellow/Lecturer in Energy and my research focuses on value recovery from waste and sustainable clean energy development. Prior to Strathclyde, I worked at Cranfield University where I developed sanitary energy technologies for the on-site conversion of human waste to energy. This was part of the development of the Nano Membrane Toilet —a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) for people lacking access to modern sanitation. I also contributed to other high-value research projects including RAEng funded project in collaboration with ASOMECSA and Universidad Industrial de Santander, Colombia, and BMGF “Faecal Waste Drying Characterisation" project with the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and Swansea University, UK.

I hold a PhD in Gas Turbine Engineering from Cranfield University (specialisation in sustainable biofuels) with prior degrees in Microbiology and Biotechnology. I have worked as an environmental consultant with extensive experience in compliance monitoring and environmental impact assessment. Some of the leading projects involved high-value clients such as Shell, Escravos GTL, Daewoo Nigeria and Brass LNG with project delivery in wastewater treatment, effluent monitoring and environmental studies. All my collective experiences in applied sciences and engineering have enabled me to conduct interdisciplinary research and apply multidisciplinary approaches to resource utilisation and value recovery.

Publications

Back to staff profile

Publications

Databases for biomass and waste biorefinery - a mini-review and SWOT analysis: Mukamwi Morgen, Somorin Tosin, Soloha Raimonda, Dace Elina; Bioengineered Vol 14 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1080/21655979.2023.2286722
Production of high surface area activated carbon from peanut shell by chemical activation with zinc chloride : optimisation and characterization: Fletcher Ashleigh, Somorin Tosin, Aladeokin Oluwagbemi; BioEnergy Research Vol 17, pp. 467-478 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-023-10683-7
Sustainable valorisation of agri-food waste from open-air markets in Kampala, Uganda via standalone and integrated waste conversion technologies: Somorin T, Campos LC, Kinobe JR, Kulabako RN, Afolabi OOD; Biomass and Bioenergy Vol 172 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2023.106752
Sustainable Impact by Design: Essex Jane, Wellisch Gaston, Galbraith Allison, Egea Alvarez Agusti, Cunningham Margaret Rose, Giovelli Noemi, Ivaturi Aruna, Li Rui, Maddock Christie, Somorin Tosin, Yue Hong, Hendry Pauline, Hendry Martyn, Essex Will, Caccavale Elio, Johnson Michael Pierre; (2021)
Development of a carbon-based catalyst for syngas reforming to maximise hydrogen production: Mukamwi M, Somorin T, Li J, Zhang X; 28th Annual SCI-CSCST Conference (2021)
Isothermal drying characteristics and kinetics of human faecal sludges: Somorin Tosin, Getahun Samuel, Septien Santiago, Mabbet Ian, Kolios Athanasios, Buckley Chris; Gates Open Research Vol 4 (2021); https://doi.org/10.12688/gatesopenres.13137.2

More publications

Teaching

Back to staff profile

Teaching

Through research-led teaching and learning, I train future leaders on the fundamentals, applied, and interdisciplinary knowledge of sustainable, clean energy systems and environmental solutions. I equip students with the skills needed to work in the energy and environmental sectors.

Specifically, I teach CP538 “Environmental Engineering for Industrial Challenges”, contributing to high-quality teaching and learning at Strathclyde. I also contribute to other modules: Chemical Engineering Design (CP407) and Chemical Engineering Project (18530).

I am accepting students in the following areas:

Research

Back to staff profile

Research Interests

My research interests cover the areas of, but are not limited to:

Sustainable waste conversion and value recovery via thermochemical conversion (e.g. gasification, pyrolysis, combustion, hydrothermal carbonisation of carbon-based fuels) and biochemical conversion (e.g. anaerobic digestion of organic waste, syngas fermentation of waste gases)
Design and testing of innovative energy technologies and processes, including complex design of laboratory- and pilot-scale test rigs
Process modelling and simulation including conceptual design and techno-economic feasibility studies.
Environmental impact assessment of waste systems using life-cycle methodologies and principles.