shalompaul@madonnauniversity.edu.ng
Madonna University, Akpugo Campus

Engr. Okpala, Paul Chika Michael

Mechanical/Production Engineer

Biography

I attended Demonstration Primary School, College of Education, Akwanga, Nasarawa State and obtained my first school leaving certificate in 1991. I then proceeded to Mada hills Secondary School Akwanga where I obtained my Senior School Certificate Examination in 1997. In 1999, I gained admission into Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka to study Mechanical/Production Engineering and I graduated with a Second Class Honours Degree (Upper Division) in 2004. My National Youth Service was from 2005 – 2006 in Jos, Plateau State. At this point I went into the labour market and worked for a while before going back to Nnamdi Azikiwe University again for my masters. I graduated in 2017 with a CGPA of 4.07/5.0. I am registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

Current Position

Lecturer II, Akpugo Campus.

Professional Education

  • B.Eng, Mechanical/Production Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, 2004
  • M.Eng, Mechanical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, 2017

Publications

Analysis of the Dynamic Energy Flow Associated with Phagocytosis of Bacteria

Thermodynamics approach was used to study the phagocytic engulfment of some selected bacteria. A parameter called the engulfment parameter was derived in this work to predict bacteria engulfment. Negative values of the engulfment parameter suggest that phagocytosis will take place by surface thermodynamics alone with the release of energy (exothermic process). The positive values of engulfment parameter on the other hand suggest that engulfment will not take place unaided.

General Model of the Innate Immune Response from a Mechanical Engineering point of View

Many models of the innate immune system response abound in literature. In this work, the knowledge of surface thermodynamics was used to derive the general model of innate immune response. The model was analysed and can be used to predict the engulfment or otherwise of some selected bacteria.

Time at the University

  • GA: 2011 - 2018; Mechanical Engineering Department
  • Lecturer II: 2018 - Date; Mechanical Engineering Department

Courses Taught

  • Mechanical Engineering Design III (MEC 541)
  • Mechanical Engineering Design II (MEC 411)
  • Control Systems Engineering (MEC 461)
  • Dynamics of Physical System (MEC 352)
  • Thermodymanics I (MEC 222)

Professional Affiliations

  • Council for the regulation of Engineering in Nigeria