Mr. Daniel Mutia Mwendwa | Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award
Daniel Mutia Mwendwa at University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Summary:
Daniel Mutia Mwendwa is a Rhodes Scholar currently pursuing a DPhil in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, where his research focuses on geospatial analysis of solar-powered irrigation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. He holds an MSc in Energy Systems (Distinction) from Oxford and a BEng (First Class Honours) in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh. Co-founder of BuniTek, he is dedicated to introducing technology to African youth. Daniel also works as a Research Assistant in the Climate Compatible Growth Programme, contributing to energy planning in Kenya and global green hydrogen initiatives.
Professional Profile:
👩‍🎓Education:
University of Oxford, UK (2023 – Present)
DPhil in Engineering Science (Rhodes Scholar)
- Thesis Topic: Geospatial analysis of solar-powered irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the water, energy, and food nexus.
University of Oxford, UK (2021 – 2022)
MSc in Energy Systems (Distinction, Rhodes Scholar)
- Thesis: Developed a geospatial methodology for sizing and costing solar-powered irrigation systems for different crops.
University of Edinburgh, UK (2017 – 2021)
BEng (Hons) in Electronics and Electrical Engineering (First Class Honours, MasterCard Foundation Scholar)
- Thesis: Developed an optimized hybrid energy storage system (HESS) combining battery storage, hydrogen fuel cells, and supercapacitors using MATLAB Simulink.
🏢 Professional Experience:
Rhodes Trust, Oxford, UK (Mar 2024 – Present)
Rhodes Scholarship Ambassador for East Africa
- Engages with universities across East Africa to introduce students to the Rhodes Scholarship and supports their application process.
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK (Mar 2022 – Present)
Research Assistant, Climate Compatible Growth Programme
- Developed least-cost electrification pathways for Kenyan counties using the Open-Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET). Conducted capacity-building workshops on energy planning models like OSeMOSYS and IRENA’s Flextool. Also involved in geospatial modeling of green hydrogen production potential globally.
Loughborough University, Nairobi, Kenya (Nov 2022 – Present)
Research Consultant
- Designed off-grid electrification solutions for poultry farming and health facilities. Authored academic papers on energy planning and developed funding proposals.
BuniTek, Nairobi, Kenya (Jun 2020 – Present)
Co-Founder
- Co-founded BuniTek, an initiative that introduces technology concepts to African high school students in an engaging and hands-on manner. Led a team of 15 volunteers to develop 14 new courses.
Research Interests:
Daniel Mutia Mwendwa’s research interests lie in renewable energy systems, particularly in optimizing solar-powered irrigation and hybrid energy storage solutions. He is passionate about integrating geospatial modeling and energy planning to address sustainability challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. His work also focuses on green hydrogen production, off-grid electrification, and the energy-water-food nexus.
Author Metrics:
Mwendwa has co-authored several research papers and reports, including:
- “Spatial Data Starter Kit for OnSSET Energy Planning in Kitui County, Kenya” – Published in Data in Brief (2022).
- “Mapping the Energy Planning Ecosystem in Kenya” – Published on GOV.UK (2023).
- “County Energy Planning Data Flows in Kenya: Practitioner Perspectives” – Published on GOV.UK (2023).