Academic Leadership & Faculty Profile

Dr. Tsatsu Nukunya

Senior Lecturer • Department of Food Process Engineering

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Dr. Tsatsu Nukunya

Dr. Tsatsu Nukunya

Senior Lecturer

Email Address tnukunya@ug.edu.gh 

Office Location

School of Engineering Sciences Complex
Department Department of Food Process Engineering

Academic Biography

Dr. Tsatsu Nukunya is a seasoned chemical engineer with extensive academic and research experience spanning liquid membrane separations, biofiltration of air streams, kinetic and mass transfer modeling, lifecycle analysis, biosensor validation, and polymer engineering. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Southern California, an MEng from North Carolina A&T State University, and a BSc from KNUST in Ghana. Dr. Nukunya has contributed significantly to environmental and separation technologies, with a particular focus on the application of pore network models in biofiltration and the use of membrane systems for heavy metal extraction. His work has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences, reflecting a deep commitment to advancing sustainable chemical engineering solutions.

PhD. Chemical Engineering – University of Southern California, USA

MEng. Chemical Engineering – North Carolina A&T State University, USA

BSc Chemical Engineering – KNUST, Ghana

Research Interests & Specialization

  • Mensah, B., Kaufmann, E. E., KariKari, M., Annan, E., Yao, K. P., Essien, E., ... & Nukunya, T. (2026). Preparation and characterization of high-performance carboxylated-NR/NBR reinforced with silanized silica-carbon black: A potential material for automobile tire tread design.Journal of Polymer Research, 33(3), 88.
  • Mensah, B., Kaufmann, E. E., Annan, E., Brown, S., Mensah Embil, Z., Yao, K. P., ... & Nukunya, T. (2026). Temperature-dependent crosslinking behaviour of graphene-reinforced rubber nanocomposites.Journal of Elastomers & Plastics, 58(3), 648–670.
  • Mensah, B., Kaufmann, E. E., Aboagye, I. A., Zephaniah, M. E., Kwaku, G. M., Boakye, I. K., ... & Nukunya, T. (2026). Coconut-coir modified with nanoparticles for flexible sensors and energy harvesting applications.Polymers and Polymer Composites, 34, 09673911261432252.
  • Mensah, B., Amobeng, W., Apalangya, V., Essien, E., Kwabena, K. D., Nyakudya, E., & Nukunya, T. (2025). Eco-friendly rubber compounds: Utilizing animal lard as a plasticizer oil.Polymer Engineering & Science, 65(6), 3085–3099.
  • Mensah, B., Apalangya, V., Onwona-Agyeman, B., Nyakudya, E., Obeng Yirenya, I., Dawu, B., ... & Nukunya, T. (2025). Effect of maleic-anhydride and filler type on XNBR/IIR rubber blend.Journal of Elastomers & Plastics, 57(7), 1119–1147.
  • Mensah, B., Zigah, M., Essien, E., Domanko, R., Apalangya, V., & Nukunya, T. (2025). Effect of sulfur and peroxide curatives on epoxidized natural rubber toughened with ethylene-vinyl-acetate.Polymer Science, Series B, 67(2), 11.
  • Apalangya, V., Awity, S. A., Ngmenyelle, R. D., Nukunya, T., Dankyi, E., & Ibrahim, J. J. (2025). Food traceability and corporate social responsibility: A conceptual model for corporate sustainability.Science and Development Journal, 9(2), 101.
  • Nukunya, T., Nukunya, B., Apalangya, V., Ngmenyella, R., Ibrahim, J. J., & Mensah, B. (2024). Anaerobic biofiltration of landfill gas.Science and Development Journal, 9(1), 87–97.
  • Ouedrago, A., Ngmenyelle, R., Owusu, M. A., Eklemet, V. D., Awity, S. A., Dankyi, E., Nukunya, T., Ibrahim, J. J., & Apalangya, V. (2024). Potential application of cold plasma technology to control aflatoxin contamination in tropical food product.Science and Development Journal, 8(2), 62.
  • Nukunya, T., Devinny, J. S., & Tsotsis, T. T. (2005). Application of a pore network model to a biofilter treating ethanol vapor.Chemical Engineering Science, 60(3), 665–675.
  • Nukunya, T., Tsotsis, T. T., & Devinny, J. S. (2002). Application of a pore network model to a lava rock biofilter treating ethanol. In F. E. Reynolds (Ed.),Proceedings of the 2002 Conference on Biofiltration (an Air Pollution Control Technology). The Reynolds Group, Tustin, California, October 31–November 1, 2002.
  • Ilias, S., Schimmel, K. A., & Nukunya, T. (2001). Stripping of Zn(II), Cu(II), Co(II) and Cd(II) using DEHPA and EDTA in a hollow-fiber membrane module.Separation Science and Technology, 36, 823–834.
  • Schwarz, B., Nukunya, T., Devinny, J. S., & Tsotsis, T. T. (2000). A pore network model of biofilter clogging. In F. E. Reynolds (Ed.),Proceedings of the 2000 Conference on Biofiltration (an Air Pollution Control Technology). The Reynolds Group, Tustin, California, October 19–20, 2000.
  • Schimmel, K. A., Ilias, S., Srinivas, A., & Nukunya, T. (1998). Nondispersive liquid-liquid extraction of cadmium, cobalt, copper and zinc by DEHPA and stripping with EDTA.National Conference on Environmental Remediation Science and Technology, Greensboro, NC, September 8–10, 1998.

Academic Qualifications

  • B.Sc. Engineering / Applied Science
  • Postgraduate Engineering Specialization

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Featured Department Innovation

Celebrating Fitroot Ghana's Journey from Classroom Project to Industry Trailblazer! Featured Story
August 15, 2025 Student Innovation & AFPEN

Celebrating Fitroot Ghana's Journey from Classroom Project to Industry Trailblazer! 

Meet Ruth Owusu, Wisdom Mensah, Samson Iwuozor, and Ruth Akosua Senkerya Owusu — transforming underutilized Ghanaian superfoods into healthy, commercial snack innovations.

Student Enterprise: Founded by FPEN engineering students Ruth Owusu, Wisdom Mensah, Samson Iwuozor, and Ruth Akosua Senkerya Owusu.
Superfood Innovation: Value-added product line leveraging indigenous baobab, hibiscus, and tigernuts.
Read Full Story Published by Department of Food Process Engineering

Department Archives

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Browse news articles covering student associations, industrial brewery walkthroughs, and academic award winners.

A New Chapter Begins — The Grand Launch of the Association of Food Process Engineers (AFPEN)
Student Life & AFPEN
June 13, 2025 AFPEN Secretariat

A New Chapter Begins — The Grand Launch of the Association of Food Process Engineers (AFPEN) 

The official launch of AFPEN at the SES Toyota Center establishes a premier professional home uniting undergraduates, postgraduates, alumni, and industry pioneers.

ABL Rewards Best Food Process Engineering Graduate at University of Ghana
Academic Excellence & Awards
September 27, 2024 University of Ghana Public Affairs

ABL Rewards Best Food Process Engineering Graduate at University of Ghana 

Daniel Ananey-Obiri receives top honours, a brand new laptop, and cash prize from Accra Brewery Limited at the Vice Chancellor's Academic Awards Ceremony.

ABL Rewards UG Best Graduating Student in Food Process Engineering
Academic Excellence & Awards
April 20, 2018 University Communications

ABL Rewards UG Best Graduating Student in Food Process Engineering 

Accra Brewery Limited honors Ms. Madina Salihu as the department's top female engineering graduate with financial reward and priority internship placement.

Food Process Engineering Students Tour Accra Brewery Limited Plant
Industry Immersion
March 23, 2018 Academic Fieldwork Team

Food Process Engineering Students Tour Accra Brewery Limited Plant 

30 engineering students undertake an immersive technical walkthrough of commercial mashing, automated bottling lines, CIP sanitation, and electronic empty-bottle inspection.