Dr. William Owusu Oduro was born in Koforidua but hails from Akyem Tafo in the Eastern Region of Ghana. He had his primary school education at Bubiashie in Accra before proceeding to Accra Academy where he obtained both GCE Ordinary Level and Advance Level Certificates. He undertook a one year National Service at the Roman Catholic Junior Secondary School in the Twifo Praso District between 1991 and 1992 teaching General Science and Vocational Skills. In 1993 he was admitted into the University of Cape Coast and graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class Upper Division in Chemistry and a Diploma in Education in 1998. After his Undergraduate studies he again did a one year National Service at the St. Roses Secondary School at Akwatia in the Kwaebibrim District of the Eastern Region teaching Chemistry and Physics from 1998 to 1999. He has since 2000 been with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Industrial Research (CSIR-IIR) where he has worked in various capacities as a Principal Technical Officer (January to May 2000), Assistant Research Scientist (May 2000 to April 2004), Research Scientist (April 2004 to July 2013) and Senior Research Scientist (July 2013 to date). He is an Alumnus of the University of Oxford Linacre College and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He has about 33 publications including a Patent on methanol production process, 14 refereed journal papers, two chapters in books and  a number of conference publications. In 2012 he was awarded the Best Inventor in a competition organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) in conjunction with the Registrar Generals Department, Ghana. He is a Christian, married with five children and a lay preacher.

EDUCATION BACKGROUND

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

RESEARCH SUMMARY AND INTEREST  

My research interest includes developing and utilising functional inorganic and organic materials for the sustainable development and the efficient use of materials and energy resources. Research activities spans the development of nano-materials for catalytic purposes, the development of composite materials and the developing and packaging of ethno-medicinal plants into western style formats. I also have a keen interest developing waste to energy technologies and exploring diversified energy technologies for a safe environment.

PROJECTS/ACHIEVEMENTS/FUNDING AWARDS

1. Project Leader and Principal Investigator (Transfer of technology on High Rate Low Temperature (HRLT) extraction, concentration and purification of bioactive ingredients from plant tissues to enhance quality of herbal products from manufacturers in Greater Accra Region) GHC 27,500.00
2. B. Mensah, W. O. Oduro and K. Gbewonyo.(2012-2013). Pilot plant extraction of active components in natural products for export. A proposal submitted to Export development and promotion account (EDPA) of Export development and investment fund (EDIF) to fund a budget of GH¢194, 000 for the procurement of specialised equipment and operation of a pilot facility for the extraction of botanical products.
3. G.N. Laryea,W.O. Oduro, B. Mensah, R. Bayitse, G. Selormey and M. Aggey (2010) BioWaste- Novel biotechnological approaches for transforming industrial and/or municipal biowaste into bioproducts. €105,000.00
4. K. Akufo-Kumi, H. A. Obiri, G. N. Laryea, J. Y. Amoah and W. O. Oduro. (2011). The construction of Incinerators for the Nkroful health centre & the Half Assini Goverment hospital under the auspices of the Kosmos Energy – Accra, Ghana at a cost of GH¢ 22,801.30.
5. K. Akufo-Kumi, M. A. B. Animpong, and W. O. Oduro. (2014). The construction of Incinerators for the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission Clinic, Kwabenya, Ghana at a cost of GH¢ 37,000.
6. WIPO-KIPO Award for Best inventor in Ghana 2012

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
External examiner, Chemistry Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi
Member, National Committee for Ozone Depleting Substances
Member, National Steering Committee, Global Environment Fund
Member Ghana Science Association
National Vice President, Research Staff Association

PUBLICATIONS

1. W. O. Oduro, M. A. B. Animpong, K. Akufo-Kumi et al (2016) Journal of the Ghana Science Association (In press)
2. M. A. B. Animpong, W. O. Oduro et al (20016) South African Journal of Chemical Engineering (in press)
3. W. O. Oduro and F. Addo-Yobo (2015) Optimising the extraction of a natural dye from Bridelia Ferriginea, South African Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 27-40
4. J. Amoah, K. Akufo-Kumi, W. O. Oduro, R. N. N. Baddoo, M. A. B. Animpong and C. Odoom (2014), Evaluation of some physical characteristics of mulberry cocoons produced in Ghana, International Journal of Research in Agricultural Sciences, Vol. 1 (5) pp 320-324
5. K. Akufo-Kumi, G. N. Laryea, H. A. Obiri, J. Y. Amoah, W. O. Oduro and G. Boafo-Mensah (2014). Design, Construction and Test Operation of a Thermal Incinerator for Medical Waste at Abokobi Health Centre in Ghana, Journal of Applied Science and Technology, Vol. 19, Nos. 1 & 2, pp. 59-66
6. R. Bayitse, G. N. Laryea, G. Selormey, W. O. Oduro, M. Aggey, B. Mensah, M. Gustavsson and A.-B. Bjerre (2014) Anaerobic co-digestion of cassava peels and manure: a technological approach for biogas generation and bio-fertilizer production Journal of Applied Science and Technology (JAST), Vol. 19, Nos. 1 & 2, pp. 1 – 8
7. M. A. B. Animpong, W. O.Oduro, G. Boafo-Mensah, K. Ampomah-Benefo, J. Koranteng and B. Gyamera (2013) Assessment of the risk of metals and halogen contaminants in waste automotive engine oil, International Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Vol. 3, No. 3,pp. 181-186.
8. W. O. Oduro and F. Addo-Yobo (2013) Enhancing the value of indigo-blue dyes from Lonchocarpuscyanescens leaves, International Journal of Applied Science and Technology, Vol. 3 No. 5,pp. 78-86.
9. K. Ampomah-Benefo, M. A. B. Animpong, G. Boafo-Mensah, W. O. Oduro, E. N. Kotey and H. A. Obiri (2013), Achieving sustainable consumption of electricity through energy audit: A case study of a public sector institution in Ghana, International Journal of Development and Sustainability, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 1487-1498.
10. W. O. Oduro, R. Bayitse, D. Carboo, B. Kortatsi and I. Hodgson (2012). Assessment of dissolved mercury in surface water along the lower basin of the river Pra in Ghana, International Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 2, (1), pp 228-235.
11. W. O. Oduro, Nick. Cailuo, K. M. K. Yu, H. Yang and S. C. Tsang. (2011). Geometric and electronic effects on hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde over unsupported Pt-based nano-crystals, Journal of Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 13, (7), 2590-2602
12. S. C. Tsang, N. Cailuo, W. O. Oduro, A.T.S. Kong, L. Clifton, K. M. K. Yu, B. Thiebaut, J. Cookson, and P. Bishop. (2008). Engineering Preformed Cobalt-Doped Platinum Nanocatalysts for Ultraselective Hydrogenation, ACS Nano, 2, (12), 2547-2553.
13. H. Tang, C.-H. Yu, W. O. Oduro, H. He, and S. C. Tsang (2008). Engineering of a monodispersed core-shell magnetic Ti-O-Si Oxidation nanocatalyst, Langmuir, 24, (5), 1587-1590.
14. N. Caiulo, C.-H. Yu, K. M. K. Yu, C. H. Lo, W. O. Oduro, B. Thiebaut, P. Bishop, and S. C. Tsang (2007). Carbon decorated FePt nanoparticles, Advanced Functional Materials, 17, (8), 1392-1396
15. C.-H., Yu, W. O. Oduro, K. Tam, and S.C.E. Tsang. (2009) Chapter 10. Some Applications of Nanoparticles, In: Handbook of Metal Physics, ed. J. Blackman, Elsevier B. V. pp 365-379
16. K. Akufo-Kumi, G. N. Laryea, W. O. Oduro and H. A. Obiri. (2015). Instrumental Analysis and Classification of Ekon Kaolin, Minerals Processing and Beneficiation, In: Handbook of the Centre for Science and Technology, NAM, ed. Aroni Al-Otoom and Mohammad Al-Harahsheh,Daya publishing house, New Dehli, India
17. M. A. B. Animpong and W. O. Oduro (2016) Ghana’s traditional medicine in western styled formats, CSIR-STEPRI Conference on innovations proceedings, La Palm Hotel Accra (In Press)
18. W. O. Oduro, K. Ampomah-Benefo, G. Boafo-Mensah, E. N. Kotey, G. N. Laryea and M. A. B. Animpong (2016) Energy efficiency through scientific research, development and deployment for national growth. A paper presented at the National Energy Fair, Accra International Conference Centre, Ghana, 9th-11th August, 2016
19. W. O. Oduro (2014) Development of wood plastic composite materials from waste precursors: An appropriate technology for plastic waste management. A paper presented at the Regional seminar on utilization of intellectual property to develop and disseminate appropriate technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 4, 2014
20. N. Caiulo, W. O. Oduro, E. Tsang, P. Bishop, B. Thiebaut and J. Cookson. A New Class of Ultra Selective Preformed nanocatalysts. An oral presentation made at the 7th Research Day, Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, UK, June 2007.
21. W. O. Oduro, N. Caiulo, B. Thiebeut, J. Cookson, P. Bishop and S.C.E. Tsang. Catalytic Hydrogenation of α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyls: The role of a second metal decorated on Pt. A poster presented at the 7th Research Day, Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, UK, June 2007.
22. W. O. Oduro, S. C. E. Tsang and P. Bishop. Catalytic hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyls: Role of a second metal decorated on platinum, Proceedings of the Johnson Matthey Symposium on Catalytic Technology, Nottingham, June 2007.
23. B. Mensah, K. Gbewonyo and W. O. Oduro (2013). The setting of pilot plant for the extraction of active components in natural products for export, Progress report 2 (Installation phase). Approved Consultancy Report, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Industrial Research, Ghana. (CSIR-IIR/AC/W.O/2013/01)
24. B. Mensah, K. Gbewonyo and W. O. Oduro (2013). The setting of pilot plant for the extraction of active components in natural products for export, Progress report 1. Approved Consultancy Report, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Industrial Research, Ghana. (CSIR-IIR/AC/W.O/2012/04)
25. Akufo-Kumi, K., Obiri, H. A., Laryea, G. N., Amoah, J. Y. and Oduro, W. O. (2011). Report on the construction of Incinerators for the Nkroful health centre & the Half Assini Goverment hospital under the auspices of the Kosmos Energy – Accra, Ghana. Approved Consultancy Report, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Industrial Research, Ghana. (CSIR-IIR/AC/KAK/2011/01)
26. William Owusu Oduro, Kofi Ampomah-Benefo, Gloria Boafo-Mensah  and Maame Adwoa Bentumah Animpong (2012).Thermal Efficiency of Charcoal Fired Cookstoves in Ghana. Edited Research Report, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Industrial Research, Ghana. (CSIR-IIR/ERR/WO/2012/01)
27. William Owusu Oduro, Joyce Koranteng, Godfred Ofotsu Tottimeh , Kisiedu Akufo-Kumi and Maame Adwoa Bentumah Animpong (2012). Synthesis and Characterization of Wood Plastic Composite Panels from Waste Precursors, Edited Research Report, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Industrial Research, Ghana. (CSIR-IIR/ERR/WO/2012/02)
28. William Owusu Oduro, Festus Addo-Yobo and Godfred Tottimeh. (2012). Design Parameters in Solvent Extraction of Indigo Dyes from Lonchocarpus cyanescens leaves. Edited Research Report, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Industrial Research, Ghana. (CSIR-IIR/ERR/WO/2012/03)
29. Kisedu Akufo-Kumi, William Owusu Oduro, Maame Adwoa Animpong and Joyce Koranteng (2016) Standard Operating Manual of a firewood fuelled modified De-Montfort incinerator.
30. William Owusu Oduro, Mawuena Aggey, Joseph Yao Amoah, Beatrice Mensah and KodzoGbewonyo (2013) Standard Operating Manual for the Botanical Extraction Pilot Plant
31. William Owusu Oduro, Beatrice Mensah and MawuenaAggey (2014) HRLT extraction of bioactive constituents from botanicals, Training manual for a workshop, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Industrial Research, Accra
32. Festus Addo-Yobo and William Owusu Oduro (2003). Manual for Training artisanal weavers in dyeing cellulosic materials with vegetable dyes.  (CSIR-IIR/MW/WO/2003/01)
33. Tsang, S.C. E., Oduro W., and Redman, D. (2009) Methanol Production Process, WIPO Patent Number WO/2009/130452
34. Doctoral Thesis: Towards ultra-selective hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis: A nano engineering approach to heterogeneous catalyst design,  Wolfson Catalysis Centre, Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, 2005- 2009
35. MSc. Thesis: Studies on the toxicological effects of some phyto-constituents on aquatic and insect life Chemistry Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, 2000 – 2003.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & WORKSHOP

1. Participated in a sensitization workshop on indigenous knowledge on forest foods and medicinal plants in Ghana, INSTI, Accra, 17th October, 2016
2. Participated in a National Energy Fair, Accra International Conference Centre, Ghana, 9th-11th August, 2016
3. Participated in a Ghana Science Association Biennal Workshop, Erata Hotel, Accra, 3rd August, 2016.
4. Participated in STEPRI workshops on TDTC
5. Participated in a workshop on HRLT extraction of bioactive constituents from botanicals, CSIR-IIR, Accra, 1st December, 2014.
6. Participated in a fair Natural soaps and cosmetics association, Accra, 28th -29th November, 2014
7. Participated in a workshop on Proposal Writing, Scientific Writing, Project Management and Intellectual Property, CSIR-STEPRI, Accra, 14th -18th October, 2013.
8. World Intellectual Property Academy, May 2013 –July 2013, Certificate Advance Course on Basics of Patent Drafting
9. Regional seminar on utilization of intellectual property to develop and disseminate appropriate technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 4, 2014
10. Asia Pacific Economic Commission (APEC) Conference on Apropriate Technology: Strategic IP Utilization for Sustainable Development, Seoul, Republic of Korea, July 2-3, 2014.
11. Nanomaterials for application in solar energy and LED systems at KNUST Nov. 11-15. 2013.
12. Johnson Matthey Symposium on Catalytic Technology (19th -21st June 2007).
13. Research Day 7, University of Reading , Department of Chemistry (26th June 2007).
14. EUROPA CAT VIII. International Conference on Catalysis. (26th-31stAug. 2007). Finland
15. University of Cape Coast, Ghana, 1998, Diploma in Education.