Mr Adolor David Aiyeki | Additive Manufacturing of Lunar Regolith Simulant | Best Paper Award
PhD Student, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Russia
Adolor David Aiyeki is an emerging researcher and engineer dedicated to the advancement of sustainable manufacturing technologies for both Earth and extraterrestrial environments. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Mathematics and Mechanics at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Russia. Adolor’s journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Benin, Nigeria, and a Master’s in Advanced Manufacturing from Skoltech. A natural problem solver and systems thinker, he integrates hands-on industry experience with high-level academic research. He has led automation and mechanical engineering projects in Nigeria and contributed to sustainability education as a UN SDG Action Campaign volunteer. Adolor’s work focuses on additive manufacturing of lunar regolith for space construction, and he has received multiple honors for academic excellence and innovation. Driven by curiosity, sustainability, and global impact, he aspires to revolutionize the future of space-based manufacturing and green energy systems through innovative material research.
Profile
🎓 Education
Adolor David Aiyeki has a solid academic background in mechanical engineering and advanced manufacturing. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Benin, Nigeria, where he conducted research on biomass gasifiers. He further pursued a Master of Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Russia, with a thesis on using lunar regolith for in-situ space construction through Digital Light Processing (DLP). His curriculum included advanced topics in finite element analysis, additive manufacturing, composite materials, and product lifecycle management (PLM). Currently, Adolor is a Ph.D. candidate in Mathematics and Mechanics at Skoltech, investigating supercritical CO₂ processing for photopolymer-based ceramic 3D printing. His interdisciplinary education spans core mechanical engineering, computational modeling, sustainability, and futuristic space applications, empowering him with the theoretical foundation and experimental skills to drive innovation at the intersection of energy, material science, and manufacturing.
💼 Experience
Adolor’s professional experience spans engineering, education, and sustainability. He served as an Assistant Home Automation Engineer at Hometronix Nigeria, where he developed and installed smart control systems for residential and commercial clients. His efforts improved project efficiency and earned a high client satisfaction rate. At Friday Omoragbon & Sons Ltd., he worked as a Mechanical Engineer, supervising construction and pipeline installations. Earlier, as an intern at the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency and Autogenius Royal Motors, he gained valuable hands-on experience in power systems and automotive diagnostics. In addition, Adolor worked as a science teacher, inspiring students in mathematics, physics, and basic technology. His long-term volunteer work with the UN SDG Action Campaign showcases his passion for advocacy, where he led youth engagement programs and sustainable development initiatives. These multifaceted roles reflect his adaptability, leadership, and technical skills across diverse sectors from field engineering to global awareness.
🏅 Awards and Honors
Adolor David Aiyeki has been widely recognized for his academic excellence and leadership potential. At Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, he received the Scholarship for Development and Academic Excellence, and his Master’s thesis earned the Best Research Thesis Award (2024). His undergraduate achievements were supported by the Matthew Okpebholo Foundation Scholarship and the Agbami Medical and Engineering Professionals Scholarship, spanning 2014–2017. His talent in science was evident early on, winning a Gold Medal at the Science Talent Search Innovation Championship and a Silver Medal in the STAN National Competition. He also graduated as the Best Science Student from Blessed Saint Paul High School in 2009. These awards reflect not only Adolor’s academic rigor but also his commitment to social impact and scientific innovation. With each honor, his trajectory affirms his position as a promising thought leader in sustainable energy, materials research, and space engineering.
🔬 Research Focus
Adolor’s research revolves around advanced additive manufacturing technologies and their applications in sustainable and extraterrestrial construction. His Master’s research focused on “Improved Additive Manufacturing of Lunar Regolith Simulant via Digital Light Processing”, a breakthrough concept for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) on the Moon. This work aims to reduce dependence on Earth-bound materials for space missions by turning lunar soil into usable construction materials using photopolymerization techniques. Currently, his Ph.D. project explores the use of supercritical CO₂ in ceramic additive manufacturing, enhancing material strength and resolution. His approach is deeply interdisciplinary, integrating fluid dynamics, multiphase flow modeling, and material characterization. The dual focus on green manufacturing and space resource utilization places Adolor’s research at the forefront of next-gen engineering. His work has implications for sustainable infrastructure on Earth and future Moon or Mars colonization projects, contributing to the growing field of space engineering and planetary sustainability.
📚 Publication