Professor Esther Titilayo Akinlabi is a Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering. She is currently serving as the Director of the Pan African University for Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), Ibadan, Nigeria. Prior to joining PAULESI, Prof Akinlabi had a decade of meritorious service at the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa. During her period of service at UJ, she had the privilege to serve as the Head of Department of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science and as the Vice Dean for Teaching and Learning of the Faculty. Her research interest is in the field of modern and advanced manufacturing processes. She is a rated National Research Foundation (NRF) researcher in South Africa and has demonstrated excellence in all fields of endeavors. Her leadership, mentorship and research experience is enviable as she guides her team of postgraduate students through the research journey. She is a recipient of several local and international research grant awards. Prof Akinlabi has received many awards of recognition to her credit. Prof Akinlabi is an alumnus of the Prestigious South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS). She is a registered member of many professional bodies. She has authored/co-authored seven books and over 500 peer reviewed publications.