Dr. Charles Ogbu earned his Ph.D. in Sustainable Technologies with a specialization in Environmental sustainability under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tatiana Alexiou Ivanova and BRT Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubik (Czech University of Life Sciences Prague) and Prof. Temitayo Ewemoje from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His research focused on sustainable resource recovery in wastewater treatment systems. His research topic was "Environmental Assessment of Wastewater Treatment-based Resource Recovery in Nigeria."
Dr. Ogbu has coauthored 7 scientific publications, participated actively at international conferences, and completed two internships during the four years of his doctoral studies. He has been a member of the BRT at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague since the first year of his studies.
To get more insights into Dr. Ogbu's academic journey, our BRT Communications team conducted an interview to capture his thoughts and share his story.
ENJOY THE INTERVIEW!
Question 1: How does it feel to have successfully defended your doctoral dissertation?
Dr. Ogbu: It’s an incredible feeling! Defending my dissertation marks the culmination of years of research, hard work, and dedication. It feels rewarding to see my efforts recognized and to know I can contribute valuable insights to environmental sustainability and wastewater management. On the other hand, I can feel the expectation of more work that comes as a result of successful completion of such a great milestone.
Question 2: Can you share pivotal moments from your academic journey that you believe were crucial in successfully defending your doctoral dissertation?
Dr. Ogbu: There were a few defining moments, especially during my fieldwork in Nigeria, where I saw firsthand the environmental and social impacts of wastewater treatment. Presenting my research at international conferences was also pivotal, as the feedback helped refine my work and gave me confidence.
Question 3: Reflecting on the process, what were the significant challenges you encountered while writing your dissertation and defence phases, and how did you navigate through them?
Dr. Ogbu: Time management was a challenge, especially balancing data collection, analysis, and writing. Additionally, some technical aspects of the research required learning new methodologies. My supervisors provided invaluable guidance, and I stayed organized with a clear timeline and set milestones.
Question 4: Balancing academic commitments, personal life, and other responsibilities can be demanding. How have you managed to strike that balance while working on your dissertation?
Dr. Ogbu: I found that establishing a structured routine and setting boundaries for study and relaxation time was essential. I also made time for hobbies and ensured that I didn’t neglect my personal life, which helped me stay energized and focused.
Question 5: What valuable advice would you offer for fellow doctoral candidates preparing for their dissertation defence?
Dr. Ogbu: Start preparing early, especially by breaking down your work into manageable sections and practicing your presentation skills. Make sure you know the core message and main contributions of your research. Seek feedback from peers and mentors, as this helps build confidence.
Question 6: Do you have any recommendations for current and future BRT students?
Dr. Ogbu: Embrace collaboration and take advantage of all the learning opportunities. Engage in discussions with your peers and faculty members, as these can provide fresh perspectives. Stay curious and focused on your research goals, and remember that perseverance is key.
Question 7: Now that you have reached this momentous achievement - What are your plans for the future?
Dr. Ogbu: My immediate plan is to further my research in sustainable wastewater treatment and resource recovery, ideally through partnerships with industry to implement practical, sustainable solutions. I’m also excited to explore opportunities in ESG consulting, particularly in helping companies and organizations align with the EU’s upcoming CSRD. With the directive setting new standards for corporate sustainability reporting, there’s a critical need for expertise in measuring and improving environmental impacts. I believe my background in Life Cycle Assessment and resource recovery can add value by supporting organizations in achieving compliance and effectively reducing their carbon footprint. Consulting in this area, especially with industries adapting to more stringent ESG standards, aligns closely with my long-term goal of driving policy-driven environmental progress. Ultimately, I hope to bring this experience back to Nigeria, where similar initiatives could create meaningful environmental and public health improvements.
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