Interview with Dr. Baafour Nyantekyi-Kwakye from the Mechanical Engineering Department, by Ikhlas & Bhavneet
Dr. Baafour Nyantekyi-Kwakye is a dedicated professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Dalhousie University. Whether you’ve taken his courses or sought his advice on engineering challenges, Dr. Baafour’s passion for teaching and commitment to innovation shine through. His academic journey from Ghana to Canada and his devotion to inspiring the next generation of engineers make his story both motivating and insightful. It was a pleasure speaking with him, and I hope you enjoy learning more about him as much as I did.
On what inspired him to pursue mechanical engineering:
“My interest started in high school when I thought about how to reduce the cost of electricity. I didn’t initially connect this with mechanical engineering until I watched a career fair program where a university department showcased solar energy innovations. Seeing that, I knew I wanted to be a mechanical engineer.
“I specialized in thermo-fluids and energy systems during my undergraduate studies, which shaped my path. My graduate research in Canada built on that, focusing on reducing NOx emissions and studying hydropower generation. It’s been a rewarding journey, blending energy systems, environmental sustainability, and practical engineering.”
On what drew him to teaching:
“I’ve always enjoyed teaching. In high school and university, I found explaining concepts to my peers helped me learn better. Teaching others has always been my passion. However, I wanted to teach at the university level, so I pursued a master’s and Ph.D. to reach that goal.
“To me, teaching is about transferring knowledge to others and inspiring them to achieve their best. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see students grow and apply what they’ve learned to solve real-world challenges.”
On his transition from Ghana to Canada and the challenges he faced:
“My move to Canada came with a cultural and academic shock. In Ghana, assignments were rarely given in the first few weeks of a term. Here, you could have assignments on the very first day! The workload and intensity were eye-opening but also prepared me for the demands of my field.
“Another adjustment was adapting to the terrain. Coming from a mountainous region in Ghana to the flat prairies of Canada was surprisingly challenging. Over time, I grew accustomed to the changes and learned to appreciate the new environment.”
On the most valuable lesson for students:
“The key is to connect theory to practice. For example, understanding the Navier-Stokes equation isn’t just about solving it on paper—it’s about applying it to design and optimize real-world systems like transportation or energy networks. My advice to students is to focus on the practical applications of the theories they learn in class.”
On the importance of labs and hands-on learning:
“Hands-on experience is crucial. Labs—whether physical or numerical—are opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and visualize how things work in practice. Even students who don’t pursue co-op programs can gain practical insights through labs. I encourage students to treat labs as integral to their education, not just as a course requirement.”
On advice for first-year and struggling students:
“Engineering is tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. First-year students often struggle to connect what they learned in high school with university concepts. My advice is to keep an open mind, focus on understanding the concepts, and stay passionate about why you chose engineering in the first place. Passion is what will carry you through the challenges.”
On his hobbies and interests outside of work:
“When I’m not teaching, I enjoy photography, particularly capturing landscapes and animals. Spending time in nature helps me recharge. And, of course, I occasionally unwind with a game of FIFA—it’s a great way to relax after a busy day.”
Dr. Baafour Nyantekyi-Kwakye’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. His dedication to teaching and inspiring the next generation of engineers reflects the best of what Dalhousie’s Mechanical Engineering Department has to offer.