Michael Otabil Profile

Michael Otabil is an MPhil student in Mathematical and Computational Physics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. He is also pursuing an MSc in Mathematical Engineering at the University of L’Aquila, Italy, through the REALMATHS double master’s programme. He holds a BSc in Physics Education with First Class Honours from the University of Education, Winneba.

His research focuses on computational materials science and the application of Density Functional Theory (DFT) to environmental remediation. His ongoing MPhil thesis investigates the adsorption of Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions by thiol-functionalised UiO-66(TCA), comparing grafted thiol groups and capped missing-linker defect sites within a periodic, solvated model. The study seeks to clarify differences in binding-site preference, adsorption energetics and electronic interactions.

He also undertakes a systematic literature review of experimental and computational investigations of metal–organic frameworks for Pb(II) and Hg(II) removal from aqueous solutions. His academic background combines physics education, mathematical modelling, scientific computing and research communication.

Education

MPhil Mathematical and Computational Physics — KNUST, Ghana (ongoing).

MSc Mathematical Engineering — University of L’Aquila, Italy (ongoing; REALMATHS double master’s programme).

BSc Physics Education, First Class Honours — University of Education, Winneba, Ghana (2024).

Research Interests

Computational materials science; Density Functional Theory; metal–organic frameworks; heavy-metal adsorption and water purification; electronic-structure calculations; mathematical modelling; numerical methods and scientific computing.

Current Research Projects

MPhil Thesis (ongoing): A Density Functional Theory Study of Pb(II) and Hg(II) Adsorption by a Thiol-Functionalised UiO-66(TCA) Metal–Organic Framework for Water Purification. Investigates the relative affinities of hydrated metal ions for grafted thiol and missing-linker defect sites.

Systematic Literature Review (ongoing): Systematic Literature Review of Metal–Organic Frameworks for Pb(II) and Hg(II) Adsorption from Aqueous Solutions: Experimental Evidence and Density Functional Theory Insights. Evaluates adsorption mechanisms, framework modifications and computational methodologies.

Undergraduate Research (completed): Enhancing Student Performance and Interest in Science Laboratory Practical Using Hands-on Activity Approach. Examined how practical, student-centred laboratory activities support science learning.

Technical and Research Skills

DFT and periodic materials modelling; Quantum ESPRESSO; VESTA; Atomic Simulation Environment (ASE); Python, NumPy, pandas, Matplotlib, scikit-learn and Bash; numerical linear algebra, differential equations and dynamical systems; systematic literature reviews, data analysis and scientific writing.

Teaching and Academic Experience

Teaching Assistant, Department of Physics Education, University of Education, Winneba (2024–2025): supported undergraduate tutorials, physics laboratory demonstrations, assessments and academic guidance. Completed teaching placements at Assin North Senior High Technical School (2023–2024) and Obiri Yeboah Senior High School (2022).

Academic Training and Conferences

PSI Start Satellite Programme, Perimeter Scholars International and KNUST (2025).

Participant, KNUST scientific conference on “Integrating Climate Science, Artificial Intelligence and Environmental Stewardship for Sustainable Resource Management in a Changing World” (September 2026).

Contact

Email: otabilmichael09@gmail.com / motabil@st.knust.edu.gh/  michael.otabil@student.univaq.it