Professor Esther Akinlabi is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, currently serving as the Deputy Faculty Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK. In her most recent role, she served as the Director of PAULESI, Ibadan, Nigeria. Prior to joining PAULESI, she had a decade of meritorious service at the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, UJ. At UJ, she served as the HOD of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science and as Vice Dean for Teaching and Learning for FEBE. Her research interests are in modern and advance manufacturing processes which include Friction Stir Welding and Additive Manufacturing. She has filed two patents, edited four books, co-authored seven books, and authored/co-authored many peer reviewed publications.