Dr. Benard Tabu

Lecturer


Dr. Benard Tabu is a Fulbright Scholar with a Ph.D. in Energy Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He earned his MSc in Physics from Makerere University (Uganda) and his Bachelor of Science Education degree from Gulu University (Uganda). His work focuses on plasma-assisted chemical synthesis, waste destruction, waste-to-energy conversion, and renewable energy technologies. He has expertise in plasma engineering, plasma diagnostics, solar energy systems, and curriculum development, and has authored several journal articles, conference proceedings, and a provisional patent.

Currently, Dr. Tabu is a Lecturer in the Department of Physics of Gulu University and a Consultant with Red Chalk Group (Illinois, US), contributing expertise in plasma technologies for waste valorization. Most recently, he served as a Senior Scientist at Heartland Water Technology Inc (Tennessee, US), where he focused on plasma technologies for PFAS destruction and waste-to-energy conversion. Previously, he was a Development Scientist at Maat Energy (Massachusetts, US), contributing to the development of a commercial microwave plasma reactor for syngas production. He is also the co-founder of Sunfertilize Inc. (Massachusetts, US), a company developing technology to produce fertilizer locally from water and air using solar energy.

Beyond research and industry, Dr. Tabu has more than eight years of teaching experience in physics at Gulu University and several years of experience in the solar industry. He is passionate about advancing sustainable energy solutions and improving access to electricity and fertilizer in underserved communities, particularly in developing countries. Dr. Tabu also serves as a board member of Heart Sounds US Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the development and operation of NGOs and community initiatives worldwide. He is also a former President of the Solar Energy Association at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Having grown up in a war-affected region of Northern Uganda, Dr. Tabu is deeply committed to social development and community empowerment. He actively mentors and inspires students interested in STEM, emphasizing positivity, innovation, and purposeful goal alignment. His long-term vision is to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable society for all.

Download CV

Qualifications

Institution Period Degree obtained
University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA 2019 to 2023 Ph. D. in Energy Engineering
Makerere University 2015 to 2017 Master of Science in Physics
Gulu University 2007 to 2010 Bachelor of Science Education (Physical)

Research Interests

Plasma Physics and Chemistry, Direct Application of Solar and Plasma for Material Synthesis, Renewable Energy, Waste Valorization, Plasma-PFAS Destruction, Plasma Fusion

Publications

Boules, A., Tabu, B., Brack, E., Alexander, T., Mack, J. H., & Trelles, J. P. (2024) . (2024) . Hydrogen production synergy in non-thermal plasma copyrolysis of low-density polyethylene and cellulose . International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 65, pp. 375-380
Tabu, B., Veng, V., Morgan, H., Das, S.K, Brack, E., Alexander T., Mack, J.H., Wong, H.W. and Trelles, J.P . (2024) . Hydrogen from cellulose and low-density polyethylene via atmospheric pressure nonthermal plasma . International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 49
Veng, V., Tabu, B., Simasiku, E., Landis, J., Mack, J. H., Carreon, M., & Trelles, J. P. (2023) . (2023) . Design and Characterization of a Membrane Dielectric-Barrier Discharge Reactor for Ammonia Synthesis , pp. 1921–1940. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11090-023-10402-2
Tabu, B., Akers, K., Yu, P., Baghirzade, M., Brack, E., Drew, C., Mack, J.H., Wong, H.W. and Trelles, J.P., 2022 . (2022) . Nonthermal atmospheric plasma reactors for hydrogen production from low-density polyethylene . International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 47(94), pp. 39743-39757
Tabu, B., Baghirzade, M., Akers, K., Yu, P., Brack, E., Drew, C., Mack, J.H., Wong, H.W., & Trelles, J. P. (2021, November) . (2021) . Design and Evaluation of Nonthermal Plasma Reactors for Hydrogen Production from Polyethylene . In: , 2021 AIChE Annual Meeting 2021
Veng, V., Tabu, B., Amhed, H., Wong, H.W., & Trelles, J. P. (2021, November) . (2021) . Performance of a Concentrated Solar–Gliding Arc Plasma Reactor for CO2 Decomposition: Effect of Catalyst Monolith . In: , 2021 AIChE Annual Meeting 2021
Tabu, B., Baghirzade, M., Akers, K., Yu, P., Brack, E., Drew, C., Mack, J.H., Wong, H.W. and Trelles, J.P., 2021 . (2021) . Plasma and Flow Dynamics in Gliding-and Transferred-ARC Reactors for Hydrogen Production from Polyethylene . In: , 2021 IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science (ICOPS), pp. 1-1
Tabu, B. & Spencer, M. (2021). . (2021) . Innovative approach to learning and teaching of sciences in Africa. Deciphering the discipline-Guest columnist . American Ceramic Society Bulletin, 100(8), p. 50
Tabu, B., Nyeinga, K., Chaciga, J., & Okello, D. (Dec., 2018) . (2018) . THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED OILS IN UGANDA FOR INDIRECT SOLAR DOMESTIC COOKING APPLICATIONS . Tanzania Journal of Science, 44(4)
Nyeinga, K., Okello, D., Tabu, B., & Nydal, O.J. (2017) . (2017) . Experimental Investigation of Thermal Performance for Selected oils for Solar Thermal Energy Storage and Rural Cooking Application . Available at: https://proceedings.ises.org/conference/swc2017/papers/swc2017-0084-Nyeinga.pdf

Projects

Co-PI
    Benard Tabu
Hydrogen production from solid via atmospheric nonthermal plasma
    Dr. Benard Tabu-Lead Researcher

Supervision

Selected Undergraduate Supervision
1. Musisi Samuel. Design and Construction of a Parabolic Solar Cooker With Manual Tracking. Graduated in 2019, Gulu University
2. Nyeko John Baptist. Utilization Assessment of a Standalone Photovoltaic System. A case study of Gulu University Main Campus. Graduated in 2019, Gulu University.