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DR MUGA CHARLES ONYANGO OPE

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PERSONAL DETAILS
Designation
LECTURER AND Ag. CHAIRMAN OF PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
Corporate Email
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Job Category
Teaching
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Science
Directorate / Dept
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
Section
Materials Science and Electronics
Address
536-20115, EGERTON
SUMMARY

Dr. Charles Muga Onyango Ope graduated with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)/Doctor of Engineering (D. Eng) in Materials Science and Engineering from Harbin Engineering University, PR China in the year 2017. He obtained his Master of Science in Physics (Electronics and Instrumentation) from Kenyatta Univesity, Kenya in the year 2011. Currently, He is the Ag. Chairman of Physics Department manadated to supervise and oversee the running of Departmental activities. He actively participate in research, supervision of post graduate  and undergraduate students and delivers course lectures at post graduate and undergraduate levels at Egerton University. Dr. Charles Muga examines students at both post graduate and undergraduate levels and continue to teach Physics courses in Egerton university. He is currently supervising 3 PhD students and several MSc students in their research dormains. He is actively involved in supervisory role of undergaduate science students during Industrial Attachement. Dr C. Muga has won a grant with a consortium team entitled: Solar Alliance on Clean Energy Single Substrate, Solution-Processed All-Perovskite Tandem Cells: Africa-UK Physics Partnership Collaborative Projects Grant from the UKRI (2026-2028) as a Researcher and Innovation Associate. Dr C. Muga equally collaborates with Harbin Engineering Universuty in China for research purposes and student exchange programme.  Dr Muga is also a developer and moderator of  Curriculum Based Education (CBE) and School Based Assessments (SBA) tools in Physics and Integrated Science subjects with Kenya National Examination Council, KNEC. He aspires to be practical, a mentor and an example to his students in and outside the university and a role model for Egerton university.

ORCID
http://egerton.ac.ke
ACADEMIA
http://egerton.ac.ke
LinkedIn
http://egerton.ac.ke
Researchgate
http://egerton.ac.ke
Google Scholar
http://egerton.ac.ke
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

DOCTORAL

Course   : Doctor of Engineering (D. Eng.) in Materials Science and Engineering

Specialty: Materials Science/Physics

Institute : Harbin Engineering University (HEU), PR China

Period    : 2014-2017

MASTERS

Course    : Master of Science in Physics

Specialty : Electronics and Instrumentation

Institute  : Kenyatta University (KU), Kenya

Period     : 2008-2011

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION

Course    : Bachelor of Education (Science)-Physics and Chemistry

Institute   : Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Kenya

Period      :  2004-2006

Grade Awarded: Second Class Honours-Upper Division

 

 

FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION
  • Materials Characterization and analysis of novel Materials Microstructure-Property relationship:
  • Thermo-Mechanical Processing Dynamics of Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) materials
  • Strengthening Mechanisms of Nano-structured materials and composites

  • Thin films technology and Characterization of solar cells:

  • Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs), Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) and Organic Solar Cells (OSCs)

  • Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize fabrication and improve on solar cells performance predictions.

  • Nanotechnology and Science of Engineering materials
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Lecturer - Egerton University, Department of Physics (September 2018-to-Date)

Responsibilities

  • Ag. Chairman of Physics Department (August 2023 to-date)
  • Member of Faculty of Science Management Board
  • Member of Departmental Post-graduate Committee
  • Member of Faculty and Departmental Examinations Moderation Committee
  • Member of Facultyy and Departmental Curriculum Review Committee
  • Member of Faculty of Science AD-HOC Committee on establishment of new courses
  • Member of Faculty and Departmental Academic advising/counseling of students
  • Member of Egerton University Tender Evaluation Committee

PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS HELD

  1. Part-time Lecturer-Egerton University, Physics Department (September 2017-August 2018)
  2. Part-time Lecturer-Multi Media University, Physics Department
  3. Part-time Lecturer-Machakos University, Physical Sciences Department 
  4. Sessional Assistant Lecturer-Technical University of Kenya, Applied Physics Department 
  5. Part-time Assistant Lecturer-Kenyatta University, Physics Department 

 PROFFESSIONAL CONSULTANCY

      1.  Developer and Moderator of  Curriculum Based Education (CBE) and School Based Assessments (SBA) tools in Physics and                           Integrated Science subjects with Kenya National Examination Council, KNEC.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

CURRENT POSITION

Chairman, Department of Physics

Lecturer -  Department of Physics 

Responsibilities

  • Member of Faculty of Science Management Board
  • Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) Champion for Department of Physics in the University
  • Member of Departmental Post-graduate committee
  • Member of Internal Examinations Moderation Committee
  • Member of Faculty and Departmental Curriculum Review committee
  • Member of Faculty and Departmental Academic advising/counseling of students
  • Departmental Examinations and Time-tabling Officer (September 2018-July 2023)

PREVIOUS POSITIONS HELD

       1. University Graduate Assistant - Harbin Enginneering University, China (January 2016 - June 2017)

       2. Part-time Lecturer - Egerton University, Physics Department (September 2017- August 2018)

       3. Part-time Lecturer - Multi Media University, Physics Department

       4. Part-time Lecturer - Machakos University, Physical Sciences Department

       5. Sessional Assistant Lecturer - Technical University of Kenya, Applied Physics Department 

       6. Part-time Assistant Lecturer - Kenyatta University, Physics Department 

 

MAY 2018-AUGUST 2018 (Teachers’ Service Commission-TSC)

Institution: Masai Technical Training Institute (Applied Physics & Electronics department), Kajiado County, Kenya.

Responsibilities

  • Lecturer (Senior Master Graduate III)

 JANUARY 2007-AUGUST 2014

Institution: Nakeel Boys High School-Kajiado County, Kenya

Responsibilities

  • Senior Subject Master (Physics and Chemistry)
  • Head of Subject (Physics)
  • Patron Electronics club
KEY PROJECTS

SOLACE: UK-Africa:

Solar Alliance on Clean Energy Single Substrate, Solution-Processed All-Perovskite Tandem Cells submitted to STFC Africa-UK Physics Partnership Collaborative Projects 2025; Total funding: £491,324.80

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Materials Science/Physics:

  • Materials Characterization and analysis of Novel Materials Microstructure-Property relationship.
  • Thermo-Mechanical Processing Dynamics of Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) materials & High Entropy Alloys.
  • Strengthening Mechanisms of Metal Matrix Composites and Multi-component Alloy Systems
  • Thin film technology and analysis
  • Fabrication and Characterization of Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs), Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) and Organic Solar Cells (OSCs)

  • Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize fabrication and improve solar cells performance predictions.

  • Nanotechnology Science and Engineering of materials

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

Peer Reviewed Research Publications

  1. Charles Muga, “Effects of Erbium and Thermo-mechanical treatments on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Mg-Li-Al based Alloys” East Africa Journal of Engineering (EAJE): Volume 9(1) 2026; Pages 158-173; [DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/2707-5397]. (Materials Physics Laboratory, Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Egerton University, Njoro, P.O. Box 536-20115 Egerton, Kenya)
  2. Njoroge Janet Wamuyu, Wamalwa Mercy Nasimiyu, Muga Charles Ope, “Effect of Gamma Radiation on Mechanical Properties of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)”. International Journal of Physics, 2026, Vol. 14, No. 1, 1-5 Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/ijp/14/1/1; [DOI:10.12691/ijp-14-1-1.] (Materials Physics Laboratory, Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Egerton University, Njoro, P.O. Box 536-20115 Egerton, Kenya)
  3. Z. Moronge, D. Oeba, C. Muga, “Effects of Co-Sensitizing Chlorophyll and Betanin dyes on Optical Absorption properties and Photovoltaic performance on Titanium dioxide based-Dye” East Africa Journal of Engineering (EAJE): Volume 8(2), Pages 106-118, 2025, [DOI: http://doi.org/10.37284/eaje.8.2.3819]. (Materials Physics Laboratory, Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Egerton University, Njoro, P.O. Box 536-20115 Egerton, Kenya)
  4. Muga, C.O., H. Guo, and Z.W. Zhang, “Effects of Aging and fast-cooling on the Mechanical properties of Mg-14Li-3Al-3Ce alloy”. Journal of Material Science and Engineering A: 24 March, 2017, Volume 689, Pages 195-202. [DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2017.02.059]. (Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, PR China).
  5. Muga C.O. and Z.W. Zhang, “Strengthening mechanisms of Mg-Li based alloys and composites”. Journal of Advances in Materials Science and Engineering (JAMSE): Vol. 2016, Article ID 1078187, 11 pages. [DOI: 10.1155/2016/1078187]. (Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, PR China).
  6. Muga C.O., Guo Hao Yun, Xu Songsong and Zhang Zhongwu, “Effects of Holmium and Hot-rolling on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-Li based alloys”. Journal of Rare Earths (JRE): December. 2016, Volume 34, No. 12, Pages 1269-1276. [DOI: 10.1016/S1002-0721(16)60163-1]. (Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, PR China).
  7. Muga C. O., Zhang (Z.W.) Zhongwu, Y. Zhao, H. Guo Zou, “Addition of Holmium and Erbium and Hot-rolling effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-Li based alloys”. The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) 2017, Magnesium Technology 2017: Magnesium-Rare Earth Alloys II. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-52392-7_63]. (Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, PR China).
  8. Muga, C. O., Okumu, J. and Njoroge, W. K., “Optical and Electrical properties of Zinc oxide doped with Aluminium (ZnO:Al) thin films prepared by reactive evaporation method”. International Journal of Research in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IJREEE): Volume. 1, No. 1, November 2012. Pages 001-003 (School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Department of Physics, Electronics and Instrumentation, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844-00100, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya).
  9. Muga, C. O., Okumu, J. and Njoroge, W. K., “Optical and Electrical properties of Tin selenide (SnSe) thin films prepared by evaporation method”. Journal of International Research in Arts and Sciences (IRAS): Volume 1, No. 1, November 2012, Pages 019-022. (School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Department of Physics, Electronics and Instrumentation, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844-00100, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya).
  10. Muga, C.O. “Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Mg-Li Based Alloys Using Rare Earth Elements and Thermo-Mechanical Processing”. Doctor of Engineering (D. Eng) thesis in Materials Science and Engineering: June, 2017: (Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, PR China).
  11. Muga, C. O. “Characterization of SnxSey-ZnO:Al P-N Junction For Solar Cell Applications”. Master of Science (MSc) thesis in Physics (Electronics and Instrumentation): October, 2011: (School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Department of Physics, Electronics and Instrumentation, Kenyatta University Library, P. O. Box 43844-00100, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya).
  12. THE MINERALS, METALS & MATERIALS SOCIETY (TMS) 2017; MAGNESIUM TECHNOLOGY 2017: Magnesium Rare Earth Alloys II. CONFRERENCE BOOK Chapter No: 63, Pages 463-470. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-52392-7_63]

 Research Invention Patent

          Invention Title: Erbium-reinforced magnesium-lithium alloy and preparation method thereof.

         "Effects of Erbium & Thermo-mechanical treatments on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Mg-Li-Al based Alloys"

          Inventor:  Muga C.O., Zhang Zhongwu 

          Patent No.: ZL 2016 1 1074096.1

          Patent application date: 29/11/2016

          Authorization announcement date: 26/10/2018

          Authorization announcement No.: CN 106676351 B 

          Patentee: Harbin Engineering University 

        

CONFERENCES & INVITED PRESENTATIONS

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS PARTICIPATED

  1. 6th Biennial Internal Conference: Nanotechnology and Materials Science. “Effect of Gamma Radiation on Mechanical Properties of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)”, Page 82 of 103; 28th -30th May 2025, Laikipia University
  2. ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Implementation Course by Kenya Bureau of Standards in Egerton Universty, Njoro, Main Campus (22nd- 24th July 2024)
  3. World Metrology Day Celebrations for 'Measurements for Sustainability' by Kenya Bureau of Standards in Nairobi, Boma Hotel (20th May 2024)
  4. Radiation Protection and Safety Training for Physics Laboratory experiments/research by Kenya  Bureau of Standards in Naivasha town (08th - 12th April 2024)
  5. Pedagogy Training for University Academic Staff, Egerton University, Njoro Campus, Kenya (22nd – 26th January 2024).
  6. Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) Champion by Faculty of Education and Community Studies (FEDCOS) in Physical Science Complex Building at Egerton University (16th October 2023)
  7. Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) Training by Faculty of Education and Community Studies (FEDCOS) in Physical Science Complex Building at Egerton University (16th - 18th August 2023)
  8. Materials Science Workshop: The Synchrotron Radiation Source BESSY II – Research Options for the International Science Community. . CMRT Games conference room, Egerton University, Kenya (10th - 11th November, 2022)
  9. BPS Sponsored Biophysical Conference: The Future of Health Interventions   Department of Physics at Egerton University, Kenya, (28th October 2022)
  10. The 26th International Conference (Online) of International Academy of Physical Sciences on “Advances in Physics” held at Gondwana University, Republic of India (December, 18th- 20th, 2020)
  11. National e-Seminar on “Advances in Physical & Mathematical Science” held at Gondwana University, Republic of India (10th October 2020)
  12. National Cohesion and National Values Training, Egerton University, Nakuru Town Campus College, Kenya (27th February 2019)
  13. Ethics, Integrity and Corruption Prevention and Complaint Handling Mechanism Training; Education Theatre II, Egerton University, Njoro Campus, Kenya (8th October 2018)
  14. ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Awareness Training, Education Theatre II, Egerton University, Njoro Campus, Kenya (12th October 2018) 
  15. Crystallographic textures analysis of polycrystalline metals and multi-component alloys systems; Harbin Engineering University, Harbin city, PR China (February, 20th-21st 2017)
  16. The 9th International Workshop on Advanced Materials (IWAM); Yangzhou city, Peoples’ Republic of China (March, 27th-31st 2016)
  17. High Temperature alloy and large scale complex thin-walled castings and precision moldings by Vacuum Differential Pressure Casting (VDPC); Harbin Engineering University, Harbin city, PR China (21st April, 2016)
  18. A high-strength Mg-Ni-Y alloy sheet with a long-period ordered phase prepared by hot-rolling deformation; Harbin Engineering University, Harbin city,  PR China (10th March, 2016)
  19. Thermo-mechanical processing and mechanical properties of Aluminum and Magnesium based alloys; Harbin Engineering University, Harbin city, PR China (15th April, 2015)
  20. Experimental methods for in-situ observation of Dynamic Microstructure evolution using high speed X-Ray Phase Change Contrast (PCI) and XRD; Harbin Engineering University, Harbin city,  PR China (8th October, 2014)
  21. 3D Printing research direction & application and intelligent manufacturing; Harbin Engineering University, Harbin city, PR China (18th October, 2015)
  22. Strengthening Mathematics and Sciences in Secondary Education (SMASSE) in Kenya;  (August, 2007-2008)
  23. Providing solutions to problems facing teaching of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics by Ministry of Education, Kenya (April 2008)
  24. Intensive in-service course for Kenya Secondary Schools Physics Teachers facilitated by Directors of Education (February 2007)
  25. Curriculum Implementation in Kenya’s Secondary Physics and Chemistry Education (February 2007)
  26. Provision of solutions to problems facing curriculum teaching of Physics and Chemistry (February 2007)
  27. Adjudication of Secondary Science Congress in Physics Talks & Exhibitions (August 2007)
HONORS, PRIZE AND AWARDS

ACADEMIC AWARDS

  1. Awarded £ 44,290.00 OPP960: Africa-UK physics partnership collaborative projects 2025. Grant from the UKRI (2026-2028), Research and Innovation Associate.
  2. Awarded for winning Outstanding International PhD Graduate award in Materials Science/Physics for the academic year 2016/2017 by Harbin Engineering University (HEU), PR China on 27th June 2017.
  3. Awarded for winning Academic Star award of Harbin Engineering University (HEU) College of International Cooperative Education, PR China, in the year 2017 on 27th June 2017.
  4. Awarded Chinese government scholarship (China Scholarship Council (CSC)) to pursue Doctor of Engineering in Materials Science in the year 2014 at Harbin Engineering University (HEU), PR China.
TEACHING AREAS

Post -Graduate 

  • Physics of Complex Systems
  • Mechanical Properties of Materials
  • Composite Materials
  • Advanced Solid State Physics
  • Optical Physics
  • Electrodynamics

Undergraduate 

  • Solid State Physics
  • Quantum Physics
  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Introduction to Materials Science
  • Digital, Analogue & Communication Electronics
  • Microprocessors 
POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION
MASTERS LEVEL :

MSc Completed

  1. Zachariah Moronge Kibagendi, Characterization of Pigments from Spinacia Oleracea, Beta Vulgaris, and Rubus Fruticosus for Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells” Egerton University. (Graduated on 28/11/2025)
  2. Janet Wamuyu Njoroge, 'Investigating Effects of Gamma radiations on Physico-mechanical and Optical Properties and yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)'. Egerton University. (Has Published her research work)
  3. Veronicah Kamene Muywoki, “Deposition of ITO/TiO2 Heterojunction Thin Films for Applications in Perovskite Solar Cells”. Egerton University. (Collecting data in the laboratory through experimental work)
  4. Musembi Lucy Kalondu, “Effects of Zinc-Silver Doped Cobalt Ferrite, CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Sol-Gel Technique on Selected Strains of Bacteria”. Egerton University (Collecting data in the laboratory through experimental work)
  5. Vincent Mutuma Gitonga, “Characterization by Photonic light trapping and Electrical transport of SnSe-CuxOy thin films for Solar cell Applications”. Egerton University (Collecting data in the laboratory through experimental work)
  6. David Warui Ngethe, “Characterization of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell with Rubus Glaucus (Blackberry), Syzygium Cumini (Jamun) And Curcuma Longa (Tumeric) Extracts for Improved Performance” Kirinyaga University. (Collecting data in the laboratory through experimental work)

MSc Thesis and Proposals  Examined

1. Marion Kerubo Mogusu, “Fabrication and Evaluation of Germanium Doped Cesium Tin Tri-iodide Perovskite Solar Cells”, Egerton University

2. Benjamin Kipchirchir Korir, “Theoretical Optimization of Optoelectronic Properties of Electron Transport Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator”, Egerton University

3. George Gichaga Njema "Numerical Analysis Of The Electrical Characteristics Of Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cell Based On Methylammonium Tin Iodide” Egerton University -Thesis

4. Vincent Otieno, “Investigation of Magnetic Properties of FeMnP-based Material for near room temperature Refrigeration using DFT”. Egerton University - Proposal.

5. Gabriel Chirchir, “Investigation on Electronic, Structural and Mechanical Properties of FeMnP1-xAx (A = Si, Ga, Ge; x = 0.33, 1-x = 0.66) as Magnetocaloric Refrigerant Alloy”. Egerton University.- Proposal

PhD. LEVEL :

On Going

      • Kemei Solomon Kiprono, “Structural, Opto–Electrical, Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Grapheneβ-(Ga2-xYx) O3 (Y = V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu; X˂ 0˂10%) Thin Films for Power Device Applications”. Egerton University. (Collecting data in the laboratory through experimental work)
      • Kabuga Pauline Kainyu, “Improved Photovoltaic Efficiency in Potassium Double Perovskites K2TiAsX6 (X=I, Br) Through Band-Gap Tuning.” Egerton University. (Proposal defense)
      • Okinyi Dennis Ombagi, “Characterization pof CuSCN, MAPPbI3-xClx and C60 thin films for Fabrication of Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells” (Proposal defense)

PhD  Thesis and Proposals Examined

    • PhD Thesis and Proposals  Examined
      1. Francis Gichuho Irungu, “Potential Of Magnetic Induction On The Reduction Of Postharvest Losses In Potatoes And Its Effects On Physicochemical, Nutritional, Glycoalkaloids, And Antioxidants Of Stored Potatoes” Egerton University
      2. Edward Tindibale, “A density functional theory study of elastic and thermoelectric properties of selected Heusler alloys”. Egerton University
      3. Jerefasio Ndungu, “A study of the electrical and optical properties of inorganic (Sn02/CsCiO3 CiSCN) perovskite solar cells prepared using solgel technique”. Egerton University
      4. Peter Wafula, “Geophysical characterization of paka volcano geothermal resources based on 3D inversion of gravity data.”. Egerton University
      5. Anne Thirika, “Ab initio study of structural, elastic and vibrational properties of Fe2P-TYPE materials for near -room -temperature refrigeration.” Egerton University
OTHER SOCIETIES
  • Member Physics Society of Kenya (PSK)
  • African Materials Research Society (African MRS)
  • The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS)
  • BOM Chairman, Bishop Okumu Secondary School, Kisumu County, Kenya
  • BOM Member, Langata Boys High School, Nairobi County, Kenya
  • Member of AMO, Seventh Day Adventist Church-Ongata Rongai Main Church, Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County
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