Dr Tosin Somorin joined Cranfield University in 2015 as a Research Fellow in Energy Systems, after obtaining a PhD in gas turbines, fuels and applications. She leads the development of a novel energy system that aims to thermally treat faecal sludge to power toilet components. This system is part of the development of the Nano Membrane Toilet, a project that is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for people lacking access to modern sanitation. She brings on-board a multidisciplinary background and years of experience in applied science and engineering. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from the University of Hertfordshire, UK and a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria. She has worked at a leading environmental consulting firm, with extensive experience on environmental studies, particularly in compliance monitoring and impact assessment. Some of the leading projects involved clients such as Shell, Escravos GTL, Daewoo Nigeria and Brass LNG, on aspects of microbiology, environmental and analytical chemistry, with investigation on water, air or soil quality; waste water treatment; effluent monitoring; bio-degradation and remediation of crude oil in various environments.