Paul (Paulin) Buaka, Ph.D., joined Cummins in 2008 as a specialist in the applied mechanics group. Currently, he is a technical advisor for analysis & testing technology in emission solutions. This February, Dr. Buaka will receive the Senior Investigator Award at the BEYA STEM Conference. The award recognizes a nominee who is a leader in advancing science or implementing new technologies. The effects of this person’s work radiate out into the product line, changing the way we live and work.

Buaka works with sites in China, India, Brazil, and Europe by developing test procedures and standards for structural validation of diesel and natural gas engine exhaust after-treatment systems to meet emission regulation requirements. He is also a talent scout for Cummins North America Applied Mechanics, holding the responsibility to screen resumes, conduct interviews, recommend hiring for internship, coach, and mentor new and junior engineers.

“Considering his development of technology, speeding the development of cost-effective and durable products; his application and adaptation of those methods, his mentoring of new engineers, and his recruiting efforts for the next generation of Cummins engineers, I believe Dr. Paulin Buaka an excellent candidate for this award, ” said Dr. Jeffrey Liu, Cummins Emissions Solutions.

Prior to his career with Cummins, Buaka excelled in roles across product introduction, mechanical structural dynamics analysis and digital signal processing while working for TDK Magnecomp Precision Technology, and as a post-doc at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Buaka earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with minor in electro-mechanics from the University of Kinshasa, Republic Democratic of Congo. As a top student, he won the Canadian Francophonie Scholarship to pursue specialization in Canada where he received a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.