Dr. Fred McBagonluri is a Ghanaian engineer, inventor, educator, author and university leader whose career has connected advanced engineering, medical technology, research and higher education.
He is recognised for his work in medical devices, materials engineering, computer aided design, digital manufacturing and product development. He has also played an important role in promoting science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education in Ghana.
McBagonluri was born and raised in Ghana. He attended school in Accra before continuing his education at Nandom Secondary School and St Augustine’s College.
He later travelled to the United States, where he studied Manufacturing Engineering at Central State University and graduated summa cum laude. He obtained a Master of Science degree in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech, a doctorate in Materials Engineering from the University of Dayton and a Master of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
His academic background combines engineering, materials science, manufacturing, business and systems thinking. This combination helped him build a career in research, healthcare technology, business strategy and education.
Medical Technology Career
Before returning to Ghana, McBagonluri worked for several major healthcare and engineering companies in the United States.
He held senior positions at Siemens Healthcare, Becton, Dickinson and Company and Joerns Healthcare. His work involved medical devices, hearing aid systems, computer aided design, automation, three dimensional data processing and digital manufacturing.
His research and development work focused on creating more efficient methods for designing and manufacturing medical devices. These technologies helped improve the production of hearing aids and other healthcare products.
Patents and Inventions
Dr. McBagonluri is listed as an inventor on more than 20 issued United States patents and more than 40 patents and patent applications.
Some of the publicly listed patents naming him as an inventor include:
- System and Method for Designing Hearing Aid Components with a Flexible Cover, US Patent No. 9,788,131.
This patent covers computer based methods for designing hearing aid components that contain both flexible and rigid parts.
- Method of Generating an Optimized Venting Channel in a Hearing Instrument, US Patent No. 8,554,352.
This invention relates to the design of ventilation channels inside hearing aid shells.
- Feature Driven Rule Based Framework for Automation of Modeling Workflows in Digital Manufacturing, US Patent No. 8,332,061.
It uses computer aided design and automated image processing rules to support the design of prosthetic devices.
- Hearing Aid with Enhanced Vent, US Patent No. 8,265,316.
This invention uses a flexible membrane and an acoustic resistor to improve hearing aid performance and reduce sound distortion.
- Completely in Canal Hearing Instrument with Robust Feedback Stability, US Patent No. 8,229,151.
It focuses on reducing unwanted feedback in small hearing aids.
- Method and System for Side Detection of 3D Undetailed Ear Impressions, US Patent No. 8,224,094.
This system helps determine whether a three dimensional ear impression is for the left or right ear.
- Assembly Procedure for CIC with Floating Components, US Patent No. 8,180,085.
The invention deals with positioning components during the manufacture of completely in canal hearing aids.
- Computerized Automatic Wax Guard Design Modeling System and Method for Hearing Instruments, US Patent No. 8,135,153.
It automates the design and placement of wax guards in hearing aid shells.
- Tapered Vent for a Hearing Instrument, US Patent No. 8,096,383.
This patent describes a tapered vent design for compact hearing instruments.
- Feature Protection for Stereolithographic Manufacturing Processes, US Patent No. 8,077,894.
It focuses on protecting important structural features during stereolithographic manufacturing.
These patents were developed with other inventors during McBagonluri’s work in the medical technology and hearing aid industries. Many of them were assigned to companies such as Siemens Hearing Instruments, Siemens Corporation and later Sivantos.
NASA Astronaut Finalist
One of the most notable moments in McBagonluri’s career was becoming a finalist in NASA’s 2009 Astronaut Candidate Corps selection process.
Although he was not selected as an astronaut, reaching the finalist stage was a major achievement. It placed him among a highly competitive group of scientists, engineers and professionals considered for one of the world’s most demanding careers.
The achievement became an inspiration for young Africans interested in aerospace, science and engineering.
Return to Ghana
After building an international career, McBagonluri returned to Ghana with a strong interest in education, innovation and national development.
He believed Africa needed engineers who could design products, solve local problems and create companies based on science and technology.
Leadership at Ashesi University
McBagonluri became the founding Dean of Engineering at Ashesi University.
At Ashesi, he helped promote an approach to engineering education that focused on practical learning, entrepreneurship, design thinking and problem solving.
He encouraged students to become creators of products and services instead of simply preparing to become employees.
Ghana Climate Innovation Centre
He also served as the founding Executive Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, an initiative supported by the World Bank.
The centre supported entrepreneurs developing technologies connected to renewable energy, climate change and environmental sustainability.
Its work included mentorship, business development, technical assistance and support for clean technology entrepreneurs.
President and Provost of Academic City
McBagonluri later became President and Provost of Academic City University in Ghana.
In this role, he has promoted interdisciplinary education and practical training in engineering, technology, business and the liberal arts.
Academic City’s educational approach focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, teamwork and the use of technology to solve real problems.
His leadership reflects his belief that universities should work closely with industry and society.
STEM and STEAM Education
McBagonluri has consistently advocated for stronger science and technology education in Africa.
He has spoken about the importance of STEM and STEAM education in preparing young people for a changing global economy.
He believes students should not only memorise scientific facts. They should be given opportunities to design, build, test and improve ideas.
He has also argued that the arts and creativity are important because innovation requires communication, imagination and an understanding of people.
Writing and Other Interests
In addition to engineering and education, McBagonluri is an author and novelist.
He has written technical materials, essays, poems and fiction. His writing reflects his interest in leadership, society, human experience and personal development.
His ability to combine technical knowledge with creativity has also influenced his approach to education.
Awards and Recognition
McBagonluri has received several professional and academic honours.
In 2008, he was named the United States Black Engineer of the Year Most Promising Scientist. He also received the New Jersey State Healthcare Business Innovator Hero Award.
Other recognitions include the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame award from Central State University and the Academy of Engineering Excellence honour from Virginia Tech.
Ashesi University also recognised him as Innovator of the Year.
His story demonstrates that African professionals can make important contributions to advanced global industries while also returning to train and inspire the next generation.
Sources: Virginia Tech, Academic City University, Ashesi University, Graphic Online, MyJoyOnline, Justia Patents, Google Patents, Siemens patent records, Central State University and the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana.
Source: Wundef Media
Leave a Reply