Prof. Aples is currently the Dean of Engineering & Computing at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech).

In 1999, she came to UTech to develop the first bilingual bachelor programme in Chemical Engineering. She also served as Head of School of Engineering before occupying the position of Dean.

Prof. Nilza Aples earned her PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Universidad de Oriente, Cuba in 1997. She graduated with a BSc in Chemical Engineer from ISPJAE, Cuba, 1985. She is a member of the Jamaican Professional Engineering Board and the Jamaican Institute of Engineer, member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers,  American Chemical Society, American Society of Engineering Education and member of the Global engineering Deans

Her academic career is based on research and consultancy. As such since 1999, she spearheads the Waste Management Centre at UTech. Conducting research and supervising students at undergraduate and graduate level. In doing so, she has afforded the University well needed recognition particularly in the fields of Waste Management, Biofuels, Natural Fibres and Composite and Structural Materials, by representing the Caribbean region in the Global Natural Fibres Forum.

Prof. Aples was member of the Board for LACCEI, represent  LACCEI Engineering Deans and is a LACCEI Par Amigo, trained  by EUR-ACE and ABET  and is part of LACCEI international accreditation experts.  Regionally she is also Member of the Caribbean Accreditation Council for Engineering and Technology (CACET), which was formed with the assistance of IEEE, since its inception.

Focus research areas are renewable energy, waste management, materials and essential oils. Her ongoing researches in the area of composite material have received local and international recognition via over 100 scholars’ citations.