Nigerian Lady, First Black Woman to Bag a PhD in Robotics

Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunjobi has become the first black Nigerian lady to achieve a PhD in Robotics from the esteemed University of Michigan in the United States.

In a heartfelt address at the College of Engineering convocation, she highlighted the invaluable support of mentors and advocates in her journey towards realizing her dreams. Graciously acknowledging the pivotal roles played by teachers, mentors, friends, family and inspirational figures, she emphasized the collective effort that propelled her and her peers to success.

Popularly known as Wami for short, the accomplished Nigerian engineer shared her remarkable achievements during her academic tenure at the university. Notably, she was bestowed with the Intersectional Advocacy Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to honoring and championing the diverse identities of students through active participation and initiatives. Wami’s passion for empowering the next generation was evident as she engaged with high school girls through the “Girls Who Code” program, sharing her PhD journey and inspiring them to pursue their own aspirations.

Beyond academia, Wami has been a prominent figure in the robotics community, representing Michigan Robotics at events like the Robotic and Intelligence Systems Expo (RISE) held at Purdue University. Her dedication to fostering inclusivity and mentorship earned her the esteemed MLK Spirit Award from the College of Engineering, alongside the distinction of being appointed as an outreach ambassador by Robotics for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023.

Furthermore, Wami’s academic prowess was showcased as she emerged as a runner-up in the College of Engineering’s esteemed three-minute thesis competition. Her outstanding scholarly contributions were duly recognized with her induction into the Bouchet Society, which recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity in graduate education and the professoriate.

As the Nigerian lady looks towards the future, she envisions leveraging her expertise in engineering to make tangible, positive impacts on the lives of others. Her trailblazing journey serves as an inspiration and a beacon of hope, paving the way for future generations of aspiring engineers, particularly women of color, to reach new heights and shatter barriers in the field of robotics.

More about Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi here