Long before she stood at global conferences or led cutting-edge manufacturing teams, Dr. Adeola Olubamiji was a young girl in Ibadan, Nigeria, hawking pepper in the community to keep her family afloat. Today, she is hailed as a trailblazing scientist, STEM leader, and first Black woman with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering in Canada. It is a feat that has inspired thousands of people all over the world.

Roots in Resilience

April 3, 1985, was the day when Dr. Adeola Olubamiji was born. She grew up in a family that greatly valued education but struggled financially. She began to show her determination to rise above such challenges from an early age. From the bustling streets of Ibadan to the science facilities of North America, she has taken that same determination with her to every establishment that she joined.

Having completed a Bachelor’s degree in Physics with Electronics at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria, she migrated to Tampere University of Technology, Finland, to undertake a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering. Her excellent academic credentials and firm vision led her to the University of Saskatchewan, where in 2017 she made history by becoming the first Black woman to receive a PhD in Biomedical Engineering in Canada.

Breaking Boundaries in Science   

Her groundbreaking doctoral research included the development of 3D-printed cartilage replacement to heal knee injuries. This is a critical innovation for regenerative medicine and orthopedic health. In addition to her technical brilliance, what stood out was her perseverance in a field with almost no women, let alone Black women, represented.

After her PhD, Dr. Olubamiji took on advanced roles in the fast-evolving field of additive manufacturing (3D printing). She worked with corporations like Burloak Technologies and Cummins Inc., where she led teams to revolutionize the use of metals and polymers in industrial manufacturing. She is now the Director of Additive Manufacturing Solutions at Desktop Metal, a global leader in the 3D printing sector.

Amplifying Impact through Advocacy

It was her desire to make STEM inclusive that led Dr. Adeola Olubamiji to create the STEMHub Foundation, an NGO that mentors and empowers youth and women, especially those in underrepresented groups, to pursue STEM-related careers. The foundation has empowered more than 5,000 individuals since its inception through workshops, scholarship, and mentorship.

She also heads D-Tech Centrix, a technology consulting company, and is on the board of Health and Science Innovations Inc., where she advocates for closing scientific innovation gaps with community outreach.

Awards and International Recognition for Dr. Adeola Olubamiji

Her innovations and experiences have made her widely recognized. She has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Life Science and Technology (2020) and received the Influential Woman in Manufacturing Award (2019) in the United State. She has also been recognized by CBC as one of 150 Black Women Making Canada Better, and received the L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Award for her work in community development and education.

Her story has been featured in media platforms like TEDx, the BBC, and several scientific journals. But even with all the accolades, she remains humble, reminding her followers that, “The girl who hawked pepper on the streets of Ibadan now makes history with every step.”

Dr. Adeola Olubamiji is a success story. She is proof that background and barriers do not foreordain destiny. She represents what happens when intelligence intersect with bavery, and when education is leveraged not just for self-advancement, but to uplift entire communities.

During this period when STEM fields are still grappling with diversity, Dr. Adeola’s presence brings significant changes. She has broken the glass ceilings and is building ladders for others who are to follow in her footsteps.