Breaking Barriers in Academic Excellence
Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunjobi, a Nigerian-American engineer, has written her name in history by becoming the first Black woman to earn a doctorate degree (PhD) in Robotics at the prestigious University of Michigan, United States.
Her remarkable achievement is a testament to her unwavering determination and dedication to academic excellence.
A Resilient Journey Fueled by Support
Dosunmu-Ogunjobi’s path to success was not without its challenges. In her commencement speech, she candidly shared her story of overcoming obstacles and the pivotal role played by mentors and advocates in enabling her to realize her aspirations.
“I do not stand here on my own two feet alone. None of us got here by our individual merit alone, whether it be teachers, friends, family, mentors, or role models, we each have one or multiple people to whom we are grateful for making this moment possible,” she said.
Inspiring Future Generations
Dosunmu-Ogunjobi’s accomplishment holds immense significance, as she aims to inspire and pave the way for future generations of aspiring engineers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
“I want to be remembered as the University of Michigan’s first Black woman to get a PhD in Robotics, and as a person using her knowledge in engineering to improve the lives of others,” she stated.
Embodying the Spirit of a Michigan Engineer
In her speech, Dosunmu-Ogunjobi eloquently defined what it means to be a Michigan Engineer, highlighting the importance of intellectual curiosity, social consciousness, collaborative problem-solving, and promoting an inclusive and innovative community of service.
“A Michigan Engineer is one who does not just provide scientific and technological leadership, but also is one who is intellectually curious, socially conscious, creates collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promotes an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good,” she said.
Positive Impact and Societal Contributions
Dosunmu-Ogunjobi’s journey began with a whimsical desire to wear the coveted doctoral graduation regalia but evolved into a meaningful pursuit to positively impact the world through her engineering knowledge and skills.
“Well, my reasons for becoming an engineer were initially frivolous, but they eventually moved into something more meaningful. I want to have a positive impact on the world,” she shared.
