First Black Woman in Robotics at Michigan Reaches Major Milestone
Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi has become the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Robotics from the University of Michigan. She also delivered a powerful speech during the school’s 2024 University-wide commencement ceremony.
Her journey began with self-doubt and ended with groundbreaking research in bipedal locomotion. “None of us got here by our individual merit alone,” she told her fellow graduates. She thanked mentors who supported her through failures and guided her toward success.
Overcoming Setbacks with Support from Mentors
Ogunbi started her PhD program in mechanical engineering with high honors. However, she failed her qualifying exams and nearly dropped out during the pandemic. That’s when Robotics professor Chad Jenkins stepped in.
He connected her with Jessy Grizzle, a respected researcher who had planned to retire. Instead, he welcomed her into his lab. Ogunbi had to retake her exams, and this time, she passed with the help of professors who asked questions that boosted her confidence.
“When Wami came out of her shell, she exploded with creativity and resilience,” Grizzle said.
Robotics Research Focused on Helping Others
Ogunbi worked on Cassie Blue, a two-legged robot that resembled a flightless bird. She built a stair-climbing controller that worked in simulation. She also became the first to show a bipedal robot stepping onto and off a moving walkway.
Despite challenges, such as outdated equipment, she stayed focused on the goal—making robotics more inclusive and useful to people.
“A Michigan Engineer creates collaborative solutions to societal problems,” she said during her speech. “We must promote inclusion and service for the common good.”
Champion for Inclusion in Engineering and Education
Beyond the lab, Ogunbi made time to mentor others. She won the MLK Spirit Award and served as an outreach ambassador for three straight years. Her speaking skills also earned her a runner-up spot in a campus-wide thesis competition.
She was inducted into the Bouchet Society, which honors diverse scholars. Today, she is applying for faculty roles while continuing her research in bipedal movement.
Her message to others: find mentors, stay curious, and create space for people from all backgrounds in science.
