Nigerian Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first black woman to earn a PhD in Robotics from the University of Michigan in the United States. She shared her journey and gratitude during the university’s College of Engineering convocation, acknowledging the support of her teachers, friends, family, mentors, and role models in achieving her aspirations.
Dosunmu-Ogunbi expressed her desire to be remembered as the first black woman to achieve this feat at the University of Michigan and highlighted her goal of using her engineering knowledge to enhance the lives of others. She emphasized the importance of being a socially conscious engineer who contributes positively to society and promotes an inclusive and innovative community for the common good.
Her journey to earning a PhD in Robotics was described as one shared by many PhD students, initially lacking a clear vision for their final goals but eventually finding meaningful purpose. Dosunmu-Ogunbi was recognized for her contributions as an active community builder in robotics, receiving the MLK Spirit Award for mentoring and inspiration and serving as an outreach ambassador for Robotics from 2021 to 2023.
Additionally, she was named a runner-up in the College of Engineering’s three minute thesis competition and has been inducted into the Bouchet Society, which honors outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity in graduate education and the professoriate. Currently, Dosunmu-Ogunbi is interviewing for faculty positions, showcasing her commitment to advancing her field and inspiring others through her accomplishments.