Nigerian-born engineer Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first black woman to earn a PhD in Robotics at the University of Michigan in the United States.
Dosunmu-Ogunbi made this historic achievement known during the College of Engineering convocation at the University of Michigan, where she highlighted the pivotal roles of mentors and advocates in helping her realize her aspirations.
Robotics, an interdisciplinary field encompassing the design, construction, and operation of robots, has seen significant contributions from Dosunmu-Ogunbi. Her accomplishment marks a significant advancement in diversity and representation within the robotics community.
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Expressing her elation, Dosunmu-Ogunbi stated, “I am the first Black woman to get a PhD in Robotics at the University of Michigan.” She acknowledged the support of her mentors, friends, family, and role models, emphasizing that her success was a collective effort.
Reflecting on her legacy, Dosunmu-Ogunbi expressed her desire to be remembered as a trailblazer in robotics and as someone who leveraged her engineering expertise to make a positive impact on society. She emphasized the importance of intellectual curiosity, social consciousness, and collaborative problem-solving in engineering.
Dosunmu-Ogunbi’s journey to achieving her PhD exemplifies the resilience and determination of many doctoral students who navigate uncertainty and challenges to reach their goals. Her accomplishment serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and underscores the importance of diversity in the field of robotics.
