EducationNewsNigeriaNigerian Woman is First Black to Earn PhD in Robotics at University of Michigan

Nigerian-born Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi has etched her name in history, becoming the first Black woman to receive a PhD in Robotics from the prestigious University of Michigan in the United States.

Dosunmu-Ogunbi’s accomplishment was celebrated during the university’s College of Engineering convocation.

The ceremony provided a platform for Dosunmu-Ogunbi to acknowledge the importance of the support system that propelled her to this achievement. She emphasised, “I do not stand here on my own two feet alone. None of us got here by our individual merit alone.”

Dosunmu-Ogunbi, the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, also highlighted the values she embodies as a Michigan engineer. She aspires to be not just a scientific and technological leader, but also someone who is intellectually curious, socially conscious, and a collaborator in finding solutions to societal problems. Furthermore, she envisions fostering an inclusive and innovative robotics community that serves the greater good.

Dosunmu-Ogunbi’s commitment to her field extends beyond her academic achievements. She is recognised for actively contributing to the robotics community.

Her dedication has been rewarded with an MLK Spirit Award from the College of Engineering for her mentorship and inspiration, and she served as an outreach ambassador for Robotics for three consecutive years (2021–2023).

She is currently interviewing for faculty positions.