Nigerian woman emerges first black woman to bag PhD in Robotics at Michigan Varsity

Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi has made history by becoming the first black woman to attain a Ph.D. in U-M Robotics at the University of Michigan.

Her outstanding accomplishment was recognized and celebrated during the university’s commencement ceremony, where she delivered a speech highlighting the pivotal roles of advocates and mentors in supporting her aspirations.

Dosunmu-Ogunbi emphasized the importance of inclusion in her address, reflecting on her personal journey alongside fellow PhD students who initially faced uncertainty but ultimately discovered abundant opportunities to apply engineering expertise for the betterment of society.

Dosunmu-Ogunbi said, “A Michigan Engineer isn’t solely a beacon of scientific and technological prowess. Rather, they embody intellectual curiosity, social consciousness, and the ability to craft collaborative solutions for societal challenges. They foster inclusivity and innovation, fostering a community dedicated to service for the greater good.”