Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi has become the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Robotics from the University of Michigan, marking a historic milestone while inspiring future engineers
Nigerian Woman Makes History as First Black Woman to Earn PhD in Robotics at University of Michigan
Nigerian scholar Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi has etched her name into history after becoming the first Black woman to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Robotics from the University of Michigan in the United States.
Dosunmu-Ogunbi reached the landmark during the University of Michigan College of Engineering’s convocation, where she used her address to celebrate the mentors, teachers, family members and friends whose support shaped her academic journey.
Reflecting on her achievement, the daughter of Nigerian immigrants said success is never attained in isolation.
“I do not stand here on my own two feet alone. None of us got here by our individual merit alone, whether it be teacher, friends, family, mentors, or role models, we each have one or multiple people to whom we are grateful for making this moment possible,” she said.
She added that while becoming the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Robotics at the university is a significant milestone, she hopes her lasting legacy will be measured by the impact her work has on society.
“A Michigan Engineer is one who does not just provide scientific and technological leadership, but is also one who is intellectually curious, socially conscious, creates collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promotes an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
“We each have a solemn duty to make positive contributions to the world. Well, my reasons for becoming an engineer were initially frivolous, but they eventually moved into something more meaningful. I want to have a positive impact on the world,” she added.
The University of Michigan’s Robotics Department said Dosunmu-Ogunbi’s journey reflects that of many doctoral candidates who begin their studies without a clearly defined destination but develop into accomplished researchers through resilience, curiosity and purpose.
Beyond her academic research, the department described her as a committed community builder who made lasting contributions to the robotics programme. She received the College of Engineering’s MLK Spirit Award for her mentorship and inspirational leadership, served as a Robotics outreach ambassador for three consecutive years between 2021 and 2023, finished as runner-up in the College of Engineering’s Three-Minute Thesis competition and was inducted into the prestigious Bouchet Society, which recognises outstanding scholarly achievement while promoting diversity in graduate education.
The department also disclosed that Dosunmu-Ogunbi is currently interviewing for faculty positions as she prepares to begin the next chapter of her academic career, extending a journey that has already established her as a trailblazer for Black women and aspiring engineers around the world.
