Nigerian Woman Makes History as First Black Woman to Earn PhD in Robotics from University of Michigan
A Nigerian woman, Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi, has made history by becoming the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Robotics from the University of Michigan.
She reached the milestone during the university’s College of Engineering graduation ceremony, where she thanked the teachers, family members, friends, mentors, and role models who supported her throughout her academic journey.
Dosunmu-Ogunbi said her success was not achieved alone and encouraged fellow graduates to appreciate everyone who helped them reach their goals.
She also spoke about the kind of legacy she hopes to leave behind, saying she wants to be remembered not only for making history but also for using engineering to improve people’s lives and solve real-world problems.
According to the University of Michigan’s Robotics Department, her journey shows how determination, hard work, and dedication can help students grow into successful researchers, even if they begin without a clear career path.
The department also praised her for her leadership and service to the university community. During her time at the institution, she received the College of Engineering’s Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award for her mentorship and positive impact on others.
She also served as a Robotics Outreach Ambassador for three years, from 2021 to 2023, helping to promote robotics education and encourage future engineers.
In addition, Dosunmu-Ogunbi was runner-up in the College of Engineering’s Three-Minute Thesis competition and was inducted into the Bouchet Society, which recognizes outstanding academic achievement and supports diversity in higher education.
She is now preparing for the next stage of her career and is interviewing for university faculty positions.
