In a historic achievement, Oluwami (Wami) Dosunmu-Ogunbi has etched her name in the annals of academia as the first black woman to earn a Doctorate in Robotics from the esteemed University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in the United States.
Hailing from a lineage of Nigerian immigrants, Wami’s journey to this groundbreaking accomplishment is marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to realizing her aspirations. Her pioneering spirit and exceptional intellect have not only shattered barriers but also illuminated the path for future generations of scholars.
Wami’s academic odyssey commenced at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with honors in 2017. Fueled by a profound passion for engineering and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, she embarked on a transformative educational journey that culminated in her historic achievement.
Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Wami embarked on a trajectory of academic excellence, enrolling at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Here, she pursued a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, followed by another Master’s degree in Robotics, laying the groundwork for her groundbreaking doctoral pursuit.
In her quest for academic excellence, Wami encountered challenges that tested her resolve. Despite facing initial setbacks, including failing her qualifying exams for the mechanical engineering PhD program at the University of Michigan, Wami persevered with unwavering determination. Her journey took a transformative turn when she sought guidance from her mentor, Professor Chad Jenkins, whose unwavering support and belief in her potential reignited her determination.
Subsequently, Wami found refuge and mentorship under Professor Jessy Grizzle, a stalwart in the field of robotics and a key architect of the Robotics program at the University of Michigan. Under his tutelage, she thrived, overcoming obstacles and emerging stronger with each challenge.
Wami’s doctoral research focused on controls with applications in bipedal locomotion, a testament to her ingenuity and commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. Despite encountering logistical hurdles, such as working with an older robot for which manufacturer support ceased during her studies, Wami remained undeterred, displaying resilience and resourcefulness in pursuit of her goals.
Her groundbreaking research culminated in the development of a new stair-climbing controller for bipedal walking robots, showcasing her innovative prowess and technical acumen. Moreover, Wami’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion in the field of robotics earned her accolades, including the MLK Spirit Award for mentoring and inspiration.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Wami is a passionate advocate for making robotics more accessible to a wider audience, epitomizing the ethos of a Michigan Engineer committed to societal progress and innovation. Her indelible impact extends far beyond the confines of academia, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring scholars worldwide.
As Wami embarks on the next chapter of her journey, her historic achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering determination. Her legacy as the first black woman to earn a PhD in Robotics at the University of Michigan will continue to inspire generations of scholars to pursue their dreams relentlessly, transcending barriers and shaping a brighter future for all.
Destyni Tyree‘s story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to her education despite facing significant challenges. At just 16 years old, she made history by graduating from Roosevelt S.T.A.Y. High School in the United States with a remarkable 4.00 GPA, accomplishing this feat in just two years, an impressive feat by any measure. What makes her achievement even more remarkable is that she accomplished all of this while experiencing homelessness.
Destyni’s journey to academic success was not without its obstacles. When her mother lost her job a couple of years ago, their family faced financial difficulties that eventually led them to move into a homeless shelter in Washington D.C. Living in such conditions would have been daunting for anyone, let alone a teenager trying to navigate the challenges of high school. Yet, despite the uncertainty and instability of her living situation, Destyni remained steadfast in her pursuit of education.
Throughout her academic journey, Destyni encountered various setbacks, including issues with classmates and teachers that forced her to withdraw from several schools. However, her fortunes changed when she enrolled in Roosevelt S.T.A.Y. High School, an alternative program that provided her with the support and encouragement she needed to thrive. Under the guidance of Principal Eugenia Young, Destyni blossomed into a “phenomenal” student and a natural-born leader.
Despite the demanding circumstances of her life, Destyni managed to excel academically, taking on rigorous coursework, including classes on Saturdays, while also working 25 hours a week at an ice cream parlor to support herself and her family. Her dedication to her studies paid off, culminating in a perfect GPA and a full-ride scholarship to Potomac State College of West Virginia University. Read more about Destyni here.
