Last month, history was made as Dr. Wami became the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Robotics from the prestigious University of Michigan. This remarkable achievement is a testament to her perseverance, passion, and unwavering commitment to her field. But Dr. Wami’s journey is more than just personal success; it’s an inspiring story of growth, representation, and determination.
Beyond her academic accomplishment, Dr. Wami delivered speeches at three significant commencement ceremonies, highlighting her role as a leader and advocate for diversity in engineering. She spoke at the College of Engineering Graduate Student Commencement, the University-wide Commencement, and the Black Celebratory, addressing a collective audience of over 70,000 people.
Reflecting on her journey in a LinkedIn post, Dr. Wami shared how writing and public speaking were once her greatest challenges. “Growing up, I struggled with writing essays and speaking in front of others,” she recalls. “However, thanks to the encouragement of two remarkable teachers, Renee Summers and Katherine Wilson, I discovered my love for reading and writing. Their support ignited a passion within me that has fueled my entire career.”
Dr. Wami’s story resonates not only with aspiring engineers but with anyone who has faced obstacles in their path. From a shy girl struggling with words to a powerful orator whose speeches can captivate and inspire, she exemplifies how determination and the right mentorship can transform weaknesses into strengths.
Looking to the future, Dr. Wami remains committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, and empathy within the engineering field. She believes engineering must evolve to become more sustainable, inclusive, and compassionate. To that end, Dr. Wami is excited to announce her next step: joining the esteemed faculty at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology as a Visiting Faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering department for the 2024-2025 academic year.
“I am eager to work alongside like-minded colleagues who share my passion for nurturing globally responsible engineers,” Dr. Wami said. “As we move forward, I will also be preparing to re-enter the academic job market for the following year, in search of faculty positions that align with my mission to foster well-rounded engineers.”
As Dr. Wami continues to break barriers and inspire others, her journey is far from over. She invites the community to join her in building a future where engineering is a field that embraces diversity, promotes inclusion, and reflects the full spectrum of human experience.
For those interested in supporting Dr. Wami’s mission or providing recommendations for future faculty positions, she welcomes referrals as she prepares for her next academic chapter.
With her eyes on the horizon and a heart full of gratitude, Dr. Wami is ready to continue her extraordinary journey. The future of engineering, it seems, has never been brighter.