Oluwami Dosunmu-Ogunbi, known as Wami, is a Nigerian-American engineer and robotics researcher whose work focuses on improving how robots move, balance and navigate environments designed for humans.
Her research has centered on bipedal robots, machines designed to walk on two legs with a focus on robotic locomotion and control. Through her work, she has explored ways to make these robots more stable, adaptable and capable of handling real world challenges, including climbing stairs and navigating uneven terrain.
In 2024, Dosunmu-Ogunbi became the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Robotics from the University of Michigan, marking a significant milestone in engineering and technology.
She completed her doctoral studies with a dissertation titled “Ascending New Heights: Enhancing Bipedal Robotic Locomotion through Stair Climbing.”
The research examined approaches for improving how bipedal robots climb stairs and overcome challenges associated with complex movement.
Dosunmu-Ogunbi hopes to inspire more young Black girls and aspiring engineers to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
