Nigerian Professor of Engineering, Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, has made history as the first black woman globally to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Cybernetics. She obtained this degree from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, under the guidance of her PhD supervisor, Prof. Kevin Warwick, a prominent figure known as the first human Cyborg.
Currently, Professor Ekeng-Itua teaches at Ohlone College in Fremont, California, where she has been a pillar of leadership in the Engineering and Engineering Technology Departments for six years. In her role, she not only teaches but also mentors students extensively.
She is the founding lead of the College’s Smart Manufacturing Technology Program, which recently partnered with Tesla to enhance the electric automaker’s Employee Education Assistance (EEA) Program. This initiative aims to upskill Tesla employees in smart manufacturing practices.
Originating from Cross River in Nigeria, Rose-Margaret’s passion for engineering and technology was kindled during her childhood in Nigeria. Despite societal norms that traditionally limited women’s education in STEM fields, she pursued her interests relentlessly.
She earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Telecommunications) from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). She continued her education with a Master of Science (MSc) in Mobile and Satellite Communications Engineering from the University of Surrey, England. Before her groundbreaking PhD, she also completed a Certificate in Disruptive Strategies at Harvard.
Navigating a path fraught with gender biases and a scarcity of role models, Dr. Ekeng-Itua has overcome significant challenges as a woman of color in a male-dominated field. In a recent interview, she shared how each challenge fueled her determination, emphasizing that her success serves not only to advance her own career but also to inspire other women and girls to pursue their dreams without doubt.
Dr. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua stands today as a pioneer and a champion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, holding over 20 years of experience across the USA, Europe, and Africa. She is a multi-award-winning educator who has been instrumental in developing innovative STEM programs and serves as a role model, paving the way for future generations, especially girls in Africa.
