The University of Reading in the United Kingdom recently awarded Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Cybernetics, making her the first black woman in the world to achieve this milestone. Ekeng-Itua currently holds a position as Engineering Professor at Ohlone College in Fremont, California, where she has contributed significantly to the Engineering and Engineering Technology Departments. Additionally, Ekeng-Itua is the Founding Program Lead of the Smart Manufacturing Technology Program at the college, which partnered with Tesla for the enhancement of the electric automaker's Employee Education Assistance (EEA) Program. This collaboration aims to improve the skills of Tesla employees in smart manufacturing.
Background of Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua
Originally hailing from Cross River, Nigeria, Ekeng-Itua discovered her passion for engineering and technology during her formative years in Nigeria. Despite the prevalent cultural barriers to women's education, especially in male-dominated fields like engineering, she pursued her academic journey diligently. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Telecommunications) from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and a Master of Science (MSc) in Mobile and Satellite Communications Engineering from the University of Surrey in England. She further expanded her education with a Certificate in Disruptive Strategies from Harvard and culminated her academic pursuits with a groundbreaking PhD in Cybernetics from the University of Reading.
Ekeng-Itua's path to success has been fraught with challenges, including gender biases and limited female role models in her field. Despite facing these obstacles, she remained steadfast in her determination to achieve her goals. In an interview, she shared that every challenge she encountered fueled her determination, and she viewed her success not just as personal achievement but also as an inspiration for other women and girls who may question their capabilities.
Today, Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua is recognized as a pioneering figure in education, administration, and engineering, particularly in STEM fields in Africa. With a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years in Engineering and STEM Education across the USA, Europe, and Africa, she has championed innovative STEM programs that inspire the youth, especially girls, in Africa. Ekeng-Itua's dedication to advancing STEM education and her early fascination with technology in Nigeria have solidified her reputation as a prominent figure in engineering and education.
