AESS Student Interview: Opeyemi Sodiq Owolabi

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your academic journey so far?

I am Opeyemi Sodiq Owolabi, a 25-year-old recent graduate with a lively personality and diverse interests that make me a positive and resourceful conversationalist. My determination has guided me through my academic journey, culminating in a first-class honors degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

The path to my degree was both challenging and unconventional. What was designed to be a 5-year program evolved into a 7-year odyssey due to prolonged strike actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These unforeseen challenges tested my resilience and ultimately reignited my passion for my chosen field of study.

Throughout this journey, I developed a deep appreciation for control systems engineering. This fascinating discipline provides tools to optimize and fine-tune various aspects of life and our environment. The ability to make precise adjustments and improvements in different systems aligns well with my analytical mindset and desire to contribute positively to society.

My academic success came with numerous challenges, but I persevered through dedication and hard work. This experience not only sharpened my technical skills but also helped me build resilience and adaptability—qualities I believe will serve me well in my future endeavors.

What inspired you to pursue your field of study?

A personal interest that grew into this passion for Electronic and Electrical Engineering was fostered through high school. I have always been interested in different complex physical systems and their working procedures. Curiosity and interest, therefore, are what led me into the field that I believe would best prepare me for designing and building such systems.

Electronic and Electrical Engineering suited me for the perfect blend it represented of theory and application. It presented a way to realize the simplest of principles that run technology today while also serving as a medium for creation and innovation. I loved the fact that we were able to develop something real from which solutions to specific problems could be derived.

Besides, I learned how broad this field is: ranging from power systems to telecommunications and from robotics to renewable energy, applications in the Electronic and Electrical Engineering domain are widespread, with newer applications coming up regularly. The range of possibilities in this field really excited me, since this is where my interest lies if I were to lead a dynamic and impactful career path.

How did you hear about this scholarship, and what made you decide to apply?

I kind of fell into this scholarship opportunity by accident. I found out about the fellowship on the Aerospace and Electronic Student Society's website while doing research on them. My attention was instantly drawn to this surprising discovery.

I became attracted to the scholarship opportunity more and more as I read through the details. I found the essay requirement to be especially meaningful. My tremendous interest for the field was well connected with the issue, which not only intrigued me but also strongly motivated me to apply.

Also, it was appealing to have the opportunity to express my views and opinions on a topic I'm enthusiastic about in the necessary essay. I saw it as a chance to demonstrate my expertise, originality, and possible contributions to the subject.

What does winning this scholarship mean to you?

Winning this scholarship holds profound significance for me, both personally and professionally. It represents far more than just financial support; it's a form of recognition from a prestigious organization in my field, which deeply validates my efforts and aspirations.

The joy I felt upon receiving the early morning email announcing my selection remains vivid in my memory. Even months later, I still experience a surge of excitement when I reflect on that moment. This enduring elation underscores the impact this achievement has had on me.

This recognition serves as a powerful affirmation of my potential and the path I've chosen. It bolsters my confidence in my abilities and reinforces my commitment to excel in my field. Winning this scholarship from such a respected body in the aerospace and electronics community feels like a vote of confidence in my academic journey and future career prospects.

How do you think this scholarship will help you achieve your academic and career goals?

This scholarship has already had a big impact on my academic path and will continue to be extremely important to reaching my professional objectives. Its advantages are extensive and varied:

To begin with, it has been of great use to me with my thesis topic, "Design and Implementation of a GSM-based Smart Energy Metering System." The financial support has improved the caliber and scope of my research by enabling me to commit more time and resources to this significant project.

Additionally, the scholarship has made it possible to pursue academic opportunities abroad. It has allowed me to go to Control Conference Africa, which will take place in Mauritius on September 16–17, 2024, and present a paper that I co-authored titled "A Generalized Anti-windup Approach for Internal Model Control" there. I can network with professionals in my area and stay up to date on the most recent advancements in control systems engineering in addition to sharing my research with a worldwide audience thanks to this chance.

In the future, this scholarship will greatly support my goal of attending a top US university to pursue a Ph.D. in Control Systems Engineering. This award's acknowledgment and assistance bolster my application and show that I have what it takes to make a significant contribution to the field's advanced research.

These encounters and chances are a perfect fit for my long-term professional objective of excelling as a Control Systems Engineer. The scholarship provides a catalyst for academic progress, professional development, and global exposure in addition to providing financial aid. I'm gaining a strong foundation of information, abilities, and contacts from it that will help me shape my career in control systems engineering.

What are your academic goals during your scholarship period?

My academic goals during the scholarship period are ambitious and multifaceted, aimed at maximizing both my academic performance and my exposure to the broader field of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. I'm pleased to report that I've already achieved some of these goals, while others are in progress or on the horizon:

Academic Excellence: I set out to finish in the top 2% of my class, a goal I'm proud to say I've successfully achieved. This accomplishment not only reflects my dedication to my studies but also positions me well for future academic and professional opportunities.

Research Presentation: One of my key objectives was to present a paper at an international conference. I'm excited that this goal is about to be realized. I will soon be traveling to present a paper I co-authored at the Control Conference Africa in Mauritius. This opportunity will allow me to share my research, engage with peers and experts in my field, and gain valuable experience in academic presentation and networking.

Doctoral Studies Preparation: A major goal that I'm actively working towards is securing admission to a prestigious university in the United States for a Ph.D. program. This scholarship is playing a crucial role in strengthening my application by supporting my research and providing opportunities for academic growth.
Expanding Research Skills: While not explicitly mentioned earlier, I'm also focusing on enhancing my research skills. This includes improving my proficiency in advanced data analysis techniques, simulation software relevant to control systems, and academic writing.

Building Professional Networks: Leveraging the opportunities provided by this scholarship, I aim to establish connections with professionals and academics in my field. This includes engaging with guest speakers, attending workshops, and participating in industry events when possible.

Contributing to My Field: Beyond my personal achievements, I'm committed to contributing to the body of knowledge in Electronic and Electrical Engineering. This involves continuing to work on research projects and potentially publishing more papers in peer-reviewed journals.
By pursuing these goals, I'm not only aiming to excel academically but also to lay a strong foundation for my future career in Control Systems Engineering. The scholarship is instrumental in providing the resources and opportunities to turn these aspirations into reality.

Where do you see yourself after completing your education?

After completing my education, I envision myself as an accomplished Control Systems Engineer, ready to make meaningful contributions to both the field and society at large. My academic journey, culminating in a Ph.D. from a prestigious U.S. university, will equip me with advanced knowledge, skills, and a robust professional network.

I see myself at the forefront of technological innovation, working on cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of control systems engineering. This could involve developing advanced algorithms for autonomous systems, optimizing smart grid technologies, or creating more efficient industrial control processes. Drawing from my experience presenting at international conferences, I aim to continue contributing to academic discourse while potentially taking on roles that allow me to inspire the next generation of engineers.

In the industry, I anticipate taking on leadership positions in technology-driven companies, applying my expertise to solve real-world challenges in sectors such as renewable energy, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing. The entrepreneurial spirit fostered during my academic projects, like the GSM-based Smart Energy Metering System, may even lead me to found a startup addressing critical needs in energy management or automation.

Given the global nature of technological advancement, I expect to participate in international collaborations, bringing diverse perspectives together to tackle complex engineering challenges. Throughout my career, I have committed to being a lifelong learner, continuously updating my skills to stay at the cutting edge of technological advancements.

Ultimately, I see myself not just as a professional in control systems engineering, but as an innovator and leader who leverages this powerful discipline to create positive change. My goal is to use my education and skills to make meaningful contributions that improve lives and drive technological progress, whether through more efficient energy systems, advanced robotics, or novel control theory applications in emerging fields.