Black History Month: Celebrating a passion for learning

For Akinola Ogbeyemi, engineering is more than a career - it’s a passion that has taken him across continents. Born and raised in Nigeria, Ogbeyemi earned his Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering from the University of Benin before coming to Canada to pursue graduate studies. Now, he calls Saskatoon home, where he is a sessional lecturer with the Ron and Jane Graham School of Professional Development and a PhD candidate in biomedical engineering at USask. Join Ogbeyemi as he shares his journey as an engineer and reflects on the significance of Black History Month.

A personal journey to finding a career in research

I have always been very enthusiastic about teaching and research. Early in my academic journey, I began teaching basic technology, physics, and design in several schools in Nigeria. While teaching, I coached students in the National and World Robotics Olympiad (N-WRO) who represented Nigeria while competing in Doha, Qatar in 2015. That was a memorable experience – I felt like my teaching and leadership were recognized and it reinforced my passion for teaching.  

Upon moving to Canada, I continued to develop research interests and teaching expertise in the fields of human factor, advanced engineering design, and STEM. I began my MSc, with my thesis topic in Human Factor Engineering, supervised by Professor Dr. Chris Zhang. My thesis led to several peer‐reviewed publications and had a real-world impact as the research was conducted at a Saskatchewan company, Parkland Welding and Machine. Particularly, this work provided a solution to scheduling with consideration of human factors, a missing element in production practices, which often caused undesired results in today’s global economic development era.

Making a difference through engineering research

I began my PhD studies in 2022 after a brief tenure in the engineering procurement and construction industry I am deeply grateful to continue this journey under the supervision of Dr. Chris Zhang and to learn from the insights and guidance of Dr. Lori Bradford. My PhD work focuses on social and cultural factors in decision-making, with special attention to Indigenous communities.

As a PhD candidate, I’m appreciative to have received numerous national and international awards, including the prestigious Dean’s Scholarship Award for PhD, the Graduate Students’ Association Bursary Award, the University of Saskatchewan Research Stipend Award, and most recently the NSERC-Canada Graduate Scholarship-Doctoral (CGS D) Award.

These awards, along with the support from my supervisors, have inspired me to work towards project management for engineering procurement and construction of healthcare facilities for Indigenous Communities. One expected contribution of my research is to develop a new approach to manage the complex systems in the field of construction, while also considering the cultural and social factors that impact the service systems.

Community involvement and journeys across Saskatchewan

One of the values I hold most deeply is service. I believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration, not only with fellow researchers but also within the communities I am grateful to engage with. Building meaningful connections through service is something I strive for every day. Whether supporting my local church or volunteering through the USask Science Outreach program, I am committed to giving back and contributing in ways that uplift and strengthen those around me.

Since 2019, I have been fortunate to be involved in community-engaged research and STEM outreach, experiences that shaped my understanding of the skills needed to support meaningful collaboration. This work was shared in 2024 at the Canadian Engineering Education Association Conference through the presentation, Exploration of Skills Needed for Graduate-level Community Engaged Research in Engineering.

As a USask student, I have had the privilege of visiting communities across Saskatchewan, including Cumberland House, Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Wollaston Lake Cree Nation, and James Smith Cree Nation. These experiences have been deeply meaningful, allowing me to share STEM education while learning from the knowledge and perspectives of the communities. Through these connections, I hope to contribute to ongoing efforts toward social harmony and reconciliation, reflecting Canada’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society.

My Perspective on Black History Month

My perspective on Black History Month is about fostering continuous unity amongst all Black people, regardless of their tribes, country, or race. Our relationships should include celebrating and showcasing the successes and contributions of Black researchers, students, and faculty, as well as offering support during challenging times. This period is a time when we should set aside selfish behaviours and embrace altruism, not just towards Black people, but towards everyone.

It is a time to engage with our communities as a social responsibility, especially in this era of Post-Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. My research and teaching experiences at USask over the past six years, both as a student and a sessional lecturer, have shown me the strength of diversity. It is becoming increasingly clear that diversity within a system makes that system more resilient, robust, and sustainable.

While I am grateful for the opportunity to study and teach at USask as a Black scholar, I recognize that true diversity and inclusion require greater Black representation across all levels of our institutions. There is still work to be done, but through continued dialogue and action, we can help shape a future where every voice is heard and valued.

Black History Month at USask honours the legacy and contributions of members of the university’s Black community. It is a time to listen to and learn about the accomplishments and lived experiences of the Black community. For more information, visit https://spotlight.usask.ca/black-history-month/black-history-month.php