Work Experience

Undergraduate Research Assistant @ Centre for Robotics & Biosystems @ Northwestern University

• Design and train computer vision models integrated within a reinforcement learning pipeline to enhance robotic navigation and environmental awareness, enabling real-time autonomous decision-making in complex spaces and developing proficiency in deep learning, computer vision, and reinforcement learning frameworks.
• Implements arUco markers and AprilTags to establish a robust reference system, significantly improving robots' positional awareness and localization accuracy while gaining practical expertise in visual SLAM and pose estimation techniques.
• Optimized robot navigation performance by integrating reinforcement learning techniques such as reward shaping and policy gradient optimization, achieving smoother, reliable behavior, and deepening knowledge in training strategy design, simulation-to-reality transfer, and control theory principles.

CS 110: Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (T.A.) / Peer Mentor (P.M.) @ Northwestern University

• Assists the instructing professor in teaching Introduction to Computer Programming to 200+ students helping them grasp fundamental concepts, including basic Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), and guiding them in applying these concepts to build feasible and applicable final quarter projects.
• Helps students explore the integration of automation into their respective fields of interest.
• Hosts weekly office hours and tutorials to provide personalized academic support.
• Manages administrative tasks such as grading exams and projects, providing detailed feedback to students and the instructing professor.

Chief Technology Officer @ Ideanova Labs

• Co-developed AfroLingo, a language learning application focused on preserving and teaching African languages and cultural heritage using React.js for the frontend and Django for the backend. Actively collaborating with linguistics departments at African universities to gather authentic data and inform development of domain-specific large language models tailored to African languages and dialects.
• Engineered an AI-powered web scraping tool using LangChain, Ollama, and Selenium to autonomously gather structured language data, cultural context, and educational materials for underrepresented African languages, enhancing AfroLingo's content base and accuracy.
• Awarded $1000 in Microsoft Azure credits and accepted into the Microsoft StartUp Hub, gaining access to mentorship, infrastructure support, and expert guidance on product development and launch strategies.

Summer Research Intern, Jiang Lab @ Simpson & Kimberly Querrey Biomedical Center

• Worked 40 hours a week for 8 weeks on designing and developing a project aimed at ameliorating vascular calcification through targeted mitochondrial therapy.
• Assisted lab mentor with key laboratory tasks, including cell culture, immunocytochemistry techniques, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Presented findings to the lab at the conclusion of the internship, demonstrating the project's outcomes and insights.
• Delivered a poster presentation to the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences (WCAS) as part of the NU Bioscientist program, showcasing the research to a broader academic audience.

Academic Support and Learning Advancement (ASLA) Peer Mentor @ Northwestern University

• Collaborates with the ASLA drop-in tutoring team for two hours weekly, providing targeted support to over 50 Northwestern students, resulting in enhanced understanding of course material.
• Supplements in-class materials and lectures for MATH 218-1, 218-2, 218-3, 220-1, 220-2, and 230-1, helping students clarify complex concepts and improve their academic performance.
• Addresses individual student questions and reinforces lecture content, contributing to increased confidence and success in key math courses.

Research Director @ STAIJA NG

• Spearheaded efforts to promote research collaboration between Nigerian high school students and professors at tertiary institutions through the STEP UP Scholars initiative.
• Matched high-achieving students with college professors in their fields of interest, facilitating mentorships that enabled students to engage in in-depth research and significantly advance their academic pursuits.
• Proactively secured funding from sponsors to ensure the program's sustainability, allowing the initiative to expand its reach and impact.
• Successfully built a robust network of 100 + professors across Nigerian higher institutions, providing students with expert guidance and mentorship to support their research endeavors.

Customer Service Rep, Membership Office @ Northwestern Recreation

• Process new membership applications, renewals, and cancellations efficiently.
• Inform gym users about the facility's various offerings and services.
• Handle additional registrations required for facility access and events.
• Perform auxiliary roles as assigned, ensuring smooth operation of the facility.

Tutor & Academic Mentor @ Divine Success Academy Lagos

• Taught Physics, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics to over 80 high school students, effectively preparing them for WASSCE and UTME exams.
• Organized motivational seminars, sharing personal experiences to inspire and encourage students.
• Collaborated with management to coordinate a charity visit to the Nigerian Red Cross Orphanage in Makoko, Lagos.
• Donated essential relief materials during the visit, contributing to the well-being of the orphanage residents.

Volunteer @ EducationUSA Lagos

• Spoke at the 2023 Bootcamp, providing advice to high school and gap year students on the college application process.
• Served as the Time Keeper for the Martin Luther King Public Speaking Competition in February 2023 and during Black History Month.
• Volunteered at the College Fair in October 2022 and the Mini College Fair in May 2023, assisting with event coordination.
• Participated on the panel for selecting Opportunity Funds Program grants, evaluating prospective undergraduate students.

Volunteer @ Simeon Hospital

• Shadowed medical staff and assisted with basic duties, including checking patients' vital signs, operating the Electrocardiogram, and setting up drip stands.
• Engaged patients in active discussions to lighten their moods and improve their overall experience.
• Ran auxiliary errands to support the medical team and ensure smooth operations.

Volunteer Tutor @ Girl Up Brave Hearts Initiative

Collaborated with a global initiative to support UN agencies by identifying and visiting less privileged girls. Provided awareness on child abuse, mental health, and wellness, and donated essential items to promote gender equality and support adolescent girls.