MIDDLE SCHOOL EARLY DISMISSAL 10/21
Â鶹ӰÒô High students in the Pre-Engineering Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway had the amazing opportunity to welcome on Sept. 25 — Â鶹ӰÒô High's Class of 2021 valedictorian Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield!
Otitigbe-Dangerfield was the first black valedictorian in the school’s history, and since graduation day, she has been pursuing her dream of specializing in pediatric robotic assisted neurosurgery. With a master's degree in biomechanics and robotics from Harvard, Otitigbe-Dangerfield is now focusing her energy towards pursuing a Ph.D. in bioengineering. Additionally, she is working on neuroscience research, specifically focusing on Alzheimer's disease.
During her time as a student at Â鶹ӰÒô High, Otitigbe-Dangerfield was an avid participant in the robotics club and helped operate the Student Technology Help Desk. Returning to her alma mater to speak about opportunities in the world of engineering was a full-circle moment.
"I love how much the program has grown," Otitigbe-Dangerfield noted. "Robotics was my safe space on campus. I did not experience this new building, so it's blowing me away."
During her presentation, Otitigbe-Dangerfield was able to share authentic reflections about her experiences as a black woman pursuing a career in science and technology. Her words of wisdom included tips on how to embrace opportunities, navigate choices and leverage connections.
On a practical front, Otitigbe-Dangerfield shared her involvement with the National Society of Black Engineers. By networking with other leaders and innovators in her field, she is exploring ways to bring unique perspectives, meaningful conversations and forward-thinking solutions into the field of engineering.
Otitigbe-Dangerfield is excited to participate in the National Society of Black Engineers conference in Â鶹ӰÒô later this fall, and she is currently working to extend this incredible opportunity to some of our Falcons as well.
We are grateful to Otitigbe-Dangerfield for being as dynamic and inspirational as ever, and we wish her the absolute best as she continues to make Â鶹ӰÒô High proud with her pursuits in the field of bioengineering!