Olukemi Akintewe, an Associate Professor of Instruction in Medical Engineering at the University of South Florida (USF) College of Engineering, has been selected as an inaugural Emerging Leader by the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). Dr. Akintewe will be formally recognized for her achievement at the AIMBE Annual Event held March 29–31, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The AIMBE Emerging Leaders Program is designed to increase representation and recognition for underrepresented groups in medical and biological engineering (MBE). Each year, the program identifies and celebrates exceptional professionals in these fields who are recognized for their leadership and contributions to advancing MBE.
Akintewe expressed her gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to collaborate with other leaders and mentors in the field.
“I feel honored and inspired to continue to work hard. I anticipate that being mentored by other AIMBE fellows would help bring a transformative impact not only at USF but at other institutions as well," Akintewe shared.
A Path for Change in STEM Education
Associate Professor Akintewe’s selection as an Emerging Leader highlights her commitment to diversifying and strengthening the engineering field, specifically through her focus on retention of women in STEM programs. At USF, she serves as the Director of the first-year engineering program and has made significant strides in supporting female students and students who are historically underrepresented in STEM fields.
Her research explores the factors contributing to female attrition in STEM and aims to develop effective support systems for first-time college students, particularly first-generation women at USF’s College of Engineering.
“Historically, this student population often lacks the ability to balance study time and work demands. They experience insecurities, imposter syndrome, and a lack of connection to campus life. Having a network of mentors may help overcome these challenges and aid their academic progression, increasing the number of underrepresented groups' persistence rate across the different disciplines of engineering,” Olukemi Akintewe said about her vision for inclusivity in STEM education.
As part of her work, Akintewe plans to implement an ecosystem of mentors for female students. This mentoring model is designed to promote learning, a sense of belonging, self-efficacy, and the academic readiness needed for women to succeed in engineering.
"Mentorship plays a valuable role in students’ academic success and retention, especially women who often struggle to navigate university bureaucracies and have a different definition of academic success and conformity values to succeed in STEM," Olukemi added, noting the importance of mentorship in supporting new generations of female engineers.
A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship
Associate Professor Olukemi Akintewe has long been an advocate for women and underrepresented groups in STEM. In 2014, she co-founded the American Association of University Women (AAUW) chapter at USF. Her efforts in teaching, research, and mentorship have been widely recognized, earning her numerous awards, including the Jerome Krivanek Distinguished Teacher Award, the USF Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award, the USF College of Engineering Outstanding Teaching Award, USF Systemic Transformation of Education through Evidence-Based Reforms Teaching Scholars Award, and the USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Kathleen Moore Faculty Excellence Award.
In addition to her mentoring work, Dr. Akintewe is also active in several professional societies, such as the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Her involvement with these organizations underscores her commitment to fostering diversity and creating a supportive network for future engineers.
About AIMBE’s Emerging Leaders Program
The AIMBE Emerging Leaders Program provides opportunities for participants to engage with AIMBE Fellows, receive mentorship, and gain exposure to key leaders in medical and biological engineering. The program's goal is to build a pipeline of underrepresented professionals in AIMBE’s College of Fellows and foster a generation of leaders prepared to tackle the challenges of the future in MBE.
Akintewe’s induction into this program is a testament to her impact on the field and her dedication to diversity and advocacy in engineering.
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