Three OU students recognized by SECS Dean are ‘an inspiration to their peers’

Three members of the Oakland University chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) were honored on Tuesday, Dec. 10 with letters of recognition presented by Dr. Louay Chamra, dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

“I am incredibly proud of Toluwani ‘Tolu’ Awaye, Julien Mayberry, and Bambie Johnson for their exceptional leadership, community engagement, and ambassadorship,” Chamra said. “Their achievements exemplify the values of the NSBE and Oakland University, and they serve as an inspiration to their peers.”

Awaye with Dean Chamra

Awaye, a bioengineering major and NSBE president, was recognized with an “NSBE Impact Leadership” certificate for his efforts and contributions which have made a significant impact on the grown and success of the NSBE at Oakland University.

“It means a lot,” Awaye said. “I have a lot of classes and I’m really busy, but I try my best to be a good leader for the NSBE. I’m quite passionate about this club because I love to see a lot of Black engineers and Black students who are passionate about engineering. I want to bring more of them into this organization.”

Awaye, an aspiring biotechnologist, said he hopes to work at a pharmaceutical company or a research company after graduation, where he will be able to work on engineering advanced medical devices that will help make the lives of human beings easier.

“I just find certain advancements in medical technology fascinating, like pacemakers for the heart, prosthetic limbs, and some types of genetic engineering,” he said. “Those are the fields I would like to work in, in the future.”

Mayberry with Dean Chamra

Mayberry, who is studying computer engineering at OU, was recognized with an “NSBE Community Connector” certificate for his dedication, leadership, and efforts in fostering connections that enhance NSBE’s mission and learning community.

“It means a lot to mean to be recognized,” said Mayberry, who joined the NSBE during his first year at OU and currently serves as one-half of the organization’s communications team. He is also a proud member of the Oakland Robotics Association, and OU’s Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

“My dream is to work in motorsports,” Mayberry said. “I love racecars; I always have, ever since I was little. Since working on cars is my dream job, I would love to be able to travel all over the world to work on GT racecars, IndyCars, or prototype cars. Just the thought of being able to do that makes me happy.”

Johnson with Dean Chamra

Johnson, vice-president of the NSBE and a self-described “future astronaut,” was recognized with an “NSBE Ambassador” certificate in recognition of her efforts to enhance the NSBE’s social media presence and engage with a broader audience.

“It means a lot to me to receive this recognition,” said Johnson, a mechanical engineering major with an emphasis on robotics engineering and artificial intelligence. “I never thought that I would become an engineer because I never saw people who looked like me in engineering. So to make a comeback and to make a real impact on the community, it means a lot to me because I want to be able to inspire more people to follow their dreams and do what they think they should do, regardless of who they are or what they look like.”

In addition to her studies and serving as vice-president of the NSBE, Johnson also founded “BRATz,” an organization that helps people avoid the pitfalls of social media while forming deep, meaningful friendships with one another.

“As someone who has struggled with social anxiety in the past, I know how difficult it can be to make friends, especially if you’re not use to talking to people,” she said. “BRATz is supposed to be a place where anyone, of any gender, can come together and be their true selves, regardless of what society thinks they should be. We really pride ourselves on representing femininity and being accepting of femininity in all its forms. We also want to combat social media getting in the way of real human connection.”

Dr. Richard Olawoyin, a professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at OU who also serves as faculty advisor for the NSBE’s OU chapter, said he is “immensely proud” of the three students who were recognized, as well as the other members of the NSBE at OU.

“Their accomplishments highlight their talent, leadership, and unwavering commitment to fostering diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics),” Olawoyin said. “They are not just excelling individually, but paving the way for future generations of engineers to thrive and make a difference.”