Dr. Oluwasegun Micheal Ibrahim
Where are you from?
I hail from the vibrant and culturally rich nation of Nigeria, where I was born into a family of educators. My parents, both dedicated teachers, nurtured in me a profound appreciation for knowledge, curiosity, and the transformative power of education. Growing up in this intellectually stimulating environment shaped my worldview and ignited my passion for continuous learning and personal growth.
Please describe an experience (or 2) that helped you discover/cultivate your interest in the mathematical sciences.
A pivotal experience that sparked my fascination with the mathematical sciences was participating in national and local mathematics competitions during my high school years. The challenge of solving complex problems under time constraints and competing with some of the brightest minds in the country ignited a deep curiosity about the elegance and power of mathematics. This experience showed me how
mathematical reasoning could unravel seemingly impossible puzzles and sparked a lifelong desire to explore its applications in solving real-world challenges.
My interest deepened significantly when I had the opportunity to be mentored by Dr. Charles Macal and Dr. Piers Lawrence, experts in modeling disease epidemiology and scientific computing, during my predoctoral program in mathematical sciences. Their guidance illuminated the practical and impactful applications of mathematics, inspiring my passion for leveraging mathematical tools to tackle global challenges.
What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) in regards to your career in the mathematical sciences?
One of my proudest accomplishments in the mathematical sciences is my post-PhD appointment at the University of Texas at Austin (UT).. Working under the mentorship of Dr. Lauren Ancel Meyers, the UT Cooley Centennial Professor and Director of the CDC-CFA Center for Pandemic Decision Science, I continue to contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of mathematical modeling, human behavior, and biology.
A notable achievement has been my involvement in developing weekly estimates and four-week-ahead forecasts of COVID-19 hospitalizations across all 50 US states. This effort directly contributed to the COVID-19 Forecast Hub and informed the CDC decision-making for future epidemic seasons.
My career has been enriched by fellowship awards and funding from the NIH-CDC, CDC-CSTE, CDC-CFA, the Texas Department of State Health Services, Emory University, UT Austin, and others. This support has not only strengthened my ability to conduct impactful research but also continues to advance my efforts in leveraging mathematical sciences to address critical global health challenges.
What is/are your most proud accomplishment(s) in regards to your personal life?
In my personal life, one of the most fulfilling accomplishments is my commitment to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of leaders in the mathematical sciences. Currently, I mentor undergraduate and graduate students at UT, as well as high-achieving high school students in Austin, Texas. I take pride in providing guidance, support, and encouragement to these students as they navigate their academic journeys, particularly in the fields of mathematical sciences and public health.
As a passionate advocate for academic excellence, I actively engage with over 30 educational platforms, including the STEAM City Initiative, which empowers and mentors young Africans to excel academically. Additionally, I serve as a mentor at the US National Math Alliance, where I support aspiring individuals in the mathematical sciences field. Through these platforms, I aim to make mathematical sciences education
accessible, engaging, and relevant, fostering a new generation of mathematical sciences enthusiasts poised to contribute meaningfully to society. Seeing the growth and success of those I mentor reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of education and community support. It is immensely rewarding to witness the seeds of knowledge blossom into excellence and innovation, inspiring me to continue championing this cause.
Please share some words of wisdom/inspiration.
To aspiring and fellow enthusiasts in the mathematical sciences, I encourage you to connect the sophistication of theoretical knowledge with its potential to create meaningful change in the real world. Having studied mathematics from my undergraduate years through to my PhD, and continuing to work in academia, I have witnessed firsthand how mathematics serves as a powerful catalyst for addressing complex societal challenges.
The elegance of equations and models lies not just in their complexity but in their ability to solve pressing challenges and illuminate paths toward innovative solutions. Remember, in times of adversity, a well-crafted formula has the power to illuminate the path forward. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed how carefully developed equations and models became essential tools, guiding decision-
makers and shaping policies to help navigate the crisis. Just as every equation (model) seeks balance and every variable plays a role in a solution, so too does your contribution in the grand equation of progress. Embrace the beauty of mathematics as a language of possibility, and together, let us solve for a future filled with promise.