Our Story
Our Origin
The Call for Inclusive Excellence
The Center for Engineering Education and Gender Studies was founded on the fundamental belief that the future of engineering, innovation, and technology requires the full participation of all talent, particularly women and girls, who remain systematically underrepresented in these fields.
Co-founded in Ohio by two professionals with deep backgrounds in policy, research, and community development, CEEGS emerged from a crucial realization: decades of analysis have successfully identified the problem of gender disparity, but a gap remains in translating that knowledge into sustainable, community-level interventions that drive measurable transformation.
We recognize that the challenge is not one of ability but of structural and cultural barriers, including early stereotyping, lack of visible role models, and exclusionary environments within academic and professional settings. CEEGS was created to bridge this chasm: to move beyond policy papers and establish a practical, ethical, and community-centered intervention for change in Ohio and across the U.S.
Founders
Dr. Akinola Dosunmu is a highly experienced researcher and educator who brings over a decade of expertise in gender equity, social policy, and human development to the Center for Engineering Education and Gender Studies. His work on women’s careers, which includes a Ph.D. in Education Management, Law, and Policy from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, directly supports CEEGS’s mission to foster inclusion within STEM by designing evidence-based curricula and engaging in targeted policy advocacy. As a researcher and facilitator, Dr. Dosunmu leverages his proficiency in qualitative analysis and stakeholder engagement to lead research on women and girls in engineering education, enhancing the Center’s local impact through engagement with Ohio communities and contributions to United States society.
Dr. Daniel Ewim is an engineer and educator whose expertise spans Nigeria, South Africa, and the USA. He completed his foundational education in Nigeria, obtaining a B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, in 2006, followed by an M.Eng. in mechanical engineering with a focus on energy studies from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in 2012. He further advanced his technical career by completing his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Pretoria in 2019. Complementing his technical skills, he demonstrated a strong commitment to pedagogy by earning a PGCE and a B.Ed. (Honors) in mathematics education from the University of South Africa in 2017 and 2019, respectively. His research and innovation focus centers on Clean Energy, Thermal Science, and Engineering Education, with active interest in thermofluids, nanofluids, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and refrigeration, reflecting a unique profile that merges advanced engineering research with a deep understanding of educational methodologies.
Board Of Trustees
Dr. Chinwe Iwuanyanwu, FNIPES, DFCIM, PMP, and CBAP works as a Technical Project Manager at a global fintech company. She leads the delivery of cloud-based and AI-driven payment solutions. She also holds fellowships and memberships in several professional bodies. She founded Ruby Secrets Consulting and Tomiliz Strategic Solutions, two Chicago-based firms focused on consulting services, IT consulting, and government contracting. She has published work in artificial intelligence and big data. Her current research focuses on artificial intelligence, ethics in AI, and data privacy. Dr. Chinwe’s expertise is valuable to the CEEGS mission in terms of providing technical support to enhance the corporation’s future goals.
Dr. Ambrose Okem is a biomedical scientist and editor with a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and extensive experience in preclinical drug development and biotechnology. He has served as Director at Wits Health Consortium, Research Scientist at the University of the Witwatersrand, and Managing Director of Zeni Consulting LLC. Currently, he serves as Editor for DAC Insights Publisher, overseeing the Journal of Holistic Health, where he advances interdisciplinary research in holistic medicine and biomedical innovation.
Noluthando Zamanjomane Mhlongo is an accomplished finance and accounting professional with a strong foundation in financial management, forensic auditing, and organizational compliance. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and an Advanced Diploma in Accounting Science and recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Auditing to strengthen her expertise in investigative financial practices further. Noluthando brings extensive experience from her tenure at City Power Johannesburg. In this capacity, she oversees key financial operations, including creditor reconciliations, general ledger management, financial reporting, and vendor relations. Her work is distinguished by precision, analytical depth, and an unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity and regulatory compliance. Her professional strengths include advanced proficiency in computerized accounting systems, meticulous financial analysis, and the ability to streamline processes for improved operational efficiency. Noluthando’s approach combines technical rigor with strong communication and collaborative skills, enabling her to support complex financial environments effectively. At the Center for Engineering Education and Gender Studies (CEEGS), Noluthando contributes her financial expertise and passion for capacity building to support the organization’s mission of advancing educational equity and promoting gender inclusion in STEM fields. Her dedication to continuous learning and evidence-based practice aligns with the Center’s commitment to fostering excellence, empowering women, and strengthening interdisciplinary engagement across engineering and related disciplines.