My long-term career goal is to become a systems engineer and technical leader focused on building resilient, intelligent infrastructure that advances clean energy access, particularly in underserved and energy-insecure communities. I envision myself leading interdisciplinary teams to design and deploy technologies that blend embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and real-time optimization to make power systems more efficient, reliable, and inclusive. This vision stems from both personal experience and professional ambition. Growing up in Nigeria, I experienced the limitations and frustrations of unreliable electricity and underdeveloped infrastructure. Those early challenges shaped my decision to study engineering—not just as a pathway to a stable career, but as a means to contribute meaningfully to communities like the one I came from. At Howard University, I’ve deepened that purpose through technical research and community service. One of the most pivotal experiences was working on a smart grid analysis project, where I used RSCAD and Python to simulate how Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) can be integrated into a distribution network. I implemented automated control strategies to monitor system performance and evaluated how DERs could enhance reliability and reduce voltage violations. That experience opened my eyes to the power of real-time simulation, intelligent controls, and scalable design. It confirmed that I want to build systems that go beyond academic theory and actually operate in the field—supporting hospitals, schools, and homes that need stable power. The underlying values that drive my career aspirations are equity, innovation, and impact. Equity fuels my commitment to bridging the global gap in energy access and digital infrastructure. I believe technology should be a tool for empowerment, not division. This is why I dedicate time to mentoring students, volunteering in STEM outreach programs, and helping others access resources I didn’t always have growing up. Innovation is at the heart of my engineering philosophy. Whether working on Raspberry Pi–based smart home systems or developing mobile apps for healthcare tracking, I constantly seek out challenges that push me to learn, adapt, and create. I value environments where experimentation is encouraged and solutions are designed with creativity and scalability in mind. Impact is the outcome I strive for. Whether designing autonomous control frameworks or leading STEM workshops for high schoolers, I want my work to leave something tangible behind—something that improves a process, empowers a person, or strengthens a community. In the long term, I hope to launch a company or nonprofit that integrates advanced power technologies—like microgrids and adaptive controllers—with workforce development in energy-deprived regions. The goal is not only to provide access but to equip people with the skills and infrastructure to maintain and expand it themselves. These goals are ambitious, but I believe the combination of education, real-world experience, and a strong foundation in values makes them attainable. With continued support from mentors, institutions, and programs that believe in innovation for good, I am confident that I can play a leading role in shaping a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future.

My name is Odia Ubhimhinye, and I am a Computer Engineering student at Howard University with a passion for building resilient, intelligent systems that improve lives and empower communities. Though my focus is technical, my ambitions are deeply rooted in service, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. I believe this scholarship will not only ease my financial burden but allow me to continue using my skills to support underserved communities through innovation in infrastructure, education, and access to clean energy technologies. I was born and raised in Nigeria, where I witnessed firsthand the challenges that arise from unstable power supply, limited technological infrastructure, and under-resourced public services. Those early experiences gave me a strong sense of responsibility to pursue engineering—not just as a career, but as a tool to create lasting impact. That mindset shaped my academic journey at Howard, where I’ve taken on roles that blend technical rigor with meaningful service. For example, I served as a facilitator for the Amazon Robotics–Howard University Drone Academy, where I helped design and deliver a curriculum that introduced high school students to robotics, coding, and electrical engineering. Many of the students had never worked with hardware before, but by the end of the camp, they were confidently building and testing autonomous drones. That experience reaffirmed my belief that exposure and mentorship can unlock hidden potential—especially in communities that are often overlooked in STEM. Academically, I’ve led several advanced projects that mirror real-world system challenges. One of my proudest accomplishments is a smart grid analysis project, where I performed load flow studies on a modeled distribution network and implemented control logic to simulate how Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) respond to varying conditions. I used tools like RSCAD and Python to automate grid control, monitor voltage violations, and analyze optimal energy deployment strategies. This kind of work directly connects to global goals of sustainable energy access, grid modernization, and economic empowerment through clean technology—values that align with many business and agricultural innovation initiatives. Financially, this scholarship is critical. As an international student with limited access to traditional funding or work opportunities, I have relied heavily on academic merit and research participation to support my education. Despite these constraints, I’ve maintained a strong GPA and pursued opportunities to contribute both on and off campus. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus fully on research, internships, and leadership development without the constant pressure of financial uncertainty. In terms of community service, my contributions have extended beyond the classroom. I have mentored underclassmen, assisted professors with STEM outreach, and volunteered to support local middle and high school robotics events. Back in Nigeria, I also led digital literacy sessions as president of my high school’s ICT Club, helping students and teachers adopt basic computer skills in a school with limited technological infrastructure. In the future, I plan to combine my technical expertise with entrepreneurial insight to start a social impact venture focused on clean energy access in rural communities across Africa. I envision a hybrid model that provides solar microgrids, intelligent energy monitoring, and local technical training to build sustainable ecosystems around power, education, and opportunity. This scholarship will help me take the next step toward that vision—whether through further study, field research, or launching early prototypes of my ideas. With your support, I will continue to use engineering not just as a skill, but as a mission to create equitable, efficient systems that power lives and transform communities.

One of my greatest achievements to date was leading a smart grid analysis project during my studies in Computer Engineering at Howard University. In this project, I performed a detailed power flow study on the Banshee distribution network and assessed the impacts of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) integration. The complexity of the work—ranging from modeling the grid in RSCAD to scripting automated control scenarios in Python—made this one of the most technically rigorous and rewarding projects I’ve worked on. Beyond the technical execution, the experience forced me to develop critical skills in real-time problem-solving, system-level thinking, and independent research. The project began as an academic assignment, but I quickly realized its potential to simulate real-world energy system challenges. I extended the scope to investigate how different DER penetration levels affect voltage stability, and I implemented runtime control logic to dynamically respond to operating conditions. Through this, I discovered the power of simulation-driven decision-making. More than just running software, I was designing control systems that could respond in real-time—an essential feature of future smart grids. One of the most challenging parts of the project was troubleshooting the Python-RSCAD interface. While documentation was limited, I took it upon myself to create a modular runtime script that communicated with the simulation environment through TCP sockets. This allowed me to automate DER injections and observe how the grid responded to various loading conditions. I validated these scenarios through control logic and voltage response, creating a foundation for more advanced optimization and cybersecurity analysis. At one point, I was working long nights debugging system behavior that didn’t match expectations, only to realize that improper boundary conditions in my model were skewing the simulation output. That moment reminded me how small oversights in engineering can lead to large deviations—and how essential patience and attention to detail are. What I learned most about myself from this experience is that I thrive when given responsibility over complex systems. I enjoy being in environments where I can both think critically and apply what I’ve learned to impact real systems. More importantly, I saw how engineering could directly contribute to building more sustainable, resilient infrastructure—especially for communities that have been historically underserved or vulnerable to power instability. The feeling of seeing a testbed you built operate successfully in real time is indescribable. It’s a moment where theory meets practice—and you feel empowered to build the future. I also learned that I’m deeply motivated by mentorship and collaboration. During the summer, I had the opportunity to serve as a facilitator for the Amazon Robotics–Howard University Drone Academy. Working with high school students to teach concepts in autonomy, hardware integration, and drone navigation allowed me to shift from learner to teacher. I realized that making advanced topics accessible to others not only reinforces my own understanding, but also aligns with my broader goal: to be an engineer who lifts others as they climb. Looking ahead, I hope to work at the intersection of embedded systems, renewable energy, and real-time optimization. I want to design intelligent control frameworks that are secure, adaptive, and scalable. In the long term, I aim to lead technical teams that contribute to resilient energy infrastructure across the globe—especially in areas where power access is unreliable. I’m particularly interested in using AI/ML to enhance grid behavior and predict cyber-physical anomalies before they occur. At the same time, I want to remain grounded in community-centered innovation, ensuring the technologies I help develop serve real human needs. Ultimately, the smart grid analysis project showed me that engineering is more than just solving problems—it’s about building possibilities. That experience cemented my passion for system-level design and my commitment to contributing to technologies that make the world more efficient, equitable, and sustainable.