Black Graduate Student Association

Oluyomi Ajibode

What is your name, where are you from and what program of study are you in at the U of A?

My name is Oluyomi Ajibode. I was born in Nigeria and presently a Doctoral student in the department of Microbiology with emphasis on the environment at the University of Arizona.

What attracted you to Tucson and the University of Arizona?

The awesome weather, also I had relatives staying here in Tucson. As for the University, I had family and friends already attending school here at the U of A and I was opportune to go around the school and talk to some individuals and professors and thus my mind was made up.

What are your career aspirations?

I would want to be a specialist on issues regarding water both potable and reclaimed water, thus finding alternative sources to our ever diminishing resources as a result of increased population and globalization.

How did you hear about BGSA-UA and what motivated you to join?

I was at the graduate orientation organized by the GPSC and met Rowena at the BGSA stand. As for my motivation to join it, regards my desire to meet people, talk and share stories. I have been actively involved in activities all through my stay in high school and college both within and outside school. I was desperately looking for one in Tucson so I could call family, checked online asked around I was then told of AASA [African American Student Affairs] and I attended a couple of their meetings and became a member but still needed more. Then I found BGSA and there was no turning back.

Any favorite BGSA-UA activities, experiences?

I love all the activities organized by the association and would not want to be biased about picking a favorite. If I was able to attend all the activities I definitely would but time and location are not usually my best friends, therefore that is about to change.

Of the three pillars that BGSA stands upon, which is your favorite and why?

I would say fellowship. This is so because itís really awesome to find a support network who really understands the struggle, joys and experience of some of the things you experience in graduate school though they might be in different patterns. Thus having a forum where experience is shared always caught my interest since our welfare is our ultimate concern.

What's your pet peeve?

Waste of resources especially water. Water is very crucial to our survival and since the resources are limiting it really hurts to see one wastes it.

Any hobbies or activities you do in your free time?

I love to read books both science and non fiction, listen to music and occasionally movies. When time permits also play hockey.

Is there something that you did in your life that you wished you could do over again? Explain.

Yes, I am content right now with what I have and how I have lived so far. I've learnt a lot from good and bad experiences and would not mind living my life all over again.