About Me
Software Engineer & Adjunct
I was born and raised in Nigeria. I left at the age of 17 to pursue a college education at Eastern Mediterranean University in Famagusta, North Cyprus. After 4 years I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering with high honors. Upon graduation, I decided to further my education by going to graduate school. I moved to the US to attend The University of North Texas where I eventually graduated with a Master's and Ph.D. in Computer Science.
Since graduating I have had several roles such as an R&D Software Engineer at Microsoft on the Azure Data Org, and an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin. My areas of expertise include Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, and Accessibility.
I'm passionate about creating easy-to-use and accessible technology, increasing the participation of marginalized communities in computing, mentoring young people coming up in the tech industry, teaching and imparting knowledge to the next generation, public speaking, and giving back to the community.
In my free time, I like to listen to podcasts and audiobooks, work out, spend time with friends and family, learn new languages, solve word puzzles, try new restaurants, travel to new places, shop, and do DIY projects in my home.
Skills
Here are some of my strongest skills:
Services
I offer the following services:
Application Development
I create robust, user-friendly, and accessible websites. My services encompass the fullstack web development, from front-end design using HTML, CSS, and React to back-end development with Node, Express, and MySQL/MongoDB.
UX Research
My services revolve around understanding user behavior, needs, and preferences to enhance the usability, accessibility, and overall user experience of digital products or services.
Consulting
I provide strategic guidance and solutions that align with business objectives. This includes technology assessments, where I analyze existing systems to identify inefficiencies and recommend optimizations.
Speaking Engagement
I offer engaging and insightful presentations tailored to various audiences and themes. My services include keynote speeches, workshops, and seminars focused on diverse topics such as technology trends, leadership, innovation, personal development, and more.
Brand Management
I provide a suite of services aimed at enhancing and optimizing brand identity, perception, and engagement. My perform strategic brand development, starting from comprehensive brand audits and analysis to define or refine brand positioning/personality, values, and messaging, to wardrobe styling.
Mentorship
I guide and support individuals in their personal and professional development journeys to maximize their potential. I offer 1:1 coaching sessions focused on identifying strengths and areas for growth, setting goals, creating actionable plans for success, and resources to help them succeed
Testimonials
Some words from people I have worked with or taken a class
I was impressed with Obianuju's good-natured personality and her knowledge of several concepts, ranging from software development to machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Andrea Morandi
Manager
I see Obianuju as an all-rounder student who excels in our program in various ways, including as a top student in her courses, as a researcher, as a teaching fellow, and in our community.
Shraddha Piparia
Colleague
she was one of the top 2 students by percentage points, but that does not adequately address the combination of scholastic achievement and professional collegiality that she possesses.
Mark Albert
ML Professor
In the Press...
Here are some articles that have been written about me
Obianuju Okafor's work for Microsoft helps a range of users
Life & Work with Obianuju Okafor
Women in Engineering: Obianuju Okafor creates software for inclusivity
Persistence Pays Off: A Computer Scientist's Journey
How To PhD In Computer Science
Lady Graduates With A PhD, Says No One In Her Family Has Ever Gotten One Before