April 6, 2015

Busola Sanusi

Busola Sanusi

Busola Sanusi, a doctoral candidate in the biostatistics department at the UNC-Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, has received a Faculty for the Future Fellowship from the Schlumberger Foundation.

The Faculty for the Future program recognizes outstanding female students from developing countries or emerging economies who are enrolled in a PhD program in the physical sciences, engineering or technology.

In her application, Sanusi, who is from Nigeria, was asked to demonstrate her commitment to teaching and encouraging young women in the sciences.

“A goal that involves people needs the input of people,” she said. “If I can train more women with similar interests, there is a great chance of eventually affecting many others. I am passionate about teaching, and the Faculty for the Future Fellowship is giving me an opportunity to make this passion a reality.”

The Schlumberger Foundation particularly seeks applicants with a desire to contribute to the socio-economic development of their home countries through returning to teach there, pursuing relevant research or addressing matters of related public policy.

“After the completion of my PhD, I intend to become a professor and establish a collaborative research center for infectious diseases and other health-related issues in my home country,” said Sanusi. “I see myself using my position to encourage and motivate young women scientists.”

“The aim is to inspire young women to be more involved in applied statistical research by providing them with expertise through workshops and symposiums,” she added. “I strongly believe in the possibility of eventually transporting this idea to other parts of Africa. By enlightening young women through paired mentorships and growing their professional networks, the number of females in STEM fields is bound to increase.”

Called “role models for the next generation” by the Schlumberger Foundation, Faculty for the Future Fellowship winners like Sanusi also help improve gender balance at the faculty level. So far, the community of recipients includes 560 women.


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Gillings School of Global Public Health contact: David Pesci, director of communications, (919) 962-2600 or dpesci@unc.edu.
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