Naomi Mburu is a high achiever. In 2018, as a 21 year-old at the front door of the rest of her life, then a student from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) she became the first UMBC student to win the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship—a highly selective honour granted to just 32 US students. Established in 1902, the scholarship is the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship award in the world.
The daughter of Kenyan immigrants, Joseph and Joyce Mburu, Naomi graduated summa cum laude BSc in Chemical Engineering before proceeding to Oxford, where she pursued a DPhil (PhD) in Engineering Science, researching liquid metal plasma-facing components for fusion.
Asked about her fork on the road moment that led her to chemical engineering by African Warrior Magazine, Naomi credited it to her need to solve practical problems, and interest in nuclear energy generation. “Nuclear engineering is not offered at most universities, so I chose chemical engineering as a way to introduce myself to the concepts of engineering that may be relevant later in my career.”
She has enjoyed being an African-American female engineer. “I see it as a challenge, and I am always excited to change the perception of minorities in the field. There have been times that I have experienced racism due to my gender and race, but I have had very supportive people in my life”.
"I am proof that children from immigrant families are helping to further American society in many different realms, including the field of science."
The dividends have been worth the hustle, resulting in a coda of mini-celebrity status for Naomi. Interviews and speaking engagements. This is very exciting, she says.
That’s why she is making room at the table and pulling a chair for others. “I love working with other students to help them accomplish their goals, because I know so many people have helped me along the way.”
Passionate about education and community engagement, she has taught fusion courses in the UK and Saudi Arabia, organised more than 12 conferences for AFBE-UK and NSBE, and serves on the education committee for the Nuclear Society of Kenya.
“I am proof that children from immigrant families are helping to further American society in many different realms, including the field of science.”
-Eddy Ashioya