Ibukunoluwa Salami

Ibukunoluwa (Ibk) (she/her) joined Grinnell College in October 2026 as Director of STEM Career Communities. She supports students and early-career alumni as they explore career pathways across science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related fields, helping them connect their academic experiences, interests, and strengths with meaningful professional opportunities.

Before joining Grinnell, Ibukunoluwa built a career spanning industry and higher education. She spent about eight years in the energy industry, progressing through roles in engineering, stakeholder engagement, business development, and leadership. She later transitioned to higher education, where her work focused on engineering education research and professional development.

Ibukunoluwa earned her Ph.D. in Engineering Education Research from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where her research explored transformative learning, transition from school-to-work, mentorship, professional development, and the competencies that prepare engineers for successful careers. She also holds master's and bachelor's degrees in engineering.

Drawing on her experiences as an engineer, industry leader, educator, and researcher, Ibukunoluwa is passionate about helping students recognize their strengths, explore the breadth of possibilities available to them, and discover career pathways that align with their interests and aspirations.

Outside of work, Ibukunoluwa treasures spending time with her husband and their two young children, whether exploring new places or simply enjoying family time at home. When she gets a little time to herself, she enjoys settling in with a good crime or thriller series.