College of Engineering Student Spotlight: Victoria Oyewola

Utah State University’s College of Engineering is highlighting its students in a series of spotlights.

Victoria Oyewola is a first-year doctoral student in engineering education from Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria. One of the things she enjoys most about graduate work is seeing other graduate students and faculty from different engineering backgrounds come together to solve human problems in engineering. "You get to see the engineering flavor in every discussion, and that makes the whole experience interesting and engaging."

Q: Why did you want to study engineering?

A: My interest in engineering stemmed from the admiration I had for engineers in my community as a young child. I determined that when I grow up, I too will become an engineer. This made me chose sciences as my area of specialization in high school because we had options to specialize in arts, sciences or commercial/business fields. So I choose sciences because I wanted to study engineering, and I had my first degree in computer engineering and a master's in information science.

Q: Why did you choose to attend USU?

A: I found out that USU is one of the pioneer universities that started doctoral degrees in engineering education, and I was fascinated by the profile of the faculty and the different research that was being done in the department. Also, looking at the mountains and the beautiful scenery here in Logan, who would not want to come here?

Q: What's your dream job?

A: Engineering management consultant.

Q: Tell us about your research.

A: I am a graduate research assistant and currently we are working on a project that analyzes the thought process of engineers in the field as they engage in an engineering design task.

Q: Are you involved in any clubs or student organizations?

A: Yes, I am a member of Golden City Christian Fellowship. It is a group of like-minded, happy people.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: Singing, writing and watching movies.

Q: What is your advice to people thinking about grad school in engineering?

A: I would say, 'just take the leap!' There are so many resources here at USU designed to give you a soft landing.

Q: What is the best thing you’ve watched in the past month?

A: A TEDx talk titled “Change your life by overcoming your fears.” The message of the talk is to take action on whatever idea you have.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: "Jumong"

Q: Favorite holiday?

A: Christmas. Just the thought of the season gladdens my heart.

Q: What’s an idea you live by?

A: I live by the golden principle; treat others how you want to be treated.

Q: What's one thing you wish more people would learn about?

A: Information overload. It occurs when a person is exposed to more information than the brain can process at one time. If people realized the impact of stress and anxiety associated with information overload on the brain and the human’s mind, they would begin to see information acquisition differently.