By Felix Festus
In an era where data drives decisions across industries, Omobolaji Odunowo is making her mark as a leading figure in data science and cybersecurity education. A Statistical Programmer by day and a passionate mentor by night, Odunowo is shaping the next generation of tech professionals through her work with the Cyberdata Foundation.
As an Advisory Board Member and Data Science Mentor at the foundation, Odunowo brings a wealth of expertise to aspiring data scientists and cybersecurity specialists. With a master’s degree in Information Science, specializing in Health Informatics, and over five years of industry experience, she blends technical prowess with real-world insights. Her mission? To bridge the gap between academic theory and hands-on industry application.
“My goal at Cyberdata Foundation is to ensure that budding professionals don’t just learn technical skills but also understand the broader impact of their work,” Odunowo explained. Her mentorship covers essential topics such as Python programming, SQL, and ethical data practices—critical elements in today’s privacy-conscious world. Through her guidance, countless mentees have successfully transitioned into careers in data science and cybersecurity.
Beyond mentorship, Odunowo has played a pivotal role in designing key educational initiatives at the foundation. From workshops on advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to hands-on training in data visualization tools, she equips students with the knowledge they need to excel. Her expertise in healthcare data analytics, honed through her work with clinical trial data at her organization, has been particularly valuable in preparing students for careers in health tech—one of the fastest-growing sectors in data science. Additionally, she is harnessing the possibilities of the latest technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in clinical trials. By integrating AI-driven analytics, predictive modeling, and automation into clinical research, she is helping to accelerate drug development, improve patient outcomes, and enhance decision-making processes in healthcare.
Recognizing the lack of diversity in tech, Odunowo has also championed initiatives to create opportunities for underrepresented groups. She has spearheaded specialized training programs for individuals with non-traditional backgrounds and partnered with community organizations to extend Cyberdata Foundation’s reach. Her advocacy aligns with her involvement in organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers, reinforcing her commitment to fostering inclusivity in the industry.
One of her most innovative contributions to data science education is her involvement in the Cyberdata Foundation’s comic series, an unconventional yet powerful tool for educating younger generations about data privacy, cyber threats, and the ethical use of technology. “Comics serve as a platform for discussions on the ethical implications of data science. By making these concepts engaging and accessible, we hope to inspire responsible digital citizenship,” said Ibukun Omotesho, the editor of the comic publication.
Looking ahead, Odunowo envisions expanding the foundation’s reach through virtual learning platforms and introducing specialized tracks on emerging fields like AI ethics and predictive healthcare analytics. Having served as a reviewer for professional conferences, she also brings an academic lens to the foundation’s educational materials, ensuring they meet the highest standards.
Odunowo’s work is more than just a career—it’s a mission to cultivate the next wave of tech professionals who will not only excel in data science but also drive ethical, impactful change in society. As both a mentor and innovator, she exemplifies how expertise from the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors can be harnessed to strengthen the broader technology ecosystem, leaving a lasting impact on the future of data science and cybersecurity.
Odunowo’s work is more than just a career—it’s a mission to cultivate the next generation of tech professionals who will transform the field of data science and blaze the trail in fostering ethical and impactful change in society. As both a mentor and innovator, she exemplifies how expertise from the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors can be harnessed to strengthen the broader technology ecosystem. Her deep understanding of cybersecurity principles further enhances her contributions, as she helps bridge the gap between data integrity in clinical research and the critical need for cybersecurity in protecting sensitive health data. By integrating cybersecurity best practices into data science methodologies, she ensures that future professionals not only analyze data effectively but also safeguard it against evolving cyber threats.
Through her efforts, Odunowo is leaving a lasting impact on the future of data science and cybersecurity, ensuring that technological advancements remain both innovative and secure.
