The Embassy of the United States in Abuja has lauded Nigerian-born aerospace engineer Wendy Okolo for her pioneering work at the NASA Ames Research Center.

In a post on its official X platform, the embassy described Okolo as a trailblazing Nigerian-American scientist whose research is enhancing flight safety and control systems at the U.S. space agency.

Okolo earned her PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington at just 26, becoming the first Black woman to achieve this milestone at the institution.

Following her doctorate, she joined NASA as a research engineer. At the Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, she leads efforts on flight safety, aircraft monitoring systems, and control optimization for advanced aerospace technologies. Her contributions have established her as a respected voice in the global aerospace community.

The embassy highlighted that celebrating Okolo’s achievements reflects ongoing efforts to acknowledge Nigerians and other immigrants who are making significant impacts in science, technology, and professional sectors across the United States.

Nigerians are recognized as one of the most highly educated immigrant groups in America, excelling in fields ranging from engineering and medicine to business and academia.