Kenechukwu (fondly called ‘Kene’) is very passionate about two things: (1) working with students to tinker and design human-compatible robotics and A.I. systems that create value for people and (2) inspiring and enabling the next generation of engineers and roboticists from under-represented backgrounds in robotics and A.I.

He was born in Lagos, Nigeria, where he developed a passion for engineering and robotics. He received his Ph.D. in Robotics Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in 2022 where his research focused on developing human-centric AI systems that enhance human capabilities in a range of shared tasks (such as co-driving). Kene has an M.S. in Robotics Engineering from WPI and a B.Eng. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Covenant University in Ota, Nigeria.

In addition to his scholarship, Kene is deeply committed to equity and access in STEM education and contributes to a number of community outreach programs. He serves as the coordinator of the Pan-African Robotics Competition (PARC) Engineers League, a program that mentors young aspiring robotics enthusiasts from over thirty African countries. During his time at WPI, he served as a graduate instructor for Cobots for Kids, an outreach program designed to cultivate the next generation of talent in advanced manufacturing and robotics, with a special concentration on students from underrepresented and underserved groups.