Education
PhD in Computer and Information Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Subjects
Software Verification, AI-Enabled Cyber-Physical Systems, Engineering Artificial Intelligence, 3D-Printed Prosthetics, Programming
Achievements
Recipient of the Lakshmi Subramanian CMU-Africa Student Excellence Award; Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Impact Award; graduated as the best female student with first-class honors in BTech Mathematics; silver medal at the national mathematics competition for university students in Nigeria; selected for the Future Leaders Climate Summit and the Aspen Ideas Festival as a Future Leader; MEng in Engineering Artificial Intelligence from Carnegie Mellon University Africa
About
Hadiza is a PhD student in Computer and Information Science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where her research focuses on software verification for AI-enabled cyber-physical systems. She earned a master’s degree in Engineering Artificial Intelligence from Carnegie Mellon University Africa, fully funded by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, where she worked on improving access to customized 3D-printed prosthetics in resource-limited settings. She has over three years of experience as a teaching assistant, has introduced many high school students to programming, and supports students with college applications, scholarships, and career development.
Discipline
Computer Science & AI
Academic Achievements
Graduated as the recipient of the Lakshmi Subramanian CMU-Africa Student Excellence Award in recognition of her leadership, academic excellence, and community engagement. She also received the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Impact Award for her passion for giving back to the community. During her BTech in Mathematics, she graduated as the best female student with first-class honors and was awarded a silver medal at the national mathematics competition for university students in Nigeria. She was also selected for a fully funded opportunity to participate in the Future Leaders Climate Summit and the Aspen Ideas Festival as a Future Leader in Florida.
Teaching & Mentoring Experience
Graduate Teaching Assistant at Carnegie Mellon University Africa – Applied Stochastic Processes (Aug 2023 – Dec 2023, 5 months) - Assisted with preparing and grading homework, conducted weekly recitation sessions, and answered student questions on course materials. - Estimated involvement: 10 hours per week across the semester. - Supported graduate-level instruction in a technical AI-related course. Programming Instructor at MerrionIT Limited / New Horizons College (Oct 2020 – Mar 2022, 1 year 6 months) - Taught programming to high school students at New Horizons College, Minna. - Estimated involvement: 6 - 8 hours per week across the semester. - Provided classroom-based instruction in computing topics over more than a school year. Human Resources Director at Ignite Research Academy, Nigeria (Jan 2021 – May 2023, 2 years 5 months) - Recruited and trained volunteers, co-organized scholarship webinars, and mentored a community of 266+ undergraduate and graduate students. - Created a long-term mentoring and support network focused on academic and scholarship opportunities. Part of the University of Michigan’s Wolverine Mentors Collective, a peer mentoring program connecting graduate students with undergraduates. - Supports mentees by providing guidance on navigating graduate school life, academics, work–life balance, and university resources. - Contributes 1–2 hours per month in one-on-one mentoring or group check-ins. Serves as a mentor at Afrisnet (African Students and Scholars Network) for prospective or current African students pursuing graduate education. - Provides personalized advice on graduate school applications, research opportunities, career planning, and cultural adjustment. - Actively involved in email/virtual check-ins, application reviews, and webinars—approximately 2–3 hours per month
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