Dr. Adebola Olutayo is a postdoctoral fellow at UBC Okanagan, specializing in channel modeling of emerging wireless systems. She is passionate about teaching, mentorship, and developing future engineers through innovative approaches to learning. Adebola also leads We Guide Learning Initiative, a non-profit focused on bridging educational gaps between African and Western systems. Her work combines teaching and research excellence with a commitment to leadership and community impact.
Dr. Adebola Olutayo, postdoctoral fellow in engineering at UBC Okanagan.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am a postdoctoral fellow at UBC Okanagan, specializing in channel modeling of emerging wireless systems. Beyond research, I am passionate about teaching, mentorship, and bridging educational gaps through my non-profit, We Guide Learning Initiative, which connects African and Western education systems. I am committed to advancing teaching, research, and leadership in academia while supporting the next generation of engineers and scholars.
Can you share a bit about your academic journey leading up to your postdoctoral fellowship?
I earned my undergraduate degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, followed by a Master’s in Communication Networks and Signal Processing from the University of Bristol, UK. I completed my PhD in Electrical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, Canada. Alongside my academic journey, I gained valuable industry experience working in telecommunications, IT, banking, and retail, which has enriched my research and broadened my perspective as an engineer.
What motivated you to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship, and why did you choose UBC Okanagan for this stage of your research?
After completing my PhD, I realized that I needed to deepen my understanding of the leadership and administrative aspects of academia – areas I had little opportunity to focus on during my doctoral studies. Returning to UBC Okanagan to work with my PhD co-supervisor, Dr. Johnathan Holzman, was a natural choice as he is renowned for his expertise in academic systems, structures, and processes. This fellowship provides the ideal environment to grow not only as a researcher but also as a future academic leader.
This fellowship provides the ideal environment to grow not only as a researcher but also as a future academic leader.
Please describe your current research project. How does it build on or differ from your previous work?
I am working on evaluating channel models, which are mathematical tools used to describe how wireless signals behave in different environments. By testing their performance; such as the likelihood of errors or dropped signals, I aim to better understand how future wireless systems will perform in real-world conditions. This work not only builds on my previous research in wireless communication but also moves it forward by focusing on making these systems more reliable and efficient.
How have you found the research community at UBCO? How about your community outside of research?
The research community at UBCO is vibrant and deeply collaborative. In The Integrated Optics Lab, Dr. Jonathan Holzman cultivates an environment where we openly share projects and partnerships, sparking new ideas and opportunities for collaboration. A distinctive feature of the lab is Integrated Teaching, which involves undergraduates working alongside graduate students and postdocs. This not only nurtures future researchers early in their journey but also helps graduate students develop valuable mentoring and leadership skills.
A distinctive feature of the lab is Integrated Teaching, which involves undergraduates working alongside graduate students and postdocs. This not only nurtures future researchers early in their journey but also helps graduate students develop valuable mentoring and leadership skills.
Beyond campus, I engage with professionals and academics through my non-profit, We Guide Learning Initiative, which is dedicated to bridging the learning gap between African and Western education systems.
What has been the most rewarding part of your postdoctoral experience so far?
The most rewarding aspect has been learning directly from my supervisor, who also serves as Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs; observing leadership, academic structures, and processes firsthand has been invaluable. Another highlight has been teaching across two different years in Engineering, which has deepened my understanding of effective teaching systems and classroom management while enhancing my own leadership skills.
What challenges have you encountered during your fellowship, and how have you adapted or grown from these experiences?
Balancing teaching responsibilities while trying to maintain research output within the same semester has been demanding. This experience has strengthened my time management, prioritization, and adaptability, helping me grow as both an educator and researcher.
Have you had opportunities to present your research at conferences, publish papers, or participate in workshops? What insights or skills have you gained?
This year, we have published a paper and are working on two more, which we hope to publish soon. I have also attended workshops, including one organized by WWEST (Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology) at UBC led by Dr. Jennifer Jakobi, which offered valuable insights into effective research practices and professional development.
How has this fellowship helped prepare you for your future career goals or academic aspirations?
This fellowship has greatly prepared me to step into professional and academic spaces with confidence and clarity. It has strengthened my seminar delivery, teaching strategies, and overall teaching philosophy, especially through the opportunity to work closely with one of UBC’s most accomplished faculty members. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping me for the next stage of my career, as I will be joining the University of Calgary as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Software Engineering. The fellowship has provided me with the skills, perspective, and confidence needed to transition into this new role and to contribute meaningfully as both an educator and researcher.
What advice would you give to early career researchers considering a postdoctoral fellowship?
I recommend that postdoctoral fellows perform a gap analysis of their skills, especially when it comes to communication, writing, teaching, and leadership, and use the fellowship period to develop them. Seek guidance from professors or leaders who excel in areas where you want to grow, and be transparent about your goals. For example, when I discussed teaching a first-year course with my supervisor, I explained the skills I wanted to build, allowing him to mentor me effectively.
Seek guidance from professors or leaders who excel in areas where you want to grow, and be transparent about your goals.
Looking back, is there any advice you would give your past self before starting your postdoc?
A postdoc is not an extension of your PhD. It is a training period focused on skill development, mentorship, and professional growth.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience as a postdoctoral fellow in engineering at UBC Okanagan?
I am deeply grateful for the support I have received. Dr. Holzman and my labmates at the Integrated Optics Lab have created a welcoming, family-like environment. I also appreciate the guidance and encouragement from Dr. Mehran Shirazi, Dr. Anas Chaaban, Dr. Jennifer Jakobi, Dr. Laura Patterson, Dr. Christopher Collier, Dr. Stephen O’Leary, and the administrative staff who have made UBC feel like a second home.