KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 23, 2024

By Tracy Gaudlip

 

Mfon Okpok’s journey through academia has been nothing short of extraordinary, culminating in his achievement as the inaugural graduate of Kennesaw State University’s pioneering Ph.D. program in interdisciplinary engineering. From the outset, Mfon’s passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional disciplines and seeking innovative solutions to complex problems set him apart as a visionary scholar. As he steps onto the stage to receive his doctoral hood this May, Mfon embodies the spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence that defines this groundbreaking program, poised to make significant contributions to the ever-evolving fields of engineering and technology.

Before embarking on his Ph.D. journey, Mfon already traversed a diverse academic and professional landscape. He explains, “I completed my B.Sc. from Rivers State Polytechnic in Nigeria and pursued postgraduate studies at Drexel University and Southern Polytechnic State University.” Armed with master’s degrees in mathematics, electrical technology, information technology, and software engineering, his multidimensional background laid a solid foundation for his groundbreaking venture into the realm of interdisciplinary engineering.

His decision to pursue his doctoral studies at Kennesaw State University was a strategic one influenced by innovative research opportunities, robust interdisciplinary programs, and the university’s renowned faculty. Mfon admits he faced challenges balancing coursework, research, and personal commitments, but with effective time management, unwavering perseverance, and a mentorship-seeking approach, he navigated these obstacles successfully.

Mfon’s motivation to succeed stems from a deep-seated desire to integrate his varied academic expertise and tackle complex engineering challenges from multiple angles. “I was driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to advancing technology for societal benefit, particularly to combat child abduction around the world—especially that of girls.” The focal point of his dissertation research concentrated on state-of-the-art improvements to public emergency notifications. “I focused on developing novel approaches for compressing static images of criminals or missing children based on the number of vehicles in proximity to the roadside unit without affecting other key vehicular safety messages and aimed to disseminate these images in public emergency notifications using emerging vehicular ad-hoc networks, with image resolution adjusted according to the number of vehicles.” This research not only demonstrates Mfon’s technical prowess but creates significant implications for enhancing emergency communication and public safety on roadways, particularly in combating crimes like child abduction.

Dr. Billy Kihei, one of Mfon’s dissertation advisors, identified several qualities and strengths in Mfon that contributed to his success in the Ph.D. program. “Mfon is a lifelong learner. He entered the program having already completed several MS degrees, taught college-level courses, and had prior work experience in broadcast technologies; all of which he adapted well to a topic relevant to my research lab thrusts.” He added, “When Mfon brought his thesis idea to my office, I immediately knew he had something that was new and relevant to the practice.”

Mfon’s research outcomes have made an impact and garnered significant interest both locally and internationally. “He is already gaining a lot of interest in his birth country of Nigeria to start pushing interdisciplinary engineering as a legitimate field of study,” Dr. Kihei enthusiastically shared. “The diversity of his committee members—from Kennesaw State, the University of Georgia, and Argonne National Laboratory—helps other programs reflect on the interdisciplinary nature of his work and showcases the relevance of interdisciplinary engineering as a burgeoning field of study.”

Mfon agrees and explained how choosing advisors from diverse areas of expertise exposed him to different perspectives and methodologies. “It instilled in me a holistic approach to problem-solving and a commitment to innovation and collaboration. Their mentorship helped refine my academic skills and navigate various challenges effectively. Furthermore, it has enabled me to transcend disciplinary bias and effectively engage with other disciplines to incorporate their perspectives into problem-solving processes.”

Looking ahead, Mfon’s future career goals encompass innovative research and leadership roles in academia or industry. By leveraging his Ph.D. experience, he aims to apply interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to address pressing engineering challenges and contribute meaningfully to societal advancement. Mfon’s journey as the first graduate of KSU’s Interdisciplinary Engineering program serves as a beacon of inspiration for future students, faculty, and staff. His message of seizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and striving for excellence resonates deeply within the academic community, reinforcing the program’s commitment to fostering visionary scholars who pioneer transformative solutions in engineering and technology.