By Ayo Onikoyi

There are not many in the class of Nigerian-born US-based certified systems engineer with impressive track records like Ibukun Phillips.

Call him a certified systems engineer with notable accolades and an unwavering commitment to advancing model-based systems engineering (MBSE), you may not be wrong as he appears to be on a mission to fortify the United States and global workforce readiness and maintain its global competitiveness.

The soft spoken First Class graduate of the prestigious University of Ibadan seems to have discovered early in life what he wants to make out of life and set his mind on it.

“My goal is to be at the forefront of training the US workforce in model-based systems engineering,” asserts Phillips, Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) certified by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE).

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As a research associate with Purdue University’s Schools of Astronautics/Aeronautics Engineering and Engineering Education, Phillips noted how he utilises his deep theoretical understanding and modeling skills to develop cutting-edge online modular courses.

His contributions, recognized with prestigious honors such as the Brian Marr Best Student Paper Award and the Stevens/INCOSE Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Award, highlight his exceptional dedication to the field.

But that’s not all that makes him one of Nigeria’s best brains making impact globally

He’s backed by a grant from the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) and in collaboration with initiatives like the Boeing STEM Workforce Development Project, Phillips’ work directly addresses the pressing skilled labor crisis facing the US manufacturing sector.

“I aim to continue leading efforts in connecting industry best practices in systems engineering and academia,” Phillips explains. “Bridging the skills gap among aspiring engineers is vital for sectors crucial to the US economy.”

Phillips’ research focuses on the verification and validation of AI-enabled systems, addressing critical challenges in contemporary engineering.

His academic journey, which includes an MS in Industrial Engineering and a BSc with First Class Honors in Industrial and Production Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, underscores his commitment to excellence in academia and industry.

Phillips’ impact extends far beyond academic circles, with over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students benefiting from his NSF project, enhancing their competency in MBSE across institutions in Indiana, USA.

Additionally, professionals from industry giants like Boeing and Crane have leveraged Phillips’ initiatives for their professional development needs.

In the pursuit of bolstering US competitiveness, Ibukun Phillips stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence, ensuring that the nation’s workforce remains at the forefront of technological advancements in engineering and manufacturing.