This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
Dr Almaz Yohannis-Mbathi: A Trailblazer in Electrical Engineering ¶
Published on October 28, 2019
Dr Almaz Yohannis-Mbathi has spent over two decades working as an electrical engineer in Kenya and the US. Her impressive career has seen her hold senior roles in strategic innovation, operations management, and project management.
Currently, Dr Almaz serves as the head of maintenance and support services at the University of Nairobi. She also holds an advisory role at the Ministry of Information and Communication.
One of her notable achievements is playing a pivotal role in the formation of the Multimedia University of Kenya, formerly known as the Kenya College of Communications Technology.
Dr Almaz sat down with myNetwork for a Q&A session, sharing her experiences and insights on her journey in electrical engineering.
When asked what drew her into the technical world, Dr Almaz revealed that it was an accident. She had initially intended to study Food Science and Technology but was admitted to the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering instead.
Dr Almaz's decision to pursue a Master's and PhD degree was motivated by her inquisitive mind and thirst for new knowledge. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she felt the need to prove herself and demonstrate her capabilities.
According to Dr Almaz, the biggest challenge facing students who want to pursue computer science and electrical engineering courses is the perception that these fields are hard and demanding. However, she emphasizes that the benefits of pursuing STEM courses far outweigh the challenges, especially for women.
When mentoring young people, Dr Almaz encounters the challenge of keeping them focused on their goals. She believes that employed professionals should pursue further education to stay competitive in the ever-changing technological landscape.
Dr Almaz's fondest memories of studying in a foreign country were the interactions she had with students from diverse cultures and backgrounds. She learned a lot and made lasting friendships during her time at the University of California, Berkeley.
Dr Almaz credits her mentors, Prof Timothy Waema and Dr Agnes Wausi, for offering her valuable guidance and support throughout her career.
She emphasizes the importance of choosing the right kind of friends who share your values and desire to succeed. Dr Almaz's friendships have stood the test of time, and she remains in touch with her friends from her undergraduate days.
