Welcome to Our New Dean of STEM Initiatives, Dr. Esther Adhiambo Obonyo

Dr. Esther A. Obonyo Headshot

We are delighted to share that we have appointed Esther Adhiambo Obonyo, Ph.D., as our new Dean of STEM Initiatives, effective September 16th.

At IES Abroad, our STEM Abroad initiative broadens access to study abroad for STEM students by offering tailored programs that align with academic requirements. Designed to ensure students can graduate on time, these programs provide international experiences at Centers worldwide, enhancing both education and global perspective.

Read Dr. Obonyo's Full Bio

Learn More about Dr. Obonyo's Experience

  • Academic Leadership and Research Contributions: Dr. Obonyo has over 20 years of experience in academia and research, previously serving as a professor at Penn State University’s School of Engineering Design and Innovation with a joint hire in Architectural Engineering. As Director of the Global Building Network (GBN), a partnership between Penn State and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), she led over 35 global collaborations advancing research in sustainable infrastructure.
  • Global Impact and Policy Influence: Dr. Obonyo has led impactful projects, including a consortium funded by the Belmont Forum to improve infrastructure resiliency in disaster-prone communities, and has served as a senior policy adviser for USAID and a Jefferson Science Fellow. Her engineering expertise includes contributions to high-profile projects such as the emergency retrofit of the U.S. consulate in Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Commitment to STEM Diversity and Innovation: With multiple NSF-funded research projects, Dr. Obonyo’s work focuses on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social impact. She is an advocate for gender equity in STEM, creating educational opportunities for over 2,100 students and authoring more than 160 research publications.

Michael Adewumi Headshot
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Obonyo to the IES Abroad family. Her extensive experience in both the U.S. educational system and international engagement will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate our STEM programs. Her leadership will enhance the global reach and impact of our STEM initiatives, and we look forward to seeing her contributions to our mission.”
Michael Adewumi, Ph.D., Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

More About the Dean of STEM Initiatives Role

In this role, the Dean of STEM will lead STEM program development, curricular integration, and strategic initiatives for IES Abroad. The Dean will collaborate with Cluster Deans, Center Directors, and faculty to assess and implement STEM-related curricula, ensuring alignment with academic trends and consortium needs. Key responsibilities include:

  1. Overseeing STEM program development and course approval in collaboration with U.S. universities and academic governance.
  2. Monitoring and assessing program quality, leading curricular updates and new initiatives.
  3. Managing the operations of international study Center Clusters, including performance evaluations, budgeting, and adherence to academic standards.
  4. Supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across all academic and operational areas.

Learn more about our STEM Initiatives and how we support STEM students in their study abroad journey.

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