April STEM Month is a celebration dedicated to promoting and raising awareness about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. GlobalMindED is proud to highlight the voices and work of influential STEM leaders and the difference they are making in the world.

With a dual Ph.D. in Computer Science and Translational Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Solomon Abiola brings a wealth of expertise to the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Leveraging this unique blend of knowledge, Dr. Solomon Abiola fosters innovation by identifying, evaluating, building, and supporting promising startups at the intersection of AI and healthcare. You can meet Solomon at GlobalMindED, where he is speaking about how AI can augment your skills.

From Engineering to Aerospace to Tech to Healthcare AI: The Cross-Disciplinary Journey of Dr. Solomon Abiola, Ph.D. in Technology and Healthcare

What is your personal/professional story?

Born into a vibrant Nigerian and African American household, I was encouraged from a young age to explore the world of STEM. My parents nurtured my curiosity and that of my siblings by providing a stimulating environment filled with Legos, model rockets, and other tools that fueled our imaginations and passion for discovery. As I grew older and entered the precollege years, my parents sought every opportunity to expose us to scientific and technological fields. Hence, I take very seriously helping others like me, tutoring them, and mentoring them.

I pursued higher education with vigor, first attending Princeton as a Mechanical and Aerospace Engineer, then Carnegie Mellon to do a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering, and finally earning a dual Ph.D. in Computer Science and Translational Biomedical Sciences from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. My doctoral work focused on developing real-time predictive models for infectious and chronic diseases using cutting-edge wearable, mobile health, and cloud technologies. Paving the way for the first digital health contact tracing application (“Node”) during the Ebola outbreak in Lagos, Nigeria - funded by the National Science Foundation and shared with foreign heads of state.

Beyond academia, I have amassed nearly a decade of managerial experience at prominent organizations such as Accenture, AWS, and Tetra. Developing products that reached millions of customers across mHealth, wearable tech, and data science, serving clients in academic health, government, and pharmaceutical sectors.

I have shared my expertise globally, presenting on AI and healthcare in over ten countries and lecturing at more than 40 venues. My work has reached diverse audiences, from C-level executives to health ministers, and has been highlighted in NPR broadcasts and Superbowl advertisements.

Today, as CEO and founder of Guidance Technologies, I continue to innovate at the intersection of AI and adaptive learning. Additionally, as a Venture Fellow Associate with Nassau Street Ventures, I leverage my extensive technical knowledge to foster new growth in computer science, healthcare, and life sciences.

I am also committed to giving back to the community. I serve on advisory boards at Roxbury Community College and Princeton ABPA, where I provide strategic guidance on AI and technical education.

What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?

Growing up, two key moments significantly influenced my path toward a career in technology and healthcare. First, at an early age, one of my uncles gifted me and my siblings computers from a community college where he worked. This generous act sparked my deep interest in computing and technology. I fondly remember how my parents, recognizing my curiosity and passion, always bought me items from RadioShack to support my tinkering and exploration, especially since I tended to dismantle everything in sight.

The second pivotal moment occurred at Princeton University, where I learned from some of the most inspiring faculty members. Prof. Howard Stone, my thesis advisor, Prof. Wole Soboyejo, and Prof. Alain Kornhauser all played instrumental roles in encouraging my endless hunger for knowledge. I vividly recall the challenge of pitching my thesis idea to Prof. Stone, a world-renowned expert in fluid dynamics. I aimed to build a mobile health application for infectious disease monitoring, and I practiced relentlessly to secure his support. The guidance and mentorship from these exceptional educators laid the foundation for my commitment to being an accessible and supportive mentor to those who follow in my footsteps.

These experiences and the unwavering support of my faculty mentors deepened my interest in the field and shaped my understanding of what it means to be a resourceful, encouraging, and supportive mentor. Their impact on my life has been lasting, and I have prioritized maintaining contact with them throughout my career. Their influence has inspired me to pay it forward by dedicating myself to guiding and uplifting the next generation of innovators and leaders in technology and healthcare.

Where does your passion to serve come from?

My passion for serving is deeply rooted in my heritage and the values instilled in me by my family. Named Solomon by my grandparents, I have always felt a profound responsibility to embody the wisdom and leadership associated with my namesake. This legacy inspires me to pursue knowledge diligently, exercise patience in all interactions, and actively foster peace and understanding among diverse groups.

My efforts to live up to my name and make a meaningful impact are fueled by a passion to create a legacy of knowledge, harmony, and leadership—values that my grandparents and parents revered. By continuously seeking to learn and grow and by striving to be a role model in every sphere of my life, I aim to contribute positively to the world and inspire others to do the same.

How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?

GlobalMindED can support me in achieving my objectives by connecting me with a diverse network of individuals who require technical expertise to address the challenges faced by their communities. Through this platform, I can contribute my skills, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, to make a meaningful impact and drive positive change in these communities.