Defying the odds

In the heart of one of the toughest neighborhoods in the country, young Hakeem Oluseyi’s world was a confined space, but his imagination soared to the stars. While other kids roamed the streets, he was inside, poring over encyclopedias and glued to PBS nature shows. A love for science and a fascination with the cosmos were kindled within him, sparked by the likes of Albert Einstein, who became his hero.

Oluseyi’s early life was far from easy. Growing up with little supervision at home, attending a school with the lowest ratings in the state, and facing the allure of the wrong crowd were all hurdles he had to navigate. Even when he finally made it to Stanford University, he found himself failing physics exams, a subject about which he was deeply passionate. But Hakeem possessed a resilience that defied the odds.

Today, Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi stands as a world-renowned astrophysicist, a former Space Science Education Lead at NASA, and an inspiration to countless individuals worldwide. His story is one of defying the odds, pursuing impossible dreams, and refusing to heed the discouragement of naysayers.

With humor, candor, and a spirit that ignites hope, Oluseyi captivates audiences with his groundbreaking scientific research. Yet, it’s his personal journey that truly moves hearts. He shows the world that no matter how daunting the circumstances, one can rise above them, grasp the stars, and extend a hand to lift others up along the way.

Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi’s keynote, “Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars,” is a testament to the power of determination, inspiration, and the boundless potential within us all.

More About Dr. Oluseyi

SC23 Keynote

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Colorado Convention Center

Keynote Speaker Spotlight

This year, Oluseyi will join the storied list of visionary thought leaders who have provided the memorable keynote address at the International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis.

Oluseyi’s Keynote is on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 8:30 am MST, and is open to all registered SC23 attendees and exhibitors.

Keynote Oluseyi Hakeem

Overcoming adversity

Growing up in turbulent neighborhoods and switching schools frequently, Oluseyi found solace in science and literature. His fascination with Einstein’s theory of Relativity led him to teach himself the principles of science. This love for science propelled him to earn three degrees, including a doctorate from Stanford University.

A Pioneering Career

Oluseyi’s accolades and accomplishments reflect exceptional contributions to the fields of astrophysics, education, and scientific communication. Serving as an Astrophysicist and Space Science Education Lead at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, he navigated the realms of both cutting-edge research and educational outreach. He has been a  strategic advisor for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and investments in citizen science. As a professor of Aerospace, Physics, and Space Sciences at the Florida Institute of Technology, he imparted his passion for learning to countless students.

A Trailblazing Communicator

Oluseyi’s impact extends beyond academia. He has co-hosted popular science shows on Science Channel and Discovery International, including Outrageous Acts of Science, How the Universe Works, and Space’s Deepest Secrets. His ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an engaging, accessible manner has earned him numerous awards and accolades. His 2021 memoir, A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars, offered even deeper insights into his remarkable life.

advancing astrophysics & Education

Oluseyi’s scientific research is as diverse as it is groundbreaking. Employing innovative techniques and technologies, he has contributed to fields ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to semiconductor manufacturing and ion propulsion. His work involves “hacking stars” to develop new technologies and enhance understanding of the universe. Additionally, his contributions to science education have yielded effective techniques for teaching mathematics and physics to learners of all ages.

Inspiraton & Recognition

Oluseyi’s motivational messages resonate with individuals across cultures and backgrounds. Through his diverse experiences, he has encouraged audiences to embrace their aspirations with unwavering determination. Notably, he has received numerous honors, including recognition from the National Space Club, MIT Faculty Fellowship, and induction into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.

Vision for the Future

Oluseyi’s vision extends beyond his individual accomplishments. As President of the National Society of Black Physicists, he advocates for diversity and equity in STEM fields, amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups and paving the way for a more inclusive scientific community.

In a world where science, education, and inspiration intersect, Oluseyi stands apart. His transformative journey, from humble beginnings to international acclaim, has long captivated audiences as he seeks to ignite a passion for learning and achievement. As the SC23 keynote speaker, he will not only share his story but empower others to pursue their dreams—no matter how unlikely they may seem. Oluseyi’s presence on the global stage—and soon to be at SC23 in Denver—is one of many extraordinary I AM HPC stories. In this case, Oluseyi is a beacon, encouraging individuals to reach for the stars and overcome any obstacles in their path.

Join Us for the SC23 Keynote

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Colorado Convention Center