Meet Our Amazing Instructors
Dr. Amy Yeboah Quarkume
Associate Professor of Africana Studies
Dr. Amy Yeboah Quarkume, affectionately known as Dr. A, is a daughter of Africa, scholar, filmmaker, data scientist and Associate Professor of Africana Studies in the Department of Afro-American Studies at Howard University. She holds a Ph.D. in African American Studies, two Masters of Arts in Sociology and African American Studies, and a forthcoming Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science from the University of Massachusetts and a Certificate of Data Science from Harvard Extension School and MIT. Dr. Quarkume is an Andrew Mellon New Direction Fellow, Mellon Just Futures Initiative invited Social Justice Consortium partner, Brown University Born-Digital Scholarly Publishing scholar, National Center for Atmospheric Research Innovator Fellow, and a White House Initiative HBCU All-Star Campus Mentor.
Cesa Salaam
Computer Science Scholar
Cesa Salaam is a scholar with a passion for computer science and a fervent dedication to bridging the gap between modern technology and traditional African knowledge systems. In addition to obtaining his bachelor's and master's degrees in Computer Science from Howard University, Cesa’s is currently pursuing his PhD in Artificial Intelligence (AI), his research focuses on Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics in AI. Additionally, Cesa Salaam co-founded the Iro Science Foundation, an organization committed to establishing a pan-African science that harmoniously integrates traditional African knowledge and ways of knowing and contemporary scientific advancements. Cesa's drive to combine his expertise in computer science and AI with his passion for exploring traditional African science and mathematics showcases his unique commitment to preserving and evolving his heritage in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Dr. Lifoma Salaam
Computer Science Scholar
Dr. Lifoma Salaam, a distinguished mathematician, has made an indelible impact on the fields of mathematics and education. With a PhD in mathematics from Howard University, she has focused her expertise on ethno-mathematics and education. By exploring the connections between culture, history, and mathematical concepts, Dr. Salaam has pioneered new pathways in her field. Her doctoral degree from Howard University served as a foundation for her subsequent achievements. As a master teacher with decades of experience, she has inspired students at all levels of education to engage with mathematics in culturally relevant and inspiring ways. Dr. Salaam's dedication extends beyond the classroom. As a co-founder of the Iro Science Foundation, she has created a platform for integrating traditional African knowledge with modern scientific advancements, fostering a pan-African science. Her commitment to the advancement of science, education, and cultural integration is a testament to her exceptional dedication and relentless pursuit of knowledge.