UA Little Rock Doctoral Student Named NSBE 25 Under 25 Awardee

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock doctoral student is using artificial intelligence to reimagine what’s possible for people with limb loss — and earning national recognition along the way.

Ayorinde Alase has been named a National Society of Black Engineers 25 Under 25 awardee.

The recognition is a national honor awarded to exceptional students and young professionals who have demonstrated measurable impact, exemplary leadership and sustained excellence across STEM disciplines. It recognizes individuals who are achieving academically and professionally while also contributing to innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and community advancement.

Alase said he was surprised and needed a moment for the recognition to sink in.

“I felt deeply grateful. It made me reflect on the journey, the work I’ve put in, and the people who have supported me along the way,” he said. “More than anything, it reminded me that all I need to do is stay consistent and keep putting in the work, and with God’s grace, it will always yield fruit.”

He said being named a 2026 NSBE 25 Under 25 awardee means a lot to him.

“It reflects the impact I’ve been able to have beyond myself,” Alasa said. “It’s about exposing people to opportunities they may not have seen before, helping those around me grow, and inspiring others to push further than they thought possible. For me, it’s a reminder that the work I do should always open doors for others.”

Alase, from Ogun, Nigeria, is a Ph.D. student studying electrical and computer engineering. He also serves as president of UA Little Rock’s student chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.

He was inspired to pursue electrical and computer engineering through a personal experience growing up in Nigeria. His gym coach, who competed at an Olympic level, lost his limbs in an accident, bringing his career to an abrupt end.

“In that moment, it felt like he lost more than just his legs; he lost a part of his identity and the life he had built. I could see it in his eyes every time he spoke about it,” Alasa said.

“That stayed with me. It made me question why the loss of a limb should mean the end of someone’s dreams or purpose. Today, that question drives my work.”

Alase is researching AI-powered prosthetics.

“I’m working toward a future where people don’t just adapt to loss, but regain movement, independence, and the ability to redefine what’s possible for their lives,” he said.

Alase is passionate about helping others, which carries into his work as president of NSBE at UA Little Rock. He said the recognition reflects his efforts in leadership, research, and community impact. He connects fellow students with professional opportunities at companies such as Microsoft and Walmart while equipping them with the tools to succeed.

Outside of his work with the UA Little Rock chapter of NSBE, he mentors high school and college students in using AI to address challenges such as mental health, with a focus on expanding access and awareness.

Alase said his experience at UA Little Rock has been transformative.

“It’s an environment that truly supports student initiative, and that allowed me to step into leadership, build impactful programs, and create opportunities for others through NSBE,” he said.

He said mentorship has had the biggest impact, citing faculty members such as Dr. David Montague, Dr. Kamran Iqbal, and Dr. Abdel Elfikky.

“They didn’t just guide me academically; they pushed me to think bigger, to lead with purpose, and to focus on impact beyond myself,” he said. “UA Little Rock didn’t just shape my journey — it challenged me to turn vision into action and to use everything I’ve learned to uplift others along the way.”

Dr. David Montague said that Alase is one of the most outstanding students he has worked with in his more than 20 years at UA Little Rock.

“Ayo is an exceptional leader for NSBE,” Montague said. “He was recently recognized at the NSBE National Conference, where he delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the mentorship he has received from faculty and staff at UA Little Rock in front of approximately 8,000 attendees.”

At the conference, Ayo also helped organize a team of NSBE chapter officers to lead a group of 18 UA Little Rock students — ranging from undergraduate to Ph.D. candidates — to Baltimore, Maryland. While there, they participated in conference panels and interviewed for job opportunities.

“As a result of his efforts, Ayo also secured a prestigious internship in Chicago for this summer,” Montague added. “He is a great example of the hard work and dedication exemplified by so many UA Little Rock students.”

After graduation, Alase plans to continue advancing his work in AI and intelligent systems, focusing on technologies that create meaningful, real-world impact in both the United States and Nigeria.

“Long term, I aspire to become a research scientist in an AI-human mobility company, where I can help shape the direction of innovation and contribute to solving complex, human-centered challenges,” he said.

Alase is also committed to giving back through mentorship, community engagement, and creating pathways for others to access opportunities in STEM.

“For me, success is not just about advancing research, but about using it to empower people, create access, and expand what’s possible for future generations,” he said.

His advice to fellow UA Little Rock students is to stay consistent, even when no one is watching.

“Be intentional about growth — seek out opportunities, build meaningful relationships, and don’t be afraid to step into rooms that challenge you. Most importantly, don’t limit yourself to what feels comfortable. The impact you’re capable of creating is far greater than you think. If you trust God, stay committed to your purpose, put in the work, and trust the process, the results will come,” He said.