Bari Igboh, Assistant Professor, Computer Technology
Today, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, we’re celebrating Ada Lovelace Day — a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women in STEM and inspiring the next generation of young women to follow in their footsteps. In honor of this occasion, we sat down with Bari Igboh, Assistant Professor in Dunwoody’s Computer Technology department, to talk about her experience as a woman in STEM and her advice for those interested in pursuing STEM careers.
Can you talk briefly about your education experience?
I went to the University of Minnesota-Duluth where I got my undergraduate degree in public health. And then I got my master’s in education from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I have a second master’s in cybersecurity from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
How old were you when you started in computer science?
I was 24.
What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?
I am a social butterfly — I am creative, and I love people. I’ve always liked math, but math never really liked me back. Cybersecurity and computer science is a way to exercise that logical part of your brain and avoid calculus.
My introduction to cybersecurity was actually a bit later. I think that comes from STEM not being pushed towards women early on. It’s geared toward boys — like robotics and all those things in high school and undergrad. Even now it’s not common to see a lot of women students in my class. On average it is one to two. For me, I needed someone who was close to me, who could make STEM accessible. My best friend from high school was the one who introduced me to cybersecurity and was like, “Hey, you can do this. It’s not as scary as you think, and I think you have the skills to do it.”
Who are some inspirational women in your life?
The first would be my mom, she went back to get her master’s in education. We graduated with our master’s in education together. My mom got her master’s when she was 60. She got her bachelor’s when she first came to America. We got to walk together in the same ceremony at the U of M.
Another would be my previous director and mentor, Julie McFadden. She is a champion and always pushing me to my highest goals, making sure that I am growing with new skills, and helping me fight imposter syndrome. Julie McFadden is 100 percent a core mentor in my life.
And of course, having positive friends around — all killing it in their respective careers.
How do you handle being in an industry that is male-dominated?
Sometimes it can be a bit uncomfortable being the only woman. There are hurdles, but I want to speak on what has made it easier for me to get through those hurdles. Like having male mentors and allies who are also in the cybersecurity space.
Women also need to be exposed to STEM earlier. Elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools need to actively seek out girls who show even a little bit of interest and change the marketing towards STEM. They need to make it more inclusive to anyone who wants to try and get out of those stereotypes that STEM is only for boys.
And just do it. The awkwardness, feeling weird, or being scared are all things you need to get through. Anytime you’re growing or making a change, it’s going to be uncomfortable. It’s natural to experience fear when you’re the only woman in the room. Sometimes you won’t even think about it.
Why did you go into teaching?
I love teaching and seeing that lightbulb go off for students. It’s amazing being able to help people reach their dreams. I love seeing students graduate, getting jobs, and being able to support themselves.
Teaching felt natural because I love talking to people every day.
I also think it’s important for women to support each other. It’s important to get to know other women in your field purposefully. If you see a woman co-worker, try to know her the best you can. That way you can share experiences that might be hard for both of you. You can help each other grow together and be in community with each other.
Thank you!
If you’re interested in the Computer Technology majors at Dunwoody, click here to learn more.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.