Damilola Oyedeji is a poet. But she wants to be even more. She plans to become a professor, researcher and writer.

Oyedeji came to Missouri State University in Fall 2023 to pursue a Master’s in the English-Creative Writing track in the Department of English. She graduates this May with that degree in hand.

And now, her goal is within sight. This fall she enters the doctoral program in English at Texas Tech University.

“I have always wanted to be a professor since a young age, and for me, this is a step closer to achieving that dream,” she said.

Gaining career and scholarly experience

While studying at Missouri State, Oyedeji gained valuable career experience working as a writer for the university. She split her time writing for the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) and the university’s Strategic Communication office.

Oyedeji described her work experience as a “huge privilege and useful opportunity.”

“I have had the opportunity to interview and work with professors, alumni and students doing great things,” she said. “It has also improved my writing and given me workplace experience for professional writing. I now have both creative writing and professional writing experiences.”

Scholarly conference “a groundbreaker”

Even more importantly, Oyedeji has built a strong scholarly foundation while at Missouri State.

Encouraged and guided by Dr. Shannon Wooden and Dr. Lanya Lamouria, she gained conference experience in March when she presented her research at the Pop Culture Association’s national conference in New Orleans. It was Oyedeji’s first time to present research at a conference.

According to Wooden, the paper was already nearing publishable quality and highlighted Oyedeji’s professionalism and work ethic. “She worked on it like a scholar more than a student,” Wooden said.

Oyedeji credited Wooden with getting her to the conference in the first place. “If I can present a paper today at a conference, it’s because of her.”

She said the presentation went better than expected.

“I received some great questions and had the chance to connect with professors from other universities who were genuinely interested in my research,” Oyedeji explained. “I think the most fulfilling part was being able to say, ‘Here’s what I’ve been working on.’ After spending the past year reading and writing on this topic, presenting it felt like a meaningful milestone.”

“For someone going to doctoral school, I know I will be attending a ton of conferences, even if not to present, to network,” she added. “This is a groundbreaker for me.”

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