03/01/2025
When Nigerian American Kemi Olugemo ’97 moved across the world 20 years ago, the mentors she found at UMass Lowell launched her on a path to success in this country. “As a teenager, I moved across continents to UMass Lowell to pursue the American Dream,” says Olugemo, a physician-scientist and philanthropist. “Several faculty members inspired and believed in me through the years, and Profs. Ted Namm, Mary Kramer and Kay Doyle all left an indelible mark on me.”
Olugemo, who was recently appointed chief medical officer at Korro Bio, has over a decade of industry experience focused on clinical development and regulatory strategy.
She previously served as vice president and therapeutic head of neurology global clinical development at Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, where she led teams in developing lifechanging medicines for patients with rare neurological diseases.
In 2022, she launched the nonprofit Zebulon Foundation Inc. to identify and close critical health care gaps in Nigeria and other West African countries. An American Academy of Neurology fellow, she also serves on several boards, including Women of Color in Pharma; Clinics IV Life; the Physician Research Council for Circuit Clinical; and Leadership Council of CNS Summit.
Olugemo, who received a UMass Lowell University Alumni Award in 2023, completed her medical training and neurology residency at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and an additional fellowship in neuroimmunology and multiple sclerosis at the Maryland Center for MS Excellence.
She and her husband, Michael Olugemo, live in Wayland, Massachusetts, with their two children.
Her biggest lesson since first stepping on campus in 1994?
“Learn from failure and recognize that you truly have the power to shape your future,” she says. “Find both mentors and sponsors and always send the elevator back down to help as many people as you can.”