Wakeel I.A. Idewu, a native of New Orleans, joined the VMI faculty in 2009. He received a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a master of science in engineering science from Louisiana State University. He also earned a doctorate in civil engineering from Louisiana State University.
Idewu is an expert in micro-simulation modeling using the Vissim platform and provides creative solutions to both common and uncommon transportation engineering problems. The broad scale of his past work includes the design and analysis of a new rail line in Anacostia, innovative pedestrian signals and intersections, and reconfigurations of work zone lane closures.
At 19, Idewu traded in his football cleats for engineering books. His athletic feats in high school gave him recognition as the best linebacker in the city of New Orleans at the time and earned him a scholarship to play football at the collegiate level. However, his dreams of playing football professionally were eventually overshadowed by his aspirations of becoming an engineer. Drawn by the creative freedoms of a career in engineering, Dr. Idewu merged his profession with his past, by combining the creativity, adaptability, and perseverance he learned in football. He now employs those same life lessons in his family life and work. Idewu primarily focuses on interdisciplinary academic mentoring and interdisciplinary research in transportation engineering. With 20+ years experience in the field of transportation engineering, at the state and local level, Dr. Idewu works with towns and city managers on roadway projects aimed at improving traffic flow.
Working across disciplines, Idewu continues to mentor students from various majors, helping them increase their academic scores and professional potential. Students have also worked with Idewu to conduct transportation research related to psychology, chemistry, mechanical engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering.
His proudest accomplishment to date is growing with his wife, Roslyn, through tough and happy times as they raise their four children. He, along with his wife and family, is in continuous pursuit of their God-given purpose, all while helping others connect, develop, and grow towards their purpose along the way.