Itohan Osayimwese

Describe the work you do. What are some of your recent and current projects that excite you? What inspires you about the future of your chosen field?
I research and teach histories of colonial, postcolonial, modern, and Africanist architecture and built environments. I recently published “Africa’s Buildings: Architecture and the Displacement of Cultural Heritage” (Princeton University Press, 2025). Because land is finite and development is a never-ending process, I am excited about the future of architectural history as a discipline that helps us understand and document the built environment’s past and determine what to preserve.

Why did you choose Taubman College for your education?
I chose Taubman because of its location in one of the world’s best universities and the availability of a wonderful range of scholars and resources. The reputation of the College preceded itself (I’d met many amazing Taubman College alums when I was doing my masters at Rice University). And the College offered me an excellent funding package.

How did Taubman College prepare you for your career? What experiences beyond the classroom (internships, research assistantships, teaching opportunities, or other external experiences) provided additional value?
TCAUP provided me with excellent training through teaching assistantships, funded research opportunities both connected to my own research and connected to ongoing faculty-led projects (I worked as a research assistant for Prof. Scobey’s “Arts of Citizenship” program). I was able to travel to Germany to undertake intensive language training that was crucial for my dissertation research.

How has being part of the alumni community impacted you, personally and professionally?
I am part of the larger Michigan alumni community. Additionally, a small cohort of Taubman College’s PhD alumni have maintained our own informal alumni group — we meet regularly at conferences and support each other in various ways professionally.

What did you like best about attending Taubman College?
The friends and colleagues I met, and the amazing resources available at the University of Michigan.

What advice or important lesson would you share with someone considering Taubman College and/or pursuing a career in your chosen field?
Keep at it! And reach out to alumni for advice and mentorship.