Nseke Ngilbus is a first-year MIMS student specializing in synthesizing data into insights that drive user-centered product development. Prior to the I School, he worked at IDEO as a design researcher through the Color by Design fellowship. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a bachelor’s degree in American Studies with a focus on product management and design.
What is your favorite thing about the I School?
I love that the I School doesn’t just teach technical skills — it forces you to ask, who is this technology really serving, and who is privileged by it? As a Black researcher and designer, I’ve always been mindful of the ways tech can either empower or exclude our communities. Here, I get to engage with people who are equally committed to building systems that are fair, just, and accessible. It’s rare to find a space that values both technical expertise and social impact, and I appreciate that balance.
What has been the most surprising thing about your experience here so far?
I expected the technical challenge, but I didn’t expect how much I’d be forced to question the broader impact and scope of technology. The I School encourages you to think deeply about power, access, and equity — things that are often overlooked in tech spaces. Coming from a background where I’ve seen both the opportunities and the harm that technology can create, I’ve found this environment both refreshing and necessary.
What is an information or data science challenge that intrigues you?’
I’m really interested in how AI and automated decision-making systems impact Black and other marginalized communities — whether that’s in hiring, policing, healthcare, or even content moderation on social platforms. These systems aren’t neutral, as Professor Ames and Professor Mulligan teach us; they have politics and reflect the biases of the people who build them. The challenge I’m drawn to is figuring out how we create AI that is fair, transparent, and accountable to the communities it affects the most.
Can you share any thoughts on how your identity has shaped your path, contributing to challenges and opportunities, or unique skills, strengths, or perspectives that you bring?
Growing up between Cameroon and Oakland gave me a firsthand look at how access to information — or the lack of it — can shape people’s opportunities. In many ways, that’s what pushed me toward design and research. I wanted to understand how systems are built, who they serve, and how they can be reimagined to work better for people who often get overlooked. My background has given me a deep sense of resilience and adaptability, and those skills have been invaluable in navigating both tech and academia.
What does Black History Month mean to you? Do you recognize or celebrate it? If so, how?
Black History Month is a moment to reflect, but our contributions and history aren’t just something to be acknowledged once a year. For me, it’s about recognizing the legacy of Black innovation, resistance, and creativity — especially in spaces like tech, where we’re often underrepresented but have always been shaping the field. I use this time to engage with Black scholars, creators, and leaders who are pushing boundaries today. Our history is still being written.
What advice would you give an incoming or prospective MIMS student?
Be intentional about the spaces you move in and the voices you amplify. The I School is a place where you can challenge assumptions, bring in perspectives that aren’t always represented in tech, and connect with people who want to create meaningful change. Find your people, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take up space — your perspective is needed.
