About
I am Rafiat, a graduate student and researcher in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manitoba, Canada. My research lies at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and sustainable agriculture, with a particular interest in understanding how intelligent technologies can be designed to meaningfully support people, communities, and their existing knowledge systems.
I hold a Master’s degree in Collective Intelligence from University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Morocco, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural & Bio-Resources Engineering. This interdisciplinary background has shaped my interest in bringing together computational methods, human-centered design, and agricultural knowledge to address real-world challenges.
My primary research interest is Human-Computer Interaction, particularly human-centered and trustworthy AI. My current research explores how farmers in Manitoba use, perceive, and interact with AI technologies in agricultural decision-making, with a focus on trust, decision-making, and the relationship between AI recommendations and farmers’ knowledge and expertise.
An important dimension of my work is understanding how Indigenous knowledge systems, traditional practices, and cultural values intersect with AI in agricultural contexts. I am particularly interested in how technology can be designed to respect, complement, and learn from diverse forms of knowledge, rather than treating AI as a replacement for human expertise. Through this work, I hope to contribute to the development of trustworthy, inclusive, and context-aware intelligent systems that are meaningful to farming communities in Manitoba and beyond.
Beyond research, I am passionate about leadership, community engagement, mentorship, and supporting women in STEM. I actively contribute to academic and community initiatives through volunteering, organizing, mentoring, and supporting activities that create opportunities for students and researchers.
02 / Research focus
03 / Publications
Nine publications spanning human-centered AI, digital identity, social computing, climate, education, and agricultural engineering.
Bamimore Akodu, R., & Elmimouni, H. (2026).
In Proceedings of the 1st EUSSET International Conference on Innovation in Rural Regions (ICIRR) – Papers. DOI: 10.48340/icirr2026_27Ikwunne, T., Bamimore Akodu, R., del Moro, K., Oyewale, C.T., Issa, M., Abokhodair, N., & Elmimouni, H. (2026).
In Companion of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing (CSCW Companion '26), Salt Lake City, UT, USA. ACM. DOI: 10.1145/3785651.3831540Oyewale, C., Bamimore, R., Ikwunne, T., & Elmimouni, H. (2025).
In Proceedings of AfriCHI '25: 5th Biennial African Human-Computer Interaction Conference, pp. 83–94. DOI: 10.1145/3757232.3757239Bamimore Akodu, R.M., Oyewale, C.T., Ikwunne, T., & Elmimouni, H. (2025).
In Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Communities & Technologies (C&T 2025), Siegen, Germany. DOI: 10.1145/3742800.3742831Oyewale, C.T., Bamimore Akodu, R.M., & Adeyemi, F.A. (2025).
Student Abstract. AAAI-25 Student Abstract Program.OYEWOLE, R., Akodu, R. B., Jumah, T. A., Taiwo, S., & Taoubane, S.
In Women in Machine Learning Workshop @ NeurIPS 2025.Sanda, T., Adubi, P., Oyewole, R., Akodu, R., Oyewale, C., & Omotunde, S. (2024).
In ICERI2024 Proceedings (pp. 4703–4709). IATED.Bamimore Akodu, R., Sanda, T., Oyewole, R., Chairi, I., & Basmadjian, R. (2024).
In Kumar, A., Swaroop, A., Shukla, P. (eds) Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Computing and Communication Networks (ICCCN 2024). Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol. 1294. Springer, Singapore. DOI: 10.1007/978-981-96-3253-4_53Akodu, R. M., Dairo, O. U., Olayanju, A. M., Ola, I. A., & Omotainse, P. O. (2021).
In LAUTECH Journal of Engineering and Technology, 15(2), 129–138.04 / Complete profile
Open each section to explore education, research, teaching, industry, leadership, service, presentations, recognition, and skills.
Download complete résumé PDF · 257 KB ↓Showing all 7 profile sections
Fully funded scholarship.
Computer Science & Data Science track.
Second Class Honours.
Produced tomato powder using foam-mat drying and carried out colour, rehydration-ratio, lycopene, and ascorbic-acid tests.
Evaluated a multi-juice extractor, determining juice yield, extraction efficiency and losses, and physicochemical properties.
Coached and mentored prospective undergraduates, recording more than 90% average yearly success; prepared academic materials and organized tutorials for peers and junior students.
Prepared academic materials and organized tutorials for colleagues and lower-level students in Agricultural & Bio-Environmental Engineering.
Monitored the production floor, assisted in fabricating machine components, supported routine maintenance, and helped keep production machines at peak efficiency.
Led workshop design and structure, including session planning and topic curation; selected and coordinated speakers; and developed the program flow around participant needs.
Led climate-focused projects, workshops, awareness campaigns, and conservation efforts; managed timelines, resources, and team coordination; and built local and international partnerships.
Planned cultural, social, and sports activities; served as a liaison on international students’ cultural and recreational needs; and advanced inclusive cultural exchange.
Schedules and records monthly alumni meetings and leads planning and coordination of the annual Ramadan Lecture.
Chaired the committee that planned and coordinated the 2019 Convention & Investiture Ceremony.
Scheduled executive meetings and student tutorials, and led planning and coordination of departmental conferences.
Led the conference communications strategy, online updates and announcements, and social-media engagement across platforms to strengthen visibility and community engagement.
Supported the communications team through photography and social content; assisted attendees at registration; and helped keep event operations running smoothly.
Advocated for the UN Sustainable Development Goals through campaigns, workshops, community projects, partnerships, and events that increased awareness and participation.
Led 20 volunteers, matched skills and interests to suitable roles, assigned responsibilities, supervised delivery, and organized a recognition dinner.
Ushering & Protocol Team Lead, Youniverse Business Summit, UM6P (June 2024); Communication Support Volunteer, GITEX Africa (May 2024); and SDG Lagos NYSC Chapter member and secondary-school development-knowledge facilitator (2021–2023).
Member, Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (ACM SIGCHI), Nigeria · April 2024. Member, ACM SIGCHI, USA · November 2023.
Communication, interpersonal relationship building, leadership, teamwork, organization, time management, and project management.
Open to meaningful conversations
For research collaboration, speaking opportunities, mentoring, or interdisciplinary projects, feel free to reach out.