At just 25 years old, Dr. Joseph Oglio has become the eighth youngest Kent State graduate to earn his doctorate degree. 

Oglio said he saw an article about the exclusive group a few years ago and it motivated him to work toward his doctorate. 

“It feels pretty great, I’ll admit,” Oglio said. “I wanted to have my name up there, I wanted to be the eighth person.” 

Oglio earned his master’s and Ph.D. in computer science and his bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics, all through Kent State.

He was influenced by Dr. Mikhail Nesterenko, a professor in the Department of Computer Science, while working together on a research paper and thesis for the Honors College. Nesterenko offered Oglio a position on his team to pursue a master’s and Ph.D. in computer science. Oglio said he has always wanted to get a Ph.D., and jumped at the opportunity when it was presented to him. 

Oglio plans to become a tenure-track professor teaching computer science, and hopes to one day work with NASA. 

“From a young age, I wanted to become an astronaut,” Oglio said. “To be an astronaut, all you need is a bachelor’s in a STEM field, but like all astronauts have Ph.D.s.”  

Oglio credited his achievements to the unwavering support of his parents and cousin, who helped him remain focused on his academic journey and ensure success. He also said he had peers who were all working towards the same goals, which helped him stay motivated, and that he is thankful to have met and worked with new students and graduates every semester.  

To Oglio, making it to the finish line and obtaining the title “Dr.” at such a young age has been exciting and rewarding.  

“Otherwise, not much has changed, I still do research,” Oglio said. “There’s going to be people out there smarter than me that I hope to learn from.”

Moving forward, Oglio remains optimistic about his future endeavors and is driven by his passion for research, as well as fulfilling a childhood dream of working with NASA. 

Claire Duber is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].