EMERGING
2024
Decision Sciences Department Systems Scientist
LEADERS
AWARD
Dr. Ange-Lionel Toba
Education (degrees & institutions): PhD, Engineering Management & Systems Engineering, Old Dominion University MS, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Colorado State University – Pueblo Company Name: Idaho National Laboratory Industry: Energy Company CEO: Dr. John Wagner, Laboratory Director Company Headquarters Location: Idaho Falls, ID Number of Employees: >6,100 Your Location (if different from above): Ammon, ID Words you live by: “The one who has hope lives differently; the one who has hope has been granted the gift of a new life.” – Pope Benedict XVI Who is your personal hero? My father What book(s) are you reading? Exploring Catholic Theology: Essays on God, Liturgy, and Evangelization by Bishop Robert Barron What was your first job? Math tutor Favorite charity: Catholic Charities Interests/Hobbies: Sports, music, video gaming, traveling Family: Mother, wonderful wife, kids, extended family and many beloved friends
The Power of Dreaming Big: A Tribute to Inspirational Mentors The most profound pieces of advice are often the simplest, yet they hold the power to influence our life’s trajectory. This was true for me, as the best advice I ever received was from the most influential mentor in my life: my father, Edouard Toba. His belief in the power of dreaming big and being truly fearless has guided me from the shores of Cote D’Ivoire in West Africa to the pinnacle of achievement in STEM education and beyond. As a child, I was captivated by the methodical nature of STEM. The structured world of science and mathematics offered a clear and logical path. The world of systems engineering, with its profound implications for society, piqued my curiosity and set me on a quest for knowledge. Inspiration can come from those
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who tread the path before us, and for me, it was Dr. Cheick Modibo Diarra, a Malian scientist who played a pivotal role in five NASA missions that embodied the essence of dreaming without limits. My passion for science and engineering led me to Morocco, where the spark ignited by computer science transformed into a roaring fire. The journey continued across continents to the United States, in Colorado and Virginia, where higher education unveiled a world brimming with opportunities, research funding, and fascinating projects. The pursuit of my PhD was a testament to endurance, fueled by my father’s unwavering belief in me — a belief that at times surpassed my own. The passion for innovation was not only self-driven but was nurtured by
the encouragement of my professors and mentors, who urged me to push boundaries and embrace boldness. In recognition of this journey and the people who have shaped it, I am deeply grateful and honored for this award. This accolade is not just for me; it is a tribute especially to my father and mother, my mentors both in my personal and professional life, and all who dare to dream fearlessly. It is a message to every young mind in every corner of the world that with the right guidance, unwavering support and the audacity to dream big, the possibilities are limitless. May we all continue to dream, dream big, be persistent and be hopeful, always, for in the vast expanse of the unknown, there lies an ocean of potential, waiting to be discovered.
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