Born: 1951 (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Rebecca Walo Omana (born 15 July 1951) is a Congolese mathematician, professor, and reverend sister. Omana became the first female mathematics professor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1982. She is the director of the mathematics and informatics doctoral program at the University of Kinshasa and is a vice-president of the African Women in Mathematics Association. Her mathematical interests lie in differential equations, nonlinear analysis, and modeling.
Biography:
Rebecca Walo Omana was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 15 July 1951. From a young age, she displayed a passion for mathematics. After completing high school, she decided to pursue her studies further, combining her love for mathematics with her devotion to the Catholic faith. At the age of 18, she made her religious profession to the Catholic Soeurs de St Francois d’Assise and made her sacred vows in 1978.
In 1979, Omana earned a bachelor’s of science in mathematics from the Université du Québec à Montréal, where she was the only African woman in the department. Determined to continue her education, she went on to obtain her master’s of science in 1982 from the Université Laval, once again being the only African woman in the department. During this time, Omana faced challenges, battling negative prejudices and working twice as hard to gain acceptance from her colleagues and professors. However, her efforts paid off, and she not only gained acceptance but also started collaborating with groups of colleagues on research works.
In 1982, Omana began working as a lecturer and a groundbreaking achievement followed shortly after. She became the first female mathematics professor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in mathematics. Her dedication and perseverance led her to earn her Diplôme d’études approfondies in 1985 and her Ph.D in 1990 from the Université catholique de Louvain, where she worked with her advisor Jean Mawhin. Omana became the first Congolese woman to obtain a doctorate from the university.
Omana’s impact in the academic world extended beyond her role as a professor. She played a key role in the establishment of the quarterly multidisciplinary journal la revue Notre Dame de la Sagesse (RENODAS), where she served as the director. Additionally, she supervised numerous doctoral students and expressed her hope for more female professors to emerge from her mentorship.
In 2010, Omana took on the position of rector at the Université Notre-Dame de Tshumbe (UNITSHU), a Catholic public university founded in Tshumbe, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her leadership has guided the institution in its mission to provide quality education and contribute to the development of the nation.
Omana’s mathematical contributions are significant, particularly in the field of ordinary differential equations. Her research in this area has found practical applications in fields such as epidemiology and law. She has authored two books and continues to be actively engaged in scholarly pursuits.