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Biography

Nandi Olive Leslie, Ph.D., joined Howard University's Board of Trustees on July 1, 2026. Dr. Leslie is a Principal Technical Fellow at RTX, the company's highest technical distinction, where she leads innovation in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and advanced research and development. Throughout her career, she has served in several leadership roles, including Chief Data Scientist, Chief Engineer, and Technical Solutions Director, overseeing global teams and major Government and commercial initiatives.

Prior to joining RTX, Dr. Leslie held research and management positions at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., and she served as a Lecturer and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Maryland College Park. She is also an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University.

A nationally recognized applied mathematician, Dr. Leslie serves as a Trustee of Princeton University and has contributed to numerous National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committees, as well as Howard University's Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Advisory Board.

Dr. Leslie earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Howard University before receiving both her master's and doctoral degrees in Applied and Computational Mathematics from Princeton University. An accomplished researcher, inventor, and author, she has received numerous honors, including the 2026 Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Industry Award and the 2020 BEYA Outstanding Technical Contribution in Industry Award.