Hometown?  
Akwuzu, Nigeria.  

What are your research and clinical interests? 
I am interested in understanding human diseases using science and discovery to provide therapeutics and improve healthcare. Growing up, I had always wanted to be a doctor who helps patients recover from diseases. However, exposure to research has shown me the power of scientific discovery in treating diseases more effectively. I am currently interested in understanding the biology of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) which is a type of sarcoma. Previously, I have studied the mechanism by which acute kidney injury progressively leads to kidney fibrosis and potential therapies to revert kidney fibrosis. I also worked on understanding the household transmission of respiratory diseases, particularly SARS-CoV2, RSV, and Influenza. I believe that the future of health care and drug discovery lies in scientific innovations.  

Are you involved in any other groups or activities at UMass Chan that you’d like to highlight?
I am involved in the Entrepreneurship Club at UMass Chan which is focused on translation and realization of innovative ideas. This club is a community for students interested in bringing scientific innovation to realization. If you are interested in translation science, industry, and leadership, check out the club! I am passionate about community, service, and mentoring so I am part of the diversity and inclusion group (DIG), the African Student Association (ASA), and ScienceLive. DIG and ASA provide me with a community of diverse individuals that I connect to as I chug through graduate school.   

What makes UMass Chan a great place for your studies? 
The community and student body at UMass Chan is very supportive of students’ growth and development in science and personal life. I chose UMass Chan due to the positive interaction I had with current students and faculty during the admitted student visitation day. That experience has stayed the same. It feels nice to be in a community where you feel supported and seen.   

Favorite hobby? 
I love dancing, working out, traveling, and reading both fiction and nonfiction books. I also love learning new things and have been learning how to ski and ice skate. 

Favorite thing to do in Worcester/Worcester area? 
Reading in the parks and hanging out with friends. Friends make everything better!