Background
I am a Nigerian national with dual citizenship in the United States. I was fortunate enough to grow up in three of Nigeria’s major cities: Lagos (my hometown), Bonny Island near Port Harcourt, and Abuja, the current capital. Throughout my life, I have developed a fluency in English and Yoruba and have a basic knowledge of Hausa, Arabic, and French from my travels and education. From a young age, I was drawn to the world of healthcare and have pursued this passion through my studies as a biomedical engineering major at Tufts University.
Research
My research focus is centered on gastrointestinal studies, and I’ve had the privilege of working at the Kaplan Lab for the past two years. During this time, I’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of cell and organoid culture, as well as the creation of biomaterial scaffolds for use in 3D tissue cultures, which mimic the intestinal environment. My experience with stem cell and organoid cultures has been particularly invaluable. All of these techniques are utilized in the development of in vitro human intestinal tissue models, which will aid in the study of various physiological functions. I am honored to be a co-author on a peer-reviewed paper that is currently in preparation and am eager to see the impact our research will have on the field.
Other Interests
When I’m not studying, I love to get crafty with crocheting and cooking, and enjoy some downtime with my favorite shows.I also have a soft spot for a good Netflix binge session and just relaxing at home. Although I have a bit of a homebody side, I’m also a true adventurer and love taking on new experiences. Traveling to new countries and experiencing different cultures is always on my mind, but sometimes my budget doesn’t quite stretch far enough. However, I’ve still been able to live on the edge and do things like riding the world’s fastest roller coaster in Abu Dhabi. Scuba diving and skydiving are still on my bucket list. I also have a passion for tennis, which I inherited from my dad.