Naomi Uponi, a brilliant and determined young woman, has achieved remarkable academic success, graduating with a first-class degree in Chemical Engineering from Covenant University, Nigeria. Scoring an impressive 4.74 out of 5.00, Naomi’s achievement stands as a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for the field.
A Celebrated Milestone
On September 29, 2023, Naomi shared her joy and gratitude with the world through a heartfelt LinkedIn post. “On the 29th of September 2023, I graduated from Covenant University with a first-class degree in Chemical Engineering (4.74/5.0),” she wrote. Naomi expressed her deep appreciation for the support of her family, friends, professors, and mentors, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping her academic journey. She highlighted that their guidance and encouragement were crucial in helping her achieve such a high level of success.
Paving the Way for the Future
Armed with her stellar academic record, Naomi is enthusiastic about the future and eager to apply her knowledge to real-world challenges. She has a keen interest in environmental engineering and renewable energy, sectors that align perfectly with her passion for sustainable development. Naomi is committed to leveraging her skills and education to make a positive impact in these fields, and she looks forward to exploring fresh opportunities where she can contribute meaningfully.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Naomi’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond academics. She recently celebrated another significant achievement: winning the 2023 Techvis competition organized by the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (Lagos/Ogun Chapter). Partnering with Anita Anenih, Naomi presented innovative solutions to address Nigeria’s energy crisis through sustainable practices. Their project, titled “Sustainable Solutions to Energy Crisis: The Role of Chemical Engineering,” focused on harnessing renewable energy sources and emphasized the critical role chemical engineers play in reducing carbon emissions.
The competition required participants to conduct in-depth research and present viable solutions to pressing environmental issues. Naomi’s success in the competition underscores her ability to blend academic knowledge with practical application, a skill that will undoubtedly serve her well in her future career.
Looking Ahead
Naomi Uponi’s journey is one of resilience, ambition, and a profound commitment to excellence. As she steps into the next phase of her career, she is excited to engage with like-minded professionals and explore new collaborations in the field of sustainable energy. Naomi’s drive to make a difference is clear, and her achievements thus far indicate that she is well on her way to becoming a leader in chemical and environmental engineering.
Naomi’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and students around the world, demonstrating that with dedication, support, and a passion for learning, remarkable success is within reach.
Sade Burrell’s story is one of resilience, determination, and triumph against the odds. Born and raised in San Diego, California, Sade spent her early years navigating the complexities of the foster care system. Despite the challenges, she never let her circumstances define her future. Today, Sade Burrell stands as a testament to perseverance, having recently earned her PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
Sade‘s journey was far from easy. As the second oldest of seven children, she entered the foster care system at a young age after she and her siblings were removed from their mother’s care. Moving between foster homes, a children’s center, juvenile hall, and a group home, Sade faced an unstable and often harsh environment. Despite these early challenges, she remained determined to change the narrative of her life.
The statistics for foster youth in California paint a bleak picture. Only 58% of foster youth graduate from high school, and just 3% go on to earn a degree from a four-year college. These statistics, however, did not deter Sade. Instead, they fueled her desire to rise above the expectations set for her.
Determined to succeed, Sade found her way to Cuyamaca College through the Unlimited Potential (UP) program, which supports foster and at-risk youth. Living in transitional housing at the YMCA and later participating in a home program that supported students from foster care, Sade worked tirelessly to support herself and her studies. She held down multiple jobs, including coaching young children in sports at the YMCA. Read more about Sade Burrell here.