Chioma Onwuchekwa is a Nigerian scientist who has achieved an outstanding feat in the field of environmental science-chemistry. She recently graduated from Tennessee Technological University (TTU) in the US with a PhD degree, after spending 11 years pursuing her academic dreams across three continents.
Onwuchekwa’s story is one of perseverance, passion and excellence. She started her journey in Nigeria, where she obtained a first class honours degree in industrial chemistry from Covenant University in 2011. She then moved to Scotland, where she earned a master’s degree in energy and environmental management from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2012.
In 2015, she received a teaching scholarship to pursue her PhD at TTU, where she joined the research group of Dr. Tania Datta, an associate professor of chemistry. Her research focused on the impact of microplastics on the aquatic environment, especially how they transport organic pollutants from one place to another.
She explained that microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than five millimeters in size, and they can be found in various sources such as cosmetics, clothing, packaging and fishing gear. They can also be formed when larger plastic items break down due to exposure to sunlight, water and mechanical forces.
“Microplastics are everywhere. They have been found in the deepest parts of the ocean, in the Arctic ice, in the air we breathe and even in the food we eat,” she said.
According to the United Nations, more than eight million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans every year, and if this trend continues, there could be more plastic than fish by 2050.
Onwuchekwa said that microplastics can pose a threat to aquatic life and human health, as they can absorb and carry harmful chemicals such as pesticides, flame retardants and pharmaceuticals. These chemicals can then be transferred to organisms that ingest or come into contact with microplastics, causing adverse effects such as hormonal disruption, reproductive impairment and cancer.
To study this phenomenon, Onwuchekwa used various analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify and quantify microplastics and organic pollutants in water samples collected from different locations in Tennessee.
She also conducted laboratory experiments to simulate how microplastics interact with organic pollutants under different environmental conditions such as temperature, salinity and pH.
She said that her findings revealed that microplastics can act as vectors for organic pollutants, and that their transport potential depends on several factors such as their size, shape, composition and surface properties.
She also found that some organic pollutants can degrade or desorb from microplastics over time, which can affect their bioavailability and toxicity.
Onwuchekwa said that her research has implications for environmental management and policy making, as it can help assess the risk of microplastic pollution and develop strategies to prevent or reduce it.
She said that some of the possible solutions include improving waste management systems, promoting recycling and reuse of plastics, banning or regulating the use of certain plastic products such as single-use items and microbeads, and raising public awareness and education on the issue.
Onwuchekwa’s research has been recognized by several awards and publications. She is the recipient of TTU’s 2020-21 Northrup Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, which is given to graduate students who demonstrate excellence in teaching. She is also the first Nigerian, African and international student to ever win this award.
She has also presented her work at various national and international conferences, such as the American Chemical Society (ACS) meeting, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) meeting and the International Conference on Emerging Contaminants (EmCon).
She has published four peer-reviewed papers in reputable journals such as Environmental Pollution, Science of the Total Environment and Chemosphere. She has also co-authored two book chapters on microplastic pollution.
Onwuchekwa said that she is grateful for the support and guidance she received from her mentor Dr. Datta, her research group members, her family and friends, and her fellow Nigerians at TTU.
She said that she faced some challenges during her PhD journey, such as adjusting to a new culture and environment, coping with academic stress and dealing with personal issues. However, she said that she overcame them by staying focused on her goals, seeking help when needed and relying on her faith.
She said that she hopes that her story will inspire other young Nigerians who aspire to pursue higher education abroad or in any field of their choice.
She said that her advice to them is to be passionate about what they do, work hard, be resilient, seek opportunities, network with people and never give up on their dreams.
She said that she is proud of her achievements and that she wants to use her skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.
She said that she plans to work as an environment strategy specialist for Cummins Inc., a global company that designs, manufactures and distributes power generation products and services.
She said that she is excited about this opportunity and that she looks forward to applying her expertise in environmental science-chemistry to help the company achieve its sustainability goals and reduce its environmental footprint.
She said that she also intends to continue her research on microplastic pollution and collaborate with other scientists and stakeholders on this topic.
She said that she believes that science can be a powerful tool for solving global challenges and creating a better future for humanity and the planet.
In other news, Nzube Egboluche, remarkable journey from a lower-middle-class community in Southeastern Nigeria to becoming a proud Ph.D. holder in Bioenvironmental Science in the USA is a testament to her unwavering determination, resilience, and academic excellence.
Growing up with dreams of studying in the USA, Dr. Egboluche faced financial barriers that initially prevented her from pursuing her undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD. Undeterred, she continued her academic pursuit at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, graduating as the top student in the Department of Soil Science.
Fueling her study abroad aspirations, Dr. Egboluche applied for numerous scholarships, leading to her admission to Michigan State University in 2015. The MasterCard Scholarship became a transformative opportunity, funding her two-year master’s program in Crop and Soil Sciences and opening doors to a myriad of possibilities. From the outset, she aimed for her American dreams, including the pursuit of a Ph.D. degree.
In 2017, Dr. Egboluche embarked on her doctoral journey at Morgan State University, specializing in Bioenvironmental Science. The subsequent years were marked by challenges, emotions, and a roller coaster of experiences. Facing frustration, anger, stress, and excitement, she persevered, driven by an indomitable will to complete her program. Acknowledging the relatable struggles encountered during her doctoral pursuit, Dr. Egboluche’s journey stands as an inspiration to those who have faced adversity and persevered. Click here to read more about Dr. Nzube.
Nzube and Chioma are brilliant ladies, changing the narrative and making great academic strides. We at Rising Africa want to celebrate such true daughters of Africa.
