Esiri Oghenekaro’s journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. From her stellar academic achievements in Nigeria to securing a prestigious Ph.D. scholarship at Cornell University in the United States, Oghenekaro’s story resonates as an inspiration to aspiring engineers worldwide.
Graduating with a first-class Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Benin, Nigeria, Oghenekaro distinguished herself with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.80 out of a possible 5. Her academic prowess and dedication to her field laid the foundation for her remarkable trajectory in electrical engineering.
Just two years after completing her undergraduate studies, Oghenekaro achieved a significant milestone by winning a fully-funded Ph.D. scholarship in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University, New York. What makes her achievement even more exceptional is that she secured this opportunity without having pursued a Master’s degree, a feat that speaks volumes about her academic prowess and potential.
In a heartfelt post on LinkedIn, Oghenekaro shared her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to pursue her Ph.D. abroad. She expressed her deep appreciation for the support of her family, friends, and mentors who played pivotal roles in her academic journey. Her determination to pursue higher education abroad stemmed from a desire for quality education and a passion for research, traits that have defined her academic pursuits.
With a background in the oil and gas industry, where she worked for about two years at Waltersmith Petroman Oil Ltd Nigeria, Oghenekaro decided to further her expertise in electrical and electronic engineering through advanced research and academic exploration. Her decision to embark on a Ph.D. journey reflects her unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to the field of electrical engineering.
Oghenekaro’s research interests encompass sensors, actuators, and innovative electronic devices, reflecting her dedication to exploring cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives. Beyond her academic pursuits, she enjoys movies, travels, and adventures, showcasing a multifaceted personality that thrives on both intellectual challenges and leisure pursuits.
In her journey to Cornell University, Oghenekaro acknowledges the invaluable support of her cousin, friends, and mentors who guided her through the application process and provided unwavering encouragement along the way. She also expresses gratitude to EducationUSA for their assistance in the visa application process, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving academic aspirations.
As Oghenekaro embarks on her Ph.D. journey at Cornell University, her story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring engineers, particularly women and minorities, who dare to dream big and defy conventional boundaries. Her determination, resilience, and passion for excellence epitomize the spirit of innovation and academic pursuit that knows no bounds.
In conclusion, Esiri Oghenekaro’s journey from Nigeria to Cornell University epitomizes the transformative power of education, perseverance, and ambition. As she embarks on her Ph.D. quest, her story reminds us that with dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible. Esiri Oghenekaro is not just a scholar; she is a trailblazer paving the way for future generations of engineers and innovators.
Comfort Chukwuere, a biochemistry graduate from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), has accomplished a remarkable feat by earning three coveted PhD scholarships to pursue studies at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) in the United States. Her chosen field of study is Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, reflecting her deep-rooted passion for environmental sustainability and conservation.
Chukwuere’s path to UC Davis was laden with challenges. Despite facing numerous rejections and obstacles while applying to various universities and programs, she remained resolute in her pursuit of her dreams. Undeterred by setbacks, she took to Twitter to share her journey and seek financial assistance for her flight and accommodation expenses, as she had to be on campus by September 20, 2023.
Her tweet quickly gained traction, garnering thousands of likes, retweets, and supportive comments from well-wishers, donors, and fellow scholars. Among the notable Nigerians who rallied behind her was Dr. Dipo Awojide, a senior lecturer and career coach, who extended assistance through his foundation by providing a flight ticket, ensuring that Chukwuere’s aspirations could be realized. Read more about Comfort here.
