Hi! I am Emmanuella Nnuji-John, a senior Biochemistry undergraduate student at Alcorn State University. My interests intersect immunology and infectious disease/pathology research, and I hope to explore these interests through a biomedical PhD program and eventually in the biopharmaceutical industry.
How I Became Interested in Research
I am originally from Nigeria and I moved to the United States for studies about 3 years ago. Prior to this start as an international student, I was convinced that I wanted to be a physician. I matriculated college as a Biology Pre-Med major, but this quickly changed once I joined a research laboratory at my university. I was intrigued by the thrill of scientific discovery while asking questions aimed at solving real-life problems, and this helped me realize that I was very passionate about scientific research. After my first year, I switched majors to Biochemistry because it helped me relate to my research project better. With this major, I was able to transfer things I had learned in class to my research work and this was an absolute game changer!
Why am I interested in Immunology and Pathology?
My undergraduate research experience was in a plant pathology lab. Although I was more interested in biomedical-related experiences, my institution had very limited research opportunities. Nonetheless, I was fortunate to join a lab where I worked on plant viruses and diseases and the removal methods available for them. I faced some challenges working in a faster-paced environment but with the right amount of guidance, I became more comfortable. Through this opportunity, I learned so much about diseases and how to study them and this greatly piqued my enthusiasm for pathology research. This past summer, I sought out opportunities to participate in biomedical-related research and through a minority outreach program called NSURP (National Summer Undergraduate Research Program), I joined a virology lab at Duke. Here, my research project involved studying the interactions between the host cell and viral pathogens in innate immunity. My love for immunology grew through this project as I was exposed to innate immune responses and how they are activated. I became very excited about being able to combine my experience in pathology with my enthusiasm for immunological principles. At the end of the summer program, I decided to pursue a PhD studying both topics.
Extra-Curricular Activities that got me interested in Industry
Between my second and third years in college, I participated in conferences aimed at career development and growth. In 2019, I attended the American Express Discovery Program where I got to meet and network with a very intellectually diverse group of people. The program was targeted at informing students about the myriad of career opportunities in the finance field, irrespective of your majors. I received insight on how I could apply my research skills and passion for medicine-related topics in the business sector.
I was also selected as a Forbes Under 30 scholar later that year for my embodiment of tenets of leadership and passion for science and medicine. I got to attend the Forbes Under 30 summit in Detroit, Michigan and at this summit, I met with game changers in the biotechnology industry including CEOs of biotech start-ups, Biopharmaceutical consultants on Wall Street and I even got to sit in the same room as Serena Williams! This year helped me realize that there is no limit to how much I can accomplish, and I leveraged this new-found confidence in making career decisions. This summer, I got accepted to participate in the Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) Biotech Online Summer Program. At Keck, we worked on a drug-repurposing project for trifluoperazine, a potential glioblastoma drug, and the commercialization of this repurposed drug from the clinical trials and FDA approval to the hospital beds. It was through this exciting and rewarding experience at KGI that I solidified my interest in Industry.
What’s Next for Me
It is my final year and I could not be more excited. I am hoping to move on to a PhD program in any of my dream institutions and pursue my immunology and pathology interests. Upon graduation from my PhD program, I plan to work in the Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical Industry studying infectious diseases and potential treatments. To young scientists like me with diverse experiences, find what you love and explore the million and one ways to do it. There is no conventional way to be a scientist (ask the scientists on Wall Street and in the White house) so enjoy your journey and do not say no to opportunities because simply because they are outside of the lab. Ask questions and seek guidance from mentors because they are invaluable assets.
Please feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuellannujijohn/ and I will be happy to connect with you!
