Skegee Spotlight: Chigozie Joi Chinakwe
August 05, 2019
Contact: Brittney Dabney, Office of Communications, Public Realtions and Marketing
Senior chemistry major Chigozie Joi Chinakwe says she鈥檚 taking charge of her future as an aspiring science researcher 鈥� and her time is now.
Continuing a family tradition
Chinakwe, a Montgomery, Alabama, native, says she was first introduced to 快活视频 by four of her aunts 鈥� each of whom attended Tuskegee. She credits their legacy with setting the tone for her, and because of that, she knew attending Tuskegee would be the next step to her future career.
鈥淐oming from a line of Tuskegee graduates was significantly important to me,鈥� Chinakwe explains. 鈥淕rowing up, I can remember my aunts recalling their experience as undergraduates. It was amazing to her their stories, and how much of an impact Tuskegee played in their lives.鈥�
Chinakwe says attending Tuskegee has prepared her for life beyond the campus鈥� gates.
鈥淢other Tuskegee has not just molded me into a young black professional, but she has helped me to become a woman who is well rounded and can adapt to any situation that is presented,鈥� she notes. 鈥淢other Tuskegee has also taught me the value of having good character, as this is an important virtue in life.鈥�
Pursuing a love for science
Chinakwe, whose parents are both chemists, says she never thought she would fall in love with science, simply because she鈥檚 been around it much of her life.
鈥淏oth of my parents are chemists, so naturally growing up, I never wanted to be a scientist,鈥� she recalls. 鈥淏ut, while in high school, I took my first chemistry class and that鈥檚 where I simply fell in love with it.
This past summer, Chinakwe interned with the Alabama Plasma Internship Program in partnership with the University of Alabama. While there, she studied the field of emerging plasma energy in Alabama.
鈥淢y study focused on treating a LaCaFeO3 perovskite ion transport membrane with low-temperature plasma in order to process methane. While there, the program sparked my interest in low-temperature plasma energy, and I am planning to continue my study of plasma energy upon entering graduate school,鈥� she explains.
Striving to positively influence others
Chinakwe says she鈥檚 always striving to be of great influence to her peers and to set an example for those who are watching.
鈥淚 influence others by being the best version of myself 鈥� that comes with being genuine, making jokes, and encouraging others to be themselves unapologetically,鈥� she notes. 鈥淜nowing that I can make a difference in a person鈥檚 life motivates me the most. Just knowing that a simple laugh, hug or word of encouragement can inspire someone or make their day better is what keeps me going.鈥�
That also means sharing advice with new students beginning their studies at Tuskegee.
鈥淓mbrace Mother Tuskegee and everything she has to offer,鈥� she advises. 鈥淭he university is such a magical place 鈥� once you allow her to nurture you. You will never get to experience anything like this again, so take advantage of every opportunity.鈥�
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