Growing up, Onyeka Nwaezeapu remembers being enamored by the 天美视频 at Lafayette. Her decision to attend the University also stemmed from her love of the city and the University鈥檚 welcoming vibe.
鈥淯L Lafayette was all I saw," she said. "I love my home, I love where I grew up and I didn't want to leave if I didn't have to. Also, my scholarships helped me to stay here at the University, and it was the institution that made me feel most at home.鈥
Her fascination with women鈥檚 health and the reproductive system sparked Onyeka鈥檚 interest in biology. She also wanted to choose a major that aligned with her future as a medical school student.
鈥淔or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), taking biology courses, chemistry courses, and following this course catalog would best help me prepare for that exam, which is going to have a lot to say in which medical school I will be accepted to, along with other things as well,鈥 she said. 鈥淏ut it will help me prepare, along with my minors, too.鈥
As a double minor in chemistry and sociology, Onyeka understands not only the need for better representation in the medical field but the positive social impact as well.
She said, 鈥淚'm a very understanding person. I like to listen. I also think that a patient's bedside manners are very important. And I think having a sociology degree or some type of sociology certification or psychology, especially with going into the field that I want to go into, will best help me in my career."
Biology research projects
As an undergraduate student, Onyeka has already begun her research journey and is a licensed Electrocardiogram Technician. By being an EKG technician, she is able to gain patient care experience and learn more about bedside manners.
Her favorite major courses include Advanced Cell and Microbiology Lab.
鈥淲hen I got to Advanced Cell, not only was it a recap of other courses, but it forced me to learn past stuff and apply it to the new stuff too."
On her journey, she鈥檚 been involved in labs and research studies with Dr. Massoud researching Cancer substances and with Dr. Marinick on developing organoids from mouse and human endometrium to show endometrial epithelium of physiology and long-term expandability.
鈥淚n the beginning, I did just want to do a literary review on whether postpartum depression can be avoided in women, but she gave me an opportunity to do something that would make me stand out actually having concrete and physical evidence and lab work to write about as well,鈥 she said. Onyeka is inspired by Dr. Marinick鈥檚 expansive background knowledge on mammalian tissues, placental tissues, and the whole network of systems.
Involvement on campus and Onyeka鈥檚 future
Onyeka does not shy away from putting herself out there and joining campus organizations.
She is in the Honors Program, which provided her with scholarship opportunities, the Student Government Association as a student body, and the In addition, she has been involved with the , Cultural Connections Board, President of the , lead peer mentor, former Presidential Student Ambassador, and much more.
She said, 鈥淚 saw things at the University that I didn't even know were there. It was a lot of new experiences that I think I will always take with me for the rest of my life as well.鈥
Onyeka enjoys the uplifting, positive, and bright atmosphere surrounding the University.
鈥淪ometimes you can be in one of those situations where you just want to be sad. But at the University, it almost gives you no choice but to crack a smile on your face. It's just really comforting and always very encouraging, no matter what you're going through as well. Especially during finals, especially during midterms, or just any time that you're overwhelmed, whether that be course load or personal issues, whether you're studying in the library and you see a friend, everything about this, is encouraging, and I don't think that's just with my major.鈥
After graduating, she plans to complete her clinical hours, study, take the MCAT, and enter medical school.
