CPS Grad Spotlight - Theresa Okwuegbuna
Name: Theresa Okwuegbuna
MSc or PhD Candidate: MSc Candidate
Location of Undergraduate Education: H.B.Sc. University of Toronto
Name of the Lab at CPS: Ogata Lab
Selected Awards: IMANI Academic Mentorship Program Mentor of the Year(2021),
PowerUp Mentor (2020)
Theresa, please tell us about yourself and your journey as a MSc Candidate!
How did you come to UTM? What interested you to join a lab here?
During my undergraduate degree, I studied Human Biology and Neuroscience, which gave me a great appreciation for how complex and fascinating the body is, and the work that goes into understanding it. It was then I first came across chemistry and was instantly amazed by it. Combining my interest with the human body and chemistry led me to pursue a postgraduate degree that also combined these two aspects. So, when looking for labs to join, I looked at labs with a focus on health and chemistry, which was how I came across the Ogata Lab in UTM.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a graduate study?
I realized I wanted to pursue research when my dad said, “Research is how we are able to understand the body.” His words opened my eyes to the importance and impact of research in our lives. And so, I sought out research opportunities during my undergraduate degree, which was when I discovered the world of analytical chemistry. The experience of exploring different aspects of an experiment and observing the different outcomes sparked a deeper curiosity in me. I realized that not only did I want to learn more, I also wanted to contribute to the knowledge that was available.
What is your goal when you finish your degree?
If it wasn’t painfully obvious already, I am immensely fascinated by the human body. Once I finish my degree, I will be going on to study medicine. However, my contribution to research will not end here, as I plan on pursuing other research opportunities in this next phase of my life.
What are some of your achievements you'd like to share?
I have only been at CPS for a short while, but while I have been here, I have gotten so many opportunities to study, learn, and contribute to the understanding of female health. I have worked on a couple projects such as: the detection of heavy metals in tampons through square wave voltammetry, and the use of single molecule arrays for the quantification of biomarkers for early diagnosis of endometriosis. While I am not yet done with these projects, I am very proud to be a part of this work that could make a real difference.
Do you have any advice for students considering to pursue graduate studies in research?
Yes, the first piece of advice I would give is to be patient. Though research is an exciting field, it requires immense patience as oftentimes you don’t get the results you want. You often have to replicate studies just to get a good piece of data. But it is important to note that it is not a unique experience, and it doesn’t mean you are behind. It is simply the nature of research.
Another piece of advice I would give is to have fun. Graduate school offers you the flexibility to structure your day. There are times where you have to work very hard, and other times where you can enjoy the beauty of life. One thing I have really enjoyed in CPS is the graduate student socials that are held. They give you an opportunity to have fun with others that are also going to the same struggles of grad school as you are. So definitely take advantage of the social opportunities.
The last piece of advice I would give is to be confident. Imposter syndrome often has its way of creeping in, but it helps to remember that if you are good enough to get in, you’re good enough to succeed.
