Uchechukwu Okorji-Obike is a scientist with the global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, and the founder of Tots2Teens Allergies, a resource platform for families of children with allergies.
What or who inspired your spark for science?
As a child I was always intrigued by science, fascinated by great discoveries, and wanted to be involved in those discoveries. When my cousin died, at quite a young age from cancer, I was more determined to be part of developing treatments. I just wanted to give back.
For you, what’s the most enjoyable part about being a scientist?
There are so many aspects I enjoy. I would have to say though, learning through discoveries and experiments is top. Then next is interpreting and implementing the learning through answering scientific questions. Above all, I enjoy being part of creating amazing therapeutics that help people recover from illness.
When you’re not running experiments you…
…I love some art. So, I express my artistic and creative side through cake craft. I also love volunteering to various causes as another way of giving back.
Uche has a BSc in Pharmacology from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland an MSc in Drug Discovery from the University of Bradford, and a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Huddersfield. In 2014, she received an award for her work from the Association of Women Graduates (Huddersfield Chapter) a part of the British Federation of Women Graduates. Since completing her PhD, she has been working in the pharmaceutical industry supporting the development of new biologics and therapeutics for the treatment of various diseases. She is also a member of BSACI - the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology.