ASU Commencement Spotlight: Christine Nnyamah, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

 

Christine Nnyamayh, bachelor of science in chemistry

Future plans: graduate student at the university of illinois in chicago 

Christine Nnyamah, from Nigeria, will graduate on May 11 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Christine is passionate about Jesus, Afrobeats dancing, reading and exercising. She is a member of the ASU Velma Fudge Grant Honors Program, ASU Pre-medical Students Society, Minority Association of Pre-medical Students, Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement organization (MESA), Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Sigma Kappa Delta Honor Society, ASU Southeastern Model African Union Delegation and the ASU Office of International Education’s Project: Demystifying Africa. Christine has been accepted to the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Notre Dame.

 Her list of accomplishments include:

• Honorable Mention Black Doctoral Network Research Presenter (2018)
• New Century Scholar for the State of Georgia (2017)
• ASU Outstanding Scholar (2017, 2018)
• All Georgia Academic Team Member (2017)
• Honors Program Sage Award (2017)
• Outstanding Leadership Award at the Southeastern Model African Union (2018)
• ASU Foundation Scholarship Recipient (2017, 2018)
• ASU Honor’s Day Program Student Speaker (2019)

What motivated you to learn more about your field?

Though I have always had a passion for chemistry, the lack of affordable medicine piqued my interest in plant-based medicinal chemistry. I believe nature has given us everything we need to fight illness. This belief made my love for chemistry grow exponentially.

 Why did you choose ASU?

ASU, for me, is more of a family than an institution. There is so much love here. At ASU, I felt like I was not just a number. I connected with people who took an active interest in my wellbeing and became invested in my success. That’s why I chose ASU.

 What are your post-graduation plans?

I will be starting a PhD program in August 2019. After this, I plan to attend Medical School to receive my MD.

What do you love most about your chosen profession?

My chosen profession (a physician-scientist at the end of it all) is in service to humanity. I love that I will be able to take my knowledge of the chemical interactions in the body and use it to help people get better. Is there any higher calling?

Who has made the biggest impact on you and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?

This is a tough one. There are so many people here that have had a huge impact on me. All my professors, a large number of administrative staff, custodial staff and even fellow students. In a professional sense, my role model at ASU is definitely Dr. Seong Seo. He is an amazing professor and researcher and I can only pray that I will one day be as knowledgeable as he is.

What advice would you give to other ASU students?

ASU has so many opportunities. Take advantage of them. Build relationships with those around you, whether you think they can help you or not. Do not go gently into that good night. You have only one undergrad experience. Make the most of it, and let it make the most of you!

What would you say to a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education?

 Do it!!!! I promise you it will be the best choice you’ve ever made. Go to ASU with your eyes wide open, and you’ll see that there is so much to be done here.