Meet Graduate Student Commencement Speaker Oreoluwa Erinfolami

Biotechnology MS student approaches life with “full attention and commitment”

Oreoluwa Erinfolami on an elevated glass and metal catwalk in a modern building

Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.

Oreoluwa Erinfolami’s personal mantra shaped her academic journey. From her competitive, science-focused high school in Nigeria, to a master’s degree program in public health in the United Kingdom, to the completion of her 17�Թ�� MS in Biotechnology and her selection as the university's fall 2024 graduate student commencement speaker, Oreoluwa approaches life with full attention and commitment.

Oreoluwa’s journey in microbiology and public health began with a middle-school mathematics teacher who encouraged her to attend a World Health Organization-led workshop that addressed a real-life issue close to home—the high sexual assault rate in Oreoluwa’s local community. This was Oreoluwa’s first exposure to public health, and it sparked her interest, prompting her to apply to the rigorous Oladipo Alayande School of Science, followed by Bowen University, where she studied microbiology.��

A Pandemic and a Pivot

After graduation, Oreoluwa worked as a hospital manager and later in the oil and gas industry. Then the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and reshaped her path. The crisis reignited her passion for public health, inspiring her to pursue a master’s degree in public health at Glasgow Caledonian University in London. During her studies, she collaborated with England’s National Health Service (NHS) and conducted a thesis exploring barriers to family planning in northern Nigeria.

These experiences provided Oreoluwa with a deep understanding of global health systems and further fueled her interest in tackling health challenges through research and innovation. Determined to focus on diagnostics and treatment development, she learned about 17�Թ�� through a friend.

“I was drawn to the diverse tracks offered under 17�Թ��’s MS Biotechnology program,” she explains. “This structure gave me the flexibility to explore various aspects of biotechnology and focus on what aligned with my career goals. I also scheduled sessions to speak with the program chair, Professor John Bracht. Those conversations solidified my decision. I knew 17�Թ�� was the right place for me, and I am indeed glad I made that choice!”��

The 17�Թ�� Experience

In Bracht’s laboratory in 17�Թ��’s Hall of Science, Oreoluwa soaked up knowledge, both technical and conceptual. “I gained hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques like Western blotting, as well as other methods such as cell culture, egg preparation, and fluorescence microscopy,” she says. “These skills have been crucial in studying the life cycle of Halicephalobus mephisto and understanding its development at a cellular level. Beyond the technical skills, I have developed a deeper appreciation for how to conduct research with precision and attention to detail, all while being part of a collaborative lab environment.”

Oreoluwa’s has many favorite moments at 17�Թ��, most of them tied to teaching and collaboration, beginning with her job as an instructor for the Anatomy and Physiology I & II and Environmental Science labs, where she watched students engage with the material and grow over time. Oreoluwa also loved class presentations, which felt like great opportunities to connect with peers and share lessons learned, as well as spending time in the lab, which led to collaborative discovery and problem-solving. ��

But participating in an 17�Թ�� biotech competition was a standout moment for Oreoluwa. In a biotechnology class taught by Biology Professor Taisuke Izumi, she had the opportunity to compete in a Student Led Exploration & Development (SLED) program competition that challenged students with designing a diagnostic tool for detecting Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. “It pushed me to think critically and innovate, and it led to securing a summer internship at biotech company , where I worked with Senior Vice President of Digital Innovation Shola Oyewole and gained invaluable hands-on experience in biotechnology. It was a pivotal moment in my academic journey that allowed me to apply what I had been learning in a real-world setting.”

Lessons and Looking Forward

As she looks back at her time at 17�Թ��, Oreoluwa says that the university deepened her technical knowledge and honed her critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “Through hands-on lab experiences, teaching opportunities, and exposure to real-world challenges like the SLED competition, I’ve gained the confidence and expertise to take my next steps in the field of biotechnology and biomedical science,” she says. “The collaborative atmosphere, combined with mentorship from professors like Professor Bracht, has equipped me with the tools and mindset to drive meaningful change in the healthcare industry." ��

Oreoluwa is filled with optimism as she looks forward to what comes next. “I’m excited to launch my career in the healthcare sector, where I can contribute to advancing healthcare through roles in scientific innovation, product development, or clinical research,” she says. “Alongside this, I am planning to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Science, whichever opportunity arises first. Ultimately, I am committed to advancing healthcare through research and contributing to innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes.”

Oreoluwa leaves behind valuable words of advice for students who are just beginning their academic journeys. “It is okay not to know exactly what you want to ‘become’ right after high school. That is one of the things I love about the education system here, where you can explore a minor that is different from your major before narrowing down your focus,” she says. “The key is to do your best with every opportunity you are given. I encourage you to approach everything with your full attention and commitment. Also, never limit yourself. Apply for that course, apply for that role, reach out to someone you admire as a mentor in your field. The worst that can happen is a ‘no.’ So, go for it—take chances and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.”

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