Tochukwu Nwoko
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Advised by Thomas Epps, III & LaShanda Korley
Interview submitted in Winter 2024.
CHARM Interviewer (CI): Where did you grow up and go to school for your undergraduate degree?
Tochukwu Nwoko (TN): I grew up in Nigeria and attended the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) to study industrial chemistry.
CI: What got you interested in materials science?
TN: Materials are everywhere in our daily lives, and understanding their principles can open up exciting opportunities for learning and growth
CI: In technical language, what is the research you do here at CHARM?
TN: My focus is on the engineering and synthesis of bio-based macromolecules with precise control.
CI: What is a skill you would like to build on while being a part of CHARM?
TN: Collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills through engaging in group projects, sharing my ideas, listening, and making sure to ask questions.
CI: Tell us about your career goals and aspirations.
TN: I aspire to drive innovation in green chemistry, to address environmental and health challenges through scalable biopolymer production.
CI: What do you enjoy doing on your downtime outside of the lab?
TN: I love going for walks, I love coding, and I love good food and music
CI: What advice would you give to undergraduate students and first-year graduate students?
TN: Just go for it. Do not wait to be certain, take the first step. Be courageous!
—–
You can follow Tochukwu on Twitter/X at @Tochukwu_Nwoko.