Researcher Spotlight

What is your professional background?
I received my medical degree from College of Medicine, University of Lagos, one of the top medical schools in Nigeria, my home country. I subsequently relocated to Atlanta, Georgia in the United States, where I earned a Master’s in Public Health from Rollins School of Public Health here at Emory University. Owing to my passion for impacting the underserved in our communities, I obtained a Certificate in Socio-Contextual Determinants of Health in the course of my study. I am currently a post-doctoral fellow in the Division of Endocrinology at the School of Medicine, Emory University.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor? 
I work in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipids under the primary mentorship of Dr. Priyathama Vellanki and Dr. Guillermo Umpierrez.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
My research is focused on type 2 diabetes, specifically, assessing the heterogeneity of the clinical course of diabetes among diverse populations. I have primarily engaged in investigating the pathophysiology of ketone-prone diabetes, which is often associated with hospitalizations for diabetic emergencies (ketoacidosis) in minority populations. This study offers the potential to change the understanding and treatment of type 2 diabetes in these minority populations. More recently, owing to the advancement of technology in healthcare, I have expanded my research interests to incorporating the use of diabetes technology in diabetes care. I believe this will help to address more challenging problems and would be beneficial to developing better therapeutic protocols for the management of diabetes and related public health problems. I had the privilege of presenting some preliminary findings of my work at the just concluded meeting of the Endocrine Society. Overall, my research is important in providing further insights into the treatments for diabetes, one of the leading chronic health problems in the United States and the world at large, especially in the minority and underserved populations.

What do you like most about Emory?
Emory has been home away from home to me. It has offered me great resources required for my career advancement. Its diversity and international friendly community are outstanding. I take pride in sharing my beautiful experiences with all and sundry.

What is your favorite movie or TV show? 
Currently, I’d say the Lincoln Lawyer TV series.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy socializing and catching up with old friends in my spare time. I also love to make recipes from my home country, watch movies or listen to and sing along with good music during my leisure time.

What is a fun fact about you? 
I don’t eat pork but remain a great fan of pepperoni pizza—would have it over and over.