Onyinye Joy Ikenyirimba: Black History Month Campaign Story

Meet Onyinye Joy Ikenyirimba, who is a First Year Chemistry Graduate Student and is from Nigeria. “The choice of the University of Arizona was an easy one due to its pedigree and excellence in chemistry education research and top-tier ranking. The University is home to numerous academic giants in chemistry, with spectacular publications in chemistry & chemistry education research. The diversity and inclusion policies of the University, coupled with good academic programs are in line with my academic goals of studying in a multiracial environment, with the best research facilities and opportunities."

 Joy is currently in Dr. Vicente A. Talanquer’s research group, and her research is directed toward the study, reflection, and improvement of chemistry education. Here is an inspirational quote from Joy.

"MY DEEPEST FEAR IS NOT THAT I AM INADEQUATE, MY DEEPEST FEAR IS THAT I AM POWERFUL BEYOND MEASURE!  #AM BOLD, AM BLACK, AND AM BEAUTIFUL!!! #I EXPECT NOTHING AND APPRECIATE EVERYTHING!!!  LIFE HAS INDEED TAUGHT ME TO NO LONGER ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE. I NOW CHANGE THE THINGS I CANNOT ACCEPT!! #LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME TO LOVE WHO I AM, EVEN IF IT MAKES OTHERS UNCOMFORTABLE…."