Amazing Student: Temitayo Oni

Sickle cell anemia hits close to home for doctoral student Temitayo Oni, who is passionate about her research on the genetic disorder, as well as her work developing and testing genetics curricula for high school students.

• Hometown: Gbongan, Osun State, Nigeria
• Degree objective and graduation date: Ph.D. in science education, 2028
• Degree(s) and graduation date: B.Sc. in biology education, Lagos State University, 2021

Why did you choose to attend UGA for your advanced degree objective?

When I was applying to different schools in the U.S., I reached out to several graduate coordinators to learn more about their programs. Professor Theodore Kopcha from the learning, design, and technology program and associate professor Daniel Capps in the Department of Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Education in the Mary Frances Early College of Education were especially helpful; they really took the time to explain the programs I was interested in. Additionally, every professor I interacted with in the department during my admission interview was incredibly kind—Emily Adah, Daniel Capps, and Georgia Hodges all made a great impression.

Another thing that stood out to me about the University of Georgia was its interdisciplinary nature, which allows students to take elective courses from any department of their choice. That kind of flexibility is amazing. Ultimately, I decided on UGA because of something I read on their Ph.D. in science education website: “The University of Georgia has one of the largest and most respected groups of science education faculty in the world.” That line, the clincher, really drew me in, and since starting, it’s been a fantastic learning experience.

Why are you passionate about your research on sickle cell anemia, and what sparked your interest in pursuing science education?

Sickle cell anemia hits close to home for me. I have siblings with this disorder, and I recently lost my younger brother, who was my favorite person in the entire world, to sickle cell anemia this summer. While I always knew I wanted to do research related to sickle cell anemia, my younger brother’s passing made that area of interest my life’s purpose; it became something I am deeply passionate about.

My journey started with a bachelor’s degree in biology education. During those four years, I immersed myself in genetics and human anatomy through courses like “Introduction to Genetics and Human Anatomy and Physiology.” My fascination with genetics was fueled by a desire to understand sickle cell anemia more deeply.

I decided to pursue a Ph.D. in science education because, despite sickle cell anemia being a life-threatening disease with significant medical and societal implications, many people know very little about it. I’m eager to develop and test genetics curricula for high school students that bring forward the socio-scientific issues of sickle cell anemia. Additionally, I want to explore the social justice aspects of the disease to raise awareness and educate others. For example, sickle cell anemia mostly affects people of African descent, and because of this, it may remain in the oblivion for too long and fail to attract commensurate attention and resources compared to other diseases of similar magnitude. By studying these issues, I hope to create greater awareness of sickle cell anemia, help people better understand its impact on specific communities, and create empathy that leads to adherence to preventive measures in society and fairer treatment and support for those already affected. This path combines my passion for the subject with my commitment to making a meaningful impact through education.

What do you hope to discover or accomplish with your research on sickle cell anemia?

Statistics show that 8% of African Americans in Georgia and 20-30% of Nigerians carry the sickle cell trait, and when both parents have the trait, there is a 25% chance their child will inherit sickle cell disease. Given these statistics, I hope to raise awareness about sickle cell anemia through my research, with the goal of reducing the stigma that often surrounds this disorder. There are many misconceptions about sickle cell anemia which contribute to the challenges faced by those affected and their families. Through my work, I aim to help people gain a clearer understanding of the realities of sickle cell anemia, dispelling myths and encouraging empathy and support.

In the long term, I also want to investigate the barriers that prevent patients in underrepresented communities from accessing proper care for sickle cell anemia. This would include examining influences on factors like limited healthcare resources, lack of educational materials, and social or economic obstacles. By addressing these issues, I hope to contribute to making sickle cell treatment and support more accessible and equitable for everyone affected.

Are you involved in any academic or service-oriented organizations? If yes, how do they enhance your academic and/or research endeavors?  

I currently serve as the Department of Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Education representative for the Graduate Student Association. My role has greatly enhanced my academic and research journey. In this position, I advocate for graduate students’ needs, strengthen our academic community, and facilitate communication between students and faculty. This position has afforded me the opportunity to connect with peers and professionals across various fields, thus broadening my understanding of diverse research perspectives.

I am also a member of the African Graduate Students’ Forum (AGSF). AGSF is a community that provides support, networking opportunities, and resources for African graduate students at UGA. It promotes cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and social connections among African students and the broader University community.

What are your plans after you graduate with your doctoral degree?

With God’s help, I aspire to become a prominent researcher in the field of sickle cell anemia. I hope to work with international and national organizations, health agencies, educational institutions, and government or non-governmental sectors dedicated to advancing sickle cell anemia research and support. This includes organizations such as the American Society of Hematology; the National Institutes of Health—specifically the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria; and others. I am also open to becoming a professor in a genetics or science education department, using socio-scientific issues as a conceptual framework to raise awareness about sickle cell anemia.