Chinanuokum Onyiuke, a Grade 12 student at St. Mary’s Academy, is a passionate and determined young leader with aspirations to pursue biomedical engineering, specializing in stem cell research and innovation. Since immigrating to Canada from Nigeria in 2018, she has demonstrated exceptional resilience, leadership, and commitment to community service.

Her journey into STEM began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she developed a deep fascination with biology and genetics. This passion grew through her participation in programs such as the University of Manitoba’s WISE Kid-Netic Girls Robot Fight Club, where she and her partner placed second in the Manitoba Robot Games, and through her leadership as co-head of her school’s STEM Club, inspiring hands-on science and technology exploration among her peers.

Beyond academics, Chinanuokum has held leadership roles in her school’s Black History Committee, championing cultural events and fundraising initiatives, and has captained her rugby team to multiple championships. Her dedication to service extends beyond school, including volunteer work in Wapato, Washington, where she helped organize emergency food donations for families displaced by wildfires.

Guided by passion, a sense of duty, and a commitment to uplifting others, Chinanuokum strives to break barriers for women in STEM, give back to her community, and make meaningful contributions to the world through science and innovation.