A Journey Through Science and Innovation

An early years’ meandering

Born in Sokoto, Nigeria, Amaka Onwuasoanya grew up as the third child among six siblings. From an early age, creativity played a significant role in her life – some of her favourite pastimes featured drawing, painting, and handcrafting. This natural curiosity and appreciation for creative exploration led to a fascination with, of all things, science. Believing that the smartest minds pursued scientific fields, Amaka’s enthusiasm grew stronger, especially after a chance encounter with an older sibling’s chemistry textbook. Thank goodness for that textbook—the road map that would eventually inspire an incredible journey and lead Amaka to HORIBA UK. It was the colourful chemical solutions in glassware that were intriguing to a young child, igniting a passion that would shape a bright academic and professional future.

Educational Pathway

Amaka’s more formal journey into chemistry began in school, where hands-on experiments and demonstrations reinforced her love for the subject.

“I appreciated that the school I attended was good in demonstrating experiments and they would let us perform some of these ourselves,” she said.

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry felt like a natural next step, and this is where Amaka “fell in love” with her subject. The dedication and hard work her studies demanded paid off with a first-class degree, and, additionally, Amaka was honoured with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Award, which provided her with a scholarship and a laptop, tools that greatly enhanced and supported the learning experience.

During undergraduate studies, an acute awareness of the impact of human activities on the environment developed. This realisation fuelled a desire to use chemistry as a tool and a solution to address a range of environmental issues. To deepen this knowledge, Amaka pursued a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry, refining her existing skills and broadening her expertise in analytical techniques.

Professional Passage

Today, Amaka utilises her skills as a Technology Specialist for gas analysis within industrial process and environmental applications at HORIBA UK.

“My career journey has been a progressive one,” she tells us. “Enriched by diverse experiences. Having worked as a Product Specialist for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) gas analysers and as an Analytical Chemist in the laboratory, I have gained valuable industry insights.”

Additionally, during academic breaks, Amaka gained valuable teaching experience, educating students and sharing her time, enthusiasm, and knowledge with others.

For Amaka, what stands out most in her science career is that it extends beyond just chemistry. “It’s not just about knowing my field,” she explains, “it’s about understanding how various fields intertwine to create smarter, more efficient solutions. Over the years, she has honed the ability to analyse data and leverage analytical instruments, continuously expanding those specialized and technical skills.

The Road Ahead: Aspirations and Innovations

The future holds exciting prospects for Amaka, and she envisions ever more advanced analytical solutions that could be used to overcome interferences in various chemical analyses. She is particularly interested in refining techniques that detect and distinguish closely related chemical compounds. Beyond technical advancements, for Amaka, the ultimate goal is to pursue further qualifications that will enhance her expertise and contribute to meaningful progress in the field.

Advice for Aspiring Women in Science

“Science is fascinating—it holds the key to understanding almost every phenomenon in the universe,” she said.

For young women passionate about science, Amaka encourages self-belief and perseverance.

“While the journey may be challenging at times, persistence and dedication will pave the way for success”, she tells us. “Every woman in STEM today was once a young girl with a dream – and if they could achieve it, so can the next generation.”

Amaka is an example that hard work and consistency open doors.

Building a Strong, Professional Network & Final Thoughts

In today’s digital world, staying connected is crucial. Amaka actively engages on LinkedIn, having found incredible opportunities there, as well as meeting inspiring individuals who reinforce the belief that with determination, anything is achievable. We agree entirely.

Amaka’s journey in science and industry has been one of passion, learning, and discovery. From an early fascination with colourful chemical reactions to a current role in developing innovative solutions, her drive and commitment to make a difference are unwavering. The road ahead is full of possibilities, and there is great anticipation for what the future holds.

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