2023-2024

We are pleased to announce our 2023-2024 recipient of the Anthony Ihedoha Anaebere, Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Ozioma Ozioko is currently a PhD student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Growing up in Nigeria without sufficient power supply spurred her to resolve to go above and beyond to solve the power problem in Nigeria. Recognizing Nigeria’s abundant solar energy resources, her advocacy for the adoption of solar renewable energy as a solution has been unwavering. To embark on this journey, she studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nigeria Nsukka. For her capstone project, she analyzed the technical and economic feasibility of replacing 100 MW fossil fuel power plants with 100 MW Solar photovoltaic stations in 25 locations in Nigeria.

In 2021, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic, Ozioma became aware of the predicament faced by many Nigerians due to the unavailability of affordable hot water. This growing need led her to commence her master’s program and, for her project, optimize the exergy design of a flat plate solar collector, a cost-effective system that could address this prevailing need. For her PhD, she aims to enhance the efficiency of luminescent solar concentrators by integrating asymmetric light transmission interfaces to unlock their potential for building-integrated photovoltaic applications, thereby accelerating the transition to solar energy use in Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

Ozioma has been on scholarships since her secondary school days. She received the Engr Dr Agbo Best Secondary Student Scholarship, followed by the MTN Foundation Science and Technology scholarship for her undergraduate studies, and then the PTDF scholarship for her master’s. She derives great joy from giving back to society. Shortly after her undergraduate program, she briefly returned to Hillview Secondary School Nsukka, her alma mater, and offered extra mathematics and furthered her interest in mathematics classes. She currently mentors many students at no cost, encouraging females to enter STEM fields and pursue their dream courses by sharing her own experiences as a model.

She is committed to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals 7, 8, and 13. She has worked on several projects to enhance affordable and clean energy, promote Nigeria’s economic growth, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With her doctoral degree, she aims to start a company in Nigeria where she will manufacture and sell affordable solar products. Through this endeavor, she hopes to boost renewable energy adoption, stimulate economic growth, promote environmental sustainability, and drive technological innovation in the renewable energy sector in Nigeria. By collaborating with industry partners and engaging policymakers, she will translate her research outcomes into accessible products.

Congratulations, Ms. Ozioma Mariagoretti Ozioko. We look forward to celebrating your future achievements.

Her recommender, Dr. Diana-Andra Borca-Tasciuc,  Professor Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute had this to say about Ms. Ozioko:

“[Ozioma] is an exceptionally mature and dedicated student, committed to working hard and achieving excellence. She began her PhD studies in the Fall semester of 2023, having recently arrived from Nigeria. Despite facing the challenges of cultural adaptation and the emotional strain of being separated from her family, including her three young children aged 7 months to 4 years, Ozioma has excelled academically.”       

We would also like to acknowledge our three other finalists

Mr. Nurayn Tiamiyu

Lagos, Nigeria

PhD Student, Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma

Mr. Emmanuel Etukudoh

Rivers, Nigeria

B.S. Candidate, Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Ms. Chiamaka Ezeh

Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

PhD Student Genetics, Genomics and Development, Cornell University

Please check back on our website, your School of Engineering or local NSBE chapter for details about the upcoming scholarship cycle.