Ogochukwu Okoani

Graduate Service Assistant,

ENGR The Polytechnic School

[email protected]

Mail code: 2080

Campus: Poly
‌

Student Information

Graduate Student
Engineering Education Systems and Design
Ira A Fulton Engineering

Long Bio

Ogochukwu Okoani is an experienced scholar with over fifteen years in academia. Her journey for a second Ph.D program in Engineering Education and Systems Designs(EESD) at Arizona State University (ASU), is defined by a steadfast commitment to scholarship and my dedication to lifelong learning. Her current research interests are in Minority Students' Persistence and Retention in STEM programs, Chemical Engineering Education, Gender inclusion, Rural Engineering Education and Workforce Development and Higher education curriculum development.

She has a strong educational background, evidenced by a doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering with a dissertation focused on post-combustion carbon sequestration, a Master of Chemical Engineering, both from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu, Nigeria.

Before joining ASU, she had extensive experience as a Lecturer in the Chemical Engineering department, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, Nigeria, teaching, supervising and mentoring undergraduates. Ogochukwu Okoani's administrative accomplishment in IMT, include Head of Chemical Engineering department, Secretary IMT Research and Development (R&D) Unit and serving as a member of IMT Academic Board, where she contributed to its strategic vision and governance.

Her mission is to leverage her expertise and network to empower the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Education

Ph.D. Engineering Education and Systems Design, Arizona State University (Expected Graduation - Spring 2028)
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, 2023
M.Eng Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, 2014
B.Eng Chemical Engineering, Enugu State University of Science and technology, Enugu, Nigeria, 2007

Curriculum Vitae

Google Scholar URL

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qfKkW3MAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

ORCID Profile ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0798-5458

Research Interests

My research interest focuses on broadening participation in STEM by questioning systemic structures and practices, as well as on STEM workforce development. I'm motivated by my personal experiences and the desire to promote an equitable society through identifying barriers, addressing structural inequality, providing targeted support, and ensuring fair representation in STEM fields.

Publications

Selected Journal Publications:

Ezekannagha, C.B., Onukwuli, O.D., Nwabueze, O. H., & Nnanwube, I. (2024). A Heterogeneous Base Catalyst from Hybrid Banana-and-Plantain Peels in Papaya Seed Oil (Carica papaya) Methyl-Ester Synthesis. Chemistry Africa 7, 1935–1950. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42250-024-00884-8
Okoro, S. E., & Nwabueze, O. H. (2021). Comparative Analysis and Regenerative Studies of Alkaline Modified Groundnut Shell as Adsorbent for the Removal of Oil Layer from Polluted Water. Journal of Engineering Research and Reports, 20 (1):76-86. https://doi.org/10.9734/jerr/2021/v20i117251
Nwabueze O. H., Chiaha, P.N., Ezekannagha, C. B., & Okoani, O.E. (2016). Acetylation of Corn Cobs Using Iodine Catalysts for Oil Spills Remediation. The International Journal of Engineering and Science, 5(9): 53-59.
Iloamuzor, F.E., Ude, C. N., Ezekannagha, C.B., & Nwabueze, O. H. (2017). Performance evaluation of Moringa oleifera seed powder in surface water treatment and its coagulation kinetics, International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 4(1): 36-41.
Ezekannagha, C. B., Nwabueze O. H., & Ekete, J.A. (2016). Empirical Models and Rheology of Some Basic Properties of Lard Biodiesel and Their Blends with Diesel Fuel. Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences, 7(3): 149-160.
Nwabueze O. H., Igbokwe, P. K., Amalu, E. U. & Okoro, S.E. (2015). A Study on the Equilibrium and Kinetics of Oil Spills clean up using Acetylated Corn Cobs. International. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 5(6): 1106-1114. https://doi.org/10.6088/ijes.2014050100104.

Selected Conference Papers:

Ahandani, M.D., Njeck P., & Okoani, O. N. (June 2025). Examining the Effect of Social, Cultural, and Political Factors on the Wellness of International Students in Engineering Doctoral Programs: A Collaborative Inquiry. In the 2025 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition.
Cultural Motivations Informing West African International Doctoral Students' Decisions to Study STEM Programs in the U.S.

Authors: Ogochukwu N. Okoani, Jennifer M. Bekki & Malle R. Schilling

Status: Accepted for presentation at the 2026 ASEE conference
Work in Progress: Exploring Stakeholder Perspectives in Rural STEM Workforce Development

Authors: Whitney Hansberry, Ogochukwu N. Okoani, & Malle R. Schilling

Status: Accepted for presentation at the 2026 ASEE conference

Research Activity

Ongoing Research:

Cultural Motivations Informing West African International Doctoral Students' Decisions to Study STEM Programs and Expectations while Transitioning into the United States.

Authors: Ogochukwu N. Okoani & Jennifer M. Bekki
Status: Ongoing data collection and analysis.
Publication Venue: Paper to be published in the Journal of International Students.

2. The Influence of Rural Identities on Undergraduate Students’ Engineering Identity Development

Authors: Ogochukwu N. Okoani, Malle R. Schilling & Whitney Hansberry
Status: Participants have been recruited, and data collection is ongoing.
Publication Venue: Paper to be published in the Journal of Engineering Education.

3. “I think he thought I was lazy, but I didn't want to go into his office and say, ‘I'm taking birth control” [and it made me depressed]: Unpacking the Impact of Personal Challenges on Academic Persistence among White Women and Women of Color in STEM Doctoral Programs

Authors: Jennifer Bekki, Madison Natarajan, Kerrie Wilkins-Yel, Kairys Grasty, Ogochukwu Okoani, Shivani Sakri, Aisha Farra, Aashika Anantharaman, Amanda Arnold, Bianca Bernstein, Ashley Randall.
Status: Manuscript is being finalized for publication.
Publication Venue: Paper to be published in the CBE-Life Sciences Education journal.

Presentations

2025 Fall

Course Number Course Title

EGR 280 Engineering Statistics

EGR 401 Professional Design Project I

Professional Associations

Member, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)(R.40875).
Member, Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSCHE)(GM 1482).
Member, Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) (ID: 7413)
Member, American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) (ID: 154227)
Member, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE) (ID: 009905938680)
Member, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (ID: 60918960)

Work History

Fall 2025- Present: Graduate Teaching Associate, EESD program, ASU.
Fall 2024- Summer 2025: Graduate Research Associate, EESD program, ASU.
Summer 2025: Graduate Student Assistant, EESD program, ASU
09/2010-Present: Senior Lecturer, Chemical Engineering Department

Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, Nigeria

5/2010-9/2010: Julex Comprehensive Secondary School, Enugu, Nigeria

Role: Chemistry, Biology, and Agricultural Science Teacher.

11/2008-10/2009: National Youth Service Corp.

Omala Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria

Role: Chemistry and Biology Teacher at Science School Icheke- Ogane.

6/2006-12/2006: Water Corporation, Enugu, Nigeria

6 Months Industrial Training.

Assistant Laboratory Scientist.

Service

1/2020-2/2023: Head of Chemical Engineering Department

Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, Nigeria.

Volunteer Mentor, International Research Student Mentorship Program (IRSM), Stella Maris Polytechnic University – Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia Monrovia, Liberia, 2026.
Speaker/Panelist on “Find an On-Campus Position (TA/RA/GSA/Grader)” organized by the International Students and Scholars Centre, Arizona State University, Fall 2025.
Speaker/Panelist on “Being a Ph.D. Student”, organized by the International Students and Scholars Centre, Arizona State University, Fall 2024.