This Q&A series is part of Black History Month and Beyond, an initiative of the Black History Month (BHM) Organizing Committee co-led by Black students and faculty from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences with the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Anti-Racism Committee (EDI-AR) of the School of Population and Global Health.
- Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a PhD Candidate in Epidemiology at McGill University, specializing in pharmacoepidemiology as a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar. I was born and raised in Nigeria, where I earned my first degree in Pharmacy and worked as both a hospital and community pharmacist. Since then, my journey has included global health research with the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association, a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Glasgow, health policy research with the Scottish Government, and now population-based research in Canada. I am passionate about real-world evidence in the context of medicines utilization, safety and efficacy, as well as global health equity. Outside of research, I love cooking, travelling, and capturing memories from both on and off the beaten path.
- Can you describe your program of study and your research project?
The PhD program in Epidemiology provides rigorous training in epidemiologic methods, biostatistics and causal inference, equipping trainees with the skills to conduct robust, population-based research. I conduct my research at the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology of the Lady Davis Institute, under the supervision of Christel Renoux, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, and Samy Suissa, PhD, Distinguished James McGill Professor, Departments of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health and Medicine, whose expertise in pharmacoepidemiology has greatly enriched the quality of my research and academic training. My research focuses on the real-world utilization and safety of medications in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Using large electronic health databases and advanced statistical techniques, I evaluate how medications that act on the central nervous system influence the risk of adverse respiratory events. The goal of my research is to support safer prescribing and more patient-centered care for people living with COPD.
- What inspired you to pursue your area of research? What do you hope to achieve?
Working as a pharmacist in Nigeria gave me firsthand insight into how critical and often overlooked medication safety is, especially in low-resource settings. While I deeply valued working with patients in the clinical setting, I became increasingly drawn to real-world evidence aimed at informing population-level decision making on the use and safety of medications. I was excited about the opportunity to work in a field that would integrate my clinical background with epidemiologic methods to answer real-world questions at the population level. Today, my goal as a pharmacoepidemiologist is to expand knowledge on medication utilization, effectiveness and safety to support evidence-based clinical decision making and healthcare policy. In the long term, I hope to apply and translate my knowledge to improving the safe and effective use of medicines in Nigeria and other settings where stronger evidence-based systems are urgently needed.
- Why did you choose McGill?
I chose McGill for its internationally recognized pharmacoepidemiology program, vibrant research culture, and collaborative environment. I was also drawn to the diversity of the student body and the university’s strong global research networks. Working with my supervisors has been one of the most intellectually rewarding aspects of my academic journey, pushing me to think critically and approach research with greater methodological rigor. Studying and living in Montreal has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I am confident that choosing McGill was the right decision.
- Can you describe your community involvement and why you feel it is important, especially as a member of the Black community?
Mentorship has been a consistent thread throughout my journey, particularly in supporting Black students and early-career professionals. Over the years, I have had the privilege of training young pharmacists across Nigeria and Africa through the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) and mentoring pharmacy students through Pharma Incubation Hub (a pan-African mentorship platform), where I continue to support students in navigating academic growth, career development and publishing opportunities. Through mentorship programs at McGill University, I have also supported graduate students as they adjust to new research environments and academic expectations. In the past, I’ve coordinated public health campaigns on safe and effective medicines use and contributed to efforts to optimize medicines use in resource-constrained settings through my work with the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association. I currently serve as the Executive Editor of the McGill Journal of Global Health, where I help elevate emerging voices in global health scholarship. As a Black woman in research, I understand the challenges that can come with being underrepresented in academic spaces, and I am committed to creating spaces for others to feel seen, supported and empowered.
- How has your identity as a member of the Black community formed your research interests or community involvement?
My lived experiences as a Nigerian and a Black woman, having lived in the UK and now residing in Canada, have sharpened my awareness of whose needs and perspectives are often overlooked in healthcare and research. While my research is not centered on racialized groups, it is driven by a commitment to asking questions that are meaningful, timely and grounded in real-world patient experiences. I care deeply about representation, data equity, and the importance of context in shaping evidence. Through my work with the McGill Journal of Global Health, I also help elevate diverse voices in global health scholarship. In addition, I recently learned about the Canadian Black Scientists Network—a rich and inspiring community of Black scientists in Canada, and I look forward to engaging more deeply with this network. Ultimately, my identity informs how I mentor, collaborate, and engage with the research process.
- What advice would you give your younger self, knowing what you know today?
I would tell my younger self to let go of imposter syndrome. You belong in every room your work takes you to, even if no one else there looks like you. Don’t shrink yourself to fit expectations. Your background is not a limitation; it is your strength.