Building a Research Career at the Intersection of Mathematics and Health – Chinwendu Emilian Madubueze

Not many people imagine mathematics leading to a career in infectious disease research. Yet for Chinwendu, a curiosity about numbers evolved into a commitment to understanding how diseases spread and how mathematical models can inform public health decisions. Today, she shares more about her journey into mathematical modeling of infectious diseases:

Hello, Chinwendu. We are privileged to welcome you today to this episode of Words That Count. Thank you for joining us
Thank you for having me. I am happy to be part of this initiative.

Please give us a brief introduction about yourself
My name is Chinwendu Emilian Madubueze. I am a Nigerian, currently residing in South Africa for a research position. I am a Research Fellow at the University of South Africa, where I conduct research on mathematical modeling of infectious diseases.

My research focuses on using mathematics to understand how infectious diseases spread and what interventions are most effective in controlling them. I build mathematical models of diseases such as Ebola, COVID-19, Lassa fever, monkeypox, schistosomiasis, and HIV/AIDS. These models are used to examine how factors like vaccination, treatment, public health education, quarantine measures, and environmental conditions influence disease transmission. My work helps researchers and policymakers compare different response strategies and identify approaches that can reduce infections while making the best use of available resources.

This is very impactful work, given the current outbreaks of diseases like mpox and Ebola!

How does young Chinwendu end up as a researcher using mathematics to model diseases?
I am the fifth child in a family of seven children – five males and two females – raised by both our parents. My mother was a petty trader, and I had to hawk fruits on the streets to support her business. This experience helped me learn addition and subtraction early in life. During my elementary and secondary school years, I had little time for homework, yet I consistently excelled in mathematics. I even participated in competitions because of my passion for the subject. My dream [then] was to have my name one day mentioned alongside great mathematicians like Pythagoras.

During my senior secondary school, I faced the possibility of being married off due to financial constraints. However, my classmates encouraged me to focus on making a name for myself in the world. Fortunately, my eldest brother stepped in and took responsibility for funding my university education. After finishing secondary school, I wanted to study mathematics, even though my brother suggested that I consider engineering or other math-related fields instead. He urged me to retake exams to switch courses, but I decided to wait. A week later, he returned and told me I could pursue mathematics if I promised to achieve good results. I accepted the challenge and graduated with first-class honors from the University of Benin (UniBEN) in Benin City, Nigeria.

After my undergraduate degree, I proceeded to a master’s programme at UniBEN. Around the same time, I got married, and with the support of my husband, I navigated the demands of graduate school alongside marriage and the early months of raising our first child. I went on to complete the program and graduated with distinction.

Shortly afterward, I secured a job at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), and began my PhD studies. During my PhD journey, I had three more children and completed my degree with distinction. I also attended conferences and workshops, earning several travel awards that helped me build networks and collaborate with other researchers.

Today, I am an Associate Professor at my home institution, JOSTUM. I have published many articles on the mathematical modeling of infectious diseases and social challenges. I am also dedicated to mentoring students.

What are some of the most pressing challenges you have faced along your career path in Mathematical Modeling?
As a young female Mathematician, I have faced discrimination. One of them was a denial of the position of a graduate assistant at the university where I did my first degree. It is a law that all first-class honors are offered automatic employment as graduate assistants. I was denied this opportunity for no justifiable reason.

During one of the conferences I attended, I was unable to present my work, after travelling from Nigeria to South Africa, because I was accompanied by my baby. This experience highlighted a broader challenge faced by many mothers in academic and professional spaces. Caregiving responsibilities are not always adequately considered in conference planning and participation policies.

I suffered gender bias. A male colleague once refused to teach me some important procedures I needed during my Ph.D. research. I had to travel to another university to learn them. Another male colleague tried to discourage me from enrolling for my Ph.D. because I was pregnant.

I had four children during my graduate program, which was not easy for me. Getting to the peak of my career and motivating every child to succeed academically has always been my driving force in the face of these challenges.

How have you been able to stay motivated during these challenges?
My desire to have my name mentioned in the world inspires me greatly. It motivates me not to give up, even when I am overwhelmed with numerous activities and struggling to find a work-life balance. While people may see me as a strong woman, the truth is that I face my own challenges every day.

I also find inspiration in sharing my knowledge with others and seeing them move forward. This gives me the motivation to keep pushing ahead, as I know I am making an impact on their lives.

Tell us about your most prestigious moments along your career, using mathematics to model diseases

Throughout my career, I have consistently excelled in mathematical research, institutional leadership, and advocacy for STEM. My commitment to mentoring the next generation of scholars is exemplified by securing consecutive Graduate Research Assistantships through the Developing Countries Program, funded by the International Mathematical Union (IMU), to support PhD students at JOSTUM in 2024 and 2025.

Additionally, I received the London Mathematical Society’s Mentoring African Research in Mathematics award to collaborate with Lancaster University in the UK, aiming to mentor African researchers.

On an international level, I have been selected as an AfOx Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford and as an Association of American University Women (AAUW) Postdoctoral Fellow at York University. I also served as a visiting scientist at Heidelberg University through the TWAS-DFG program and at the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHES) at Université Paris-Saclay in France. Furthermore, I am a recipient of the Ramanujan Fellowship at the Isaac Newton Institute in Cambridge, UK, and I hold a research fellowship at Universitas Airlangga in Indonesia.

Beyond my research efforts, I am a strong advocate for gender equity in science. I have participated in significant projects such as “I am a STEM Advocate for Girls” (AlumNode Project Funding 2024), sponsored by German Scholars in Berlin. I also participated in “Breaking Barriers to Women in Mathematics,” supported by the IMU Committee for Women in Mathematics. In Nigeria, I will be organizing events like “Women in Mathematics Hangouts” in Makurdi, funded by the Committee for Developing Countries of the European Mathematical Society, alongside initiatives aimed at expanding STEM access for Nigerian girls, supported by the AAUW as an alumna.

This trajectory of success is built on a strong academic foundation, having been recognized as the best graduating student in Industrial Mathematics at the University of Benin during my undergraduate studies. I also earned a scholarship for my Master’s program. Outside of these awards, I have enjoyed numerous travel awards for workshops, conferences, and mentorship programs.

Who is Chinwendu outside of the Mathematics and disease modeling walls?
Apart from my academic life, I am primarily a wife and a mother. These roles have greatly influenced my strength, patience, and sense of purpose.

Additionally, I am a passionate advocate for STEM and a devoted Catholic, actively participating in church activities wherever I go.

What is your favorite quote?
“Your story is not just for you—it is a path for others to follow” ~ Anonymous.

What is your word of encouragement for a young girl interested in using mathematics for disease modeling?
To every young girl with a dream—be bold. Your background does not define your future. Seek out someone who believes in you, stay focused, and never stop trying. There will be challenges along the way, but don’t let them silence your dreams. One day, your story will be told, and it will inspire others.

Thank you, Chinwendu, for allowing us to feature your work and journey in mathematical modelling of diseases. We look forward to seeing the impact of your continued contributions in this field.