Female Statistical Modeler – Chinalu M. Godson-Amadi

This is how the joy of motherhood inspires Miracle to continue pursuing more in her research as a female Statistical modeler of diseases;

Hi Miracle, I welcome you to Words That Count. Thank you for joining us
Hi Winnie, thanks for having me. Thank you for writing about successful African women in STEM; it’s a much-needed platform. And thanks to Laure for recommending me.

Thanks for the compliment!

Kindly introduce yourself to our audience
My name is Chinalu Miracle Godson-Amadi from Nigeria. I’m currently rounding off my Ph.D. research in Statistical Modeling of Diseases.

Walk us through your STEM journey to where you are now
I grew up in a family where academics is highly regarded. My parents are both teachers and they instilled in us the discipline of being focused, especially in our academics. I attended my primary school at World Bank Primary School, Umuahia, Abia State. Afterward, I enrolled at Girls Secondary School Umuahia for my high school education.

As an intelligent student, I was chosen to attend lots of competitions, especially in science courses during my high school days. My initial ambition was to study Medicine and Surgery, which of course even my high school teachers expected of me after graduation. However, the admission at my first application wasn’t successful due to some Nigerian education system bureaucracies. So, I decided not to waste any year in the house doing nothing.

For me, it’s better to fix myself somewhere in a tertiary institution than to allow my brain to drain while waiting for a course that may take some time and connection to get. Luckily for me, the Polytechnic admission form was on sale the same year, so I opted to apply for Statistics since Mathematics was my favorite subject.

I graduated with Distinction in my National Diploma in Statistics from the Federal Polytechnics Nekede Owerri and immediately switched via direct entry to Michael Okpara University where I again graduated with a First class honor in Statistics. After my Bachelor’s degree, I did my National Youth Service at the University of Uyo, Uyo Nigeria, in the Mathematics and Statistics department, as a compulsory service to my fatherland.

During my service period, I applied for the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Masters degree scholarship and I was offered admission at AIMS Tanzania. Being at AIMS was indeed a great experience which I believe hugely contributed to who I have become today. Despite the hurdles, I graduated with Distinction from AIMS and got another scholarship to do a second master’s degree at LUT University, Finland.

Here, I saw lots of the skills I acquired at AIMS playing out naturally. After my second master’s, I immediately got a Ph.D. offer in the same institution, which is actually on the verge of completion.

Wow! I like how calm you sound while walking your journey! It gives me so much hope for the younger generation.

Despite the smooth tone, tell us about the challenges that you have faced
A beautiful challenge I had was starting up a family during my current Ph.D. studies. I’m a mother of one and also expecting. At first, it seemed like it was going to be very difficult to balance research and family life, but well, I proudly can say that it’s something I’m able to handle.

Motherhood is hard enough on its own! How have you been able to combine it with school and win?
It’s all about going for the things that make you feel fulfilled. I have always wanted a family and was determined to make it a reality without waiting for so long. The joy of motherhood inspires me to do more in my research.

Let’s talk about your prestigious moments of celebrating while on this journey
I received a certificate award for being the best student at the regional level of the 1st National Mathematics Competition for Polytechnic Students (NAMCPS 2011). There were also commendation letters from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture’s Senate for excellent academic performance for 2012/2013 and 2012/2014 sessions.

I was the best graduating student in Statistics in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture 2014/2015 sessions. Last but not least, I got a certificate award for outstanding student performance at AIMS Tanzania, 2016/2017 session.

How do you like spending your spare time?
I’m fun to be with, I’m not rigid as people who ain’t close to me usually think. Outside work, I like to watch movies and have some quality chats with family and friends.

What is your favourite quote?
My favourite quote is “perseverance breeds success” ~ Anonymous.

How do you encourage a young African girl in STEM?
My advice to every young girl is to look beyond the perceived societal mindset about the potentials of women. Surround yourself with other women who are like-minded and who challenge you to do better. You can be who you want to be as a woman and even more. STEM is fun and rewarding. By learning to create technology, women learn to speak up. Let’s get more and more involved.

This was another learning opportunity for me. I like how composed you are about everything you have achieved while on your STEM journey. May more come your way, Miracle!