Nwokeji, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is majoring in molecular biology and minoring in bioengineering and African studies. She hopes to enter an M.D./Ph.D. program after graduation.

She is a recipient of the Shapiro Prize for Academic Excellence and the Department of Molecular Biology’s Evnin ’62 Senior Thesis Fund, which supports her research on a model system for malaria in the lab of John Jimah, assistant professor of molecular biology and the James A. Elkins, Jr. ’41 Preceptor in Molecular Biology.

Upon learning she had received the Pyne Prize, Nwokeji said she “almost cried” and immediately thought of her Nigerian immigrant parents. Being honored with the Pyne Prize, Nwokeji added, “felt like I was sort of being awarded and recognized just for being me.”