Fellow Members

Kelechi Amamba is a strategic leader who operates at the intersection of supply chain resilience, data analytics, and industrial systems. As a specialist in advanced machine learning, he designs end‑to‑end analytic and optimization solutions that strengthen system reliability, security, and operational performance across complex global value chains. With more than a decade of leadership experience at Fortune Global 500 companies, including Procter & Gamble, Beiersdorf, and Flora Foods Group (formerly Upfield), Kelechi has led large‑scale manufacturing and quality transformations. As Site Director for Upfield West Africa, he turned a complex production network into a regional benchmark for operational excellence, demonstrating his ability to translate rigorous engineering thinking into measurable business impact. Kelechi holds a B.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and an MBA in Technology and Innovation Management. He is an ASQ‑certified Six Sigma Black Belt and a Senior Member of IEEE, reflecting his sustained contributions to the engineering and technology community. Through his involvement with the Institute of STEM Innovation and Excellence (ISIE), he champions data‑driven, systems‑level approaches to building sustainable, resilient industrial infrastructures and advancing innovation at the interface of physical supply chains and digital ecosystems.

Ayomiposi Ayodele Abraham is an ecologist, conservation biologist, and STEM educator with over a decade of experience bridging field-based wildlife research, molecular biology, and community-driven conservation across Nigeria and the United States. Currently a doctoral researcher and Graduate Teaching Assistant in Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University, she brings a rare combination of scientific rigor, interdisciplinary thinking, and a deep commitment to inclusive STEM education. With a Master of Science in Wildlife Management from the University of Ibadan and a strong foundation in zoology, Ayomiposi has conducted ornithological and mammalogical research across some of West Africa's most ecologically significant landscapes, including Old Oyo National Park and Okomu National Park. Her peer-reviewed publications span topics from small mammal ecology and parasite ecosystem dynamics to the impacts of climate change on tropical bird diversity research that directly addresses some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Beyond the laboratory and field, Ayomiposi is a passionate advocate for youth engagement in science. She has educated thousands of students on biodiversity conservation, led environmental outreach programs, and championed equitable participation in STEM through leadership roles at Texas A&M and with non-governmental organisations in Nigeria. As a member of ISIE, Ayomiposi is committed to inspiring the next generation of African STEM leaders, translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact, and building a more inclusive and sustainable scientific community.

Dr. Sathesh Kumar Sivasankaran is a bioinformaticist specializing in the development of advanced computational frameworks for the analysis and integration of large-scale multi-omics datasets. His research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying complex human diseases, with a particular emphasis on neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Sivasankaran earned his PhD from Trinity College Dublin and has over a decade of experience in bioinformatics, statistical genomics, and high-throughput data analysis. His expertise spans transcriptomics, proteomics, DNA methylation, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and integrative multi-omics approaches. He has extensive experience working with diverse biological systems, including microbial, animal, and human datasets, demonstrating a broad and versatile scientific foundation. During his postdoctoral training at University of Miami, Dr. Sivasankaran contributed to research involving transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of brain tissues in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, advancing understanding of disease-associated molecular alterations. He currently serves as a Bioinformaticist in the Department of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he develops scalable, reproducible pipelines for the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets derived from large human cohorts. His work supports the identification of disease-relevant biomarkers, gene networks, and molecular pathways, contributing to the advancement of precision medicine and translational research in neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Sivasankaran is particularly interested in integrating multi-modal datasets to uncover biologically meaningful insights that can inform early diagnosis and therapeutic development. Through his research, Dr. Sivasankaran contributes to advancing computational neurogenomics by enabling improved understanding, diagnosis, and therapeutic development for complex neurological diseases.

Gift M. Obunukwu is an emerging agricultural biotechnologist and microbial scientist whose work focuses on the application of microbiology and molecular biotechnology to sustainable agriculture and plant health. Her research centers on understanding plant–microbe interactions and harnessing beneficial microorganisms to enhance crop productivity, improve soil fertility, and manage plant diseases in environmentally sustainable ways. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Agricultural Science (Biotechnology) at Tennessee State University in Nashville, where she conducts advanced research on the genetic diversity and functional characterization of bacterial endophytes for plant growth promotion and biological disease control in crops such as pepper and tomato. Her work integrates greenhouse experimentation, molecular diagnostics, and microbial ecology to develop innovative biological approaches to crop protection. Gift previously earned a Master of Science in Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Ibadan and a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Imo State University. Her academic background has equipped her with strong expertise in molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, microbial isolation, and biochemical analysis. Through her scientific contributions, mentorship activities, and participation in international research communities, Gift Obunukwu continues to advance innovative biotechnology solutions aimed at strengthening sustainable food systems and agricultural resilience worldwide.  

Dr. Ajay Singh is an internationally recognized dairy scientist, animal nutrition specialist, and livestock productivity researcher whose work has advanced dairy production systems, animal health, reproductive efficiency, and sustainable livestock management. His career spans research, academia, government-supported agricultural development, and international scientific collaboration, with contributions that have improved livestock productivity and dairy management practices across India and the United States. Dr. Singh holds a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, India, a Master of Veterinary Science in Animal Nutrition from the National Dairy Research Institute, India, and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry. He is also a board-certified candidate through the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG). His research focuses on dairy science, milking system optimization, udder health, mastitis prevention, animal nutrition, reproductive management, and livestock productivity. He has authored more than fifteen peer-reviewed scientific publications, including over ten as first author, in internationally respected journals such as the Journal of Dairy Science, Animals, and Tropical Animal Health and Production. His work has contributed to advancing scientific understanding of milking physiology, teat tissue health, milk ejection dynamics, feed efficiency, dairy-cow welfare, and evidence-based livestock management systems. He has contributed significantly to academic excellence and research development through appointments at Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University and Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. His Cornell-affiliated research received international recognition through presentations at the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) Annual Meeting, the World Buiatrics Congress, and the National Mastitis Council Annual Meeting. Dr. Singh is the recipient of numerous competitive honors, including the Nestlé Purina Gold Medal for Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition, the Hyderabad Race Club Gold Medal, the ICAR Senior Research Fellowship (All-India Rank 2), and the ICAR Junior Research Fellowship (All-India Rank 35). He maintains active professional memberships in leading scientific organizations, including the National Mastitis Council, the American Dairy Science Association, the Veterinary Council of India, and the Animal Nutrition Society of India. As a Fellow of the Institute of STEM Innovation and Excellence (ISIE), Dr. Singh is recognized for his outstanding contributions to dairy science, animal nutrition, livestock productivity, and agricultural innovation. His work exemplifies the application of STEM-based research to address global challenges in food security, sustainable agriculture, animal health, and dairy production systems.

I am a quality engineering professional and an emerging innovator in smart manufacturing systems. With experience in automotive production, process optimization, and advanced inspection technologies, I focus on building solutions that enhance reliability, traceability, and operational efficiency on the factory floor. My work integrates modern manufacturing principles with cutting‑edge digital tools, enabling organizations to reduce defects, strengthen compliance, and accelerate production readiness. I am the inventor of an Augmented Reality Quality Assurance and Audit Platform that incorporates intelligent defect detection to support next‑generation manufacturing environments. My contributions also extend to research and academic service through my role as a Section Editor for the International Journal of Future Engineering Innovations, where I support peer review and publication development across multiple engineering disciplines. My professional interests span quality control, industrial engineering, process automation, and digital transformation in manufacturing. I am committed to advancing practical, scalable innovations that strengthen supply chains and build more resilient production systems.

Dr. Chidiebere Christopher Ajunwa is an internationally recognized physician, infectious disease specialist, and public-health leader whose work has advanced infectious disease control, epidemic preparedness, outbreak response, and healthcare-system resilience across Nigeria and West Africa. His career spans clinical medicine, public-health emergency management, infectious disease surveillance, humanitarian health missions, and international epidemic-response operations, with contributions that have strengthened disease prevention, outbreak containment, and public-health preparedness for millions of people. Dr. Ajunwa earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.) and has built more than two decades of professional experience in infectious disease management, healthcare delivery, and public-health emergency response. He has served in key capacities within the Rivers State Ministry of Health and the Rivers State Hospital Management Board, where he has contributed significantly to disease surveillance, infection prevention and control, healthcare-worker protection, outbreak preparedness, and emergency-response coordination. His expertise became particularly prominent during major infectious disease emergencies. During the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Nigeria, Dr. Ajunwa served on the Rivers State Ebola Emergency Operations Center Case Management Team, contributing to medical diagnosis, treatment, contact tracing, infection-control implementation, personnel training, and outbreak-response activities that supported Nigeria's successful Ebola containment efforts. His work formed part of the coordinated public-health response that contributed to the World Health Organization's declaration of Nigeria as Ebola-Free in October 2014. Beyond Nigeria, Dr. Ajunwa contributed to international Ebola response efforts through the African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) mission in Liberia, where he participated in infection-control implementation, patient management, emergency medical response, disease surveillance, and community health interventions. He was subsequently recognized by both the African Union Commission and the Government of Liberia for his contributions to epidemic control and public-health protection. His expertise was further utilized through international health-service deployment in Sierra Leone, supporting disease-control and healthcare-delivery initiatives across West Africa. Dr. Ajunwa has also played an important role in strengthening healthcare-system resilience during public-health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Lassa Fever response activities. Through workforce training, healthcare-facility preparedness, infection-control implementation, and surveillance strengthening, he has helped improve the capacity of healthcare institutions to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging infectious disease threats. His contributions have received independent national and international recognition through governmental commendations, professional honors, international public-health service awards, and repeated recognition for his leadership in infectious disease control, Ebola containment, outbreak preparedness, healthcare-worker protection, and public-health emergency response. These recognitions reflect the sustained impact and significance of his contributions to public health and epidemic preparedness. As a Fellow of the Institute of STEM Innovation and Excellence (ISIE), Dr. Ajunwa is recognized for his outstanding contributions to infectious disease control, epidemic preparedness, disease surveillance, healthcare-system strengthening, and public-health emergency management. His work exemplifies the application of medical expertise, public-health innovation, and evidence-based disease-control strategies to address global challenges in epidemic preparedness, outbreak response, health security, and population health protection.

 Aregbesola Ayodimeji Emmanuel is a Ph.D. student in the Applied Mathematics program with a concentration in Condensed Matter and Experimental Physics at Wichita State University (WSU). His passion for scientific research and innovation began at King's College in Lagos, Nigeria, where he developed a foundational interest in mathematics and physics, and this provided him with an unparalleled inspiration for the pursuit of scientific research and innovation. In 2015, he enrolled at the University of Ilorin, where he developed a strong interest in solid-state physics and materials science and further earned a bachelor’s degree in physics. His thesis investigated the optical properties of cadmium sulphide (CdS) thin films to improve their efficiency as buffer materials for solar cells, sparking a long-term commitment to developing advanced functional materials. Ayodimeji advanced his studies at WSU, completing a Master of Science degree in Physics in 2024. There, he expanded his expertise to include magnetic resonance spectroscopy, quantum sensing, and nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers applications. His current research integrates experimental physics, computational modeling, and advanced instrumentation, contributing to peer-reviewed publications in quantum technologies. Beyond research, Ayodimeji is committed to STEM education. As a Lead Instructor and Graduate Teaching Assistant at WSU, he has taught mechanics, electricity, and magnetism, while coordinating practical labs to mentor over 230 undergraduate students. His long-term vision is to leverage condensed matter physics, applied mathematics, and computational methods to develop next-generation sensing technologies for quantum systems, biological systems, renewable energy, and precision measurement.

Tunde Kushimo is an interdisciplinary researcher whose work spans machine learning, quantum computing, quantum machine learning, and science education research. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Ibadan, a Master’s degree in Physics from Texas Tech University, and a Master’s degree in Quantum Science and Technology from the University of Bari, completed under the highly competitive European Quantum Flagship Fellowship program. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Applied Mathematics at Wichita State University. Tunde’s research integrates theoretical modeling, computational methods, and educational inquiry to address both technical and human-capital challenges in emerging technologies. His scholarly output includes four research publications in peer-reviewed journals and preprint archives, covering topics such as quantum computing, student learning and skill development in quantum computing, curriculum-to-workforce alignment, and workforce preparedness. In recognition of his expertise, Tunde serves as a judge and peer reviewer for leading physics journals, including APS Physical Review journals and Reviews of Modern Physics. He is also an IBM Qiskit Advocate, reflecting his active engagement with the global quantum computing ecosystem and his commitment to advancing open, accessible quantum education and research. Beyond research, Tunde contributes to curriculum development, educational resource design, and workforce-focused studies aimed at improving how advanced scientific knowledge is taught and translated into innovation. His professional mission centers on advancing science-driven innovation by bridging cutting-edge research, education, and global capacity building.

Priscilla Oyeladun Ajiboye is an Electrical and Electronic Engineering researcher and lecturer whose academic and professional work is focused on building smarter, more secure, and sustainable energy systems. Her specialization spans smart grids, renewable energy, energy management, advanced metering infrastructure, power system stability, machine learning applications, and data-driven optimization, placing her at the intersection of engineering, digital technology, and sustainable development. With a Ph.D. in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a Master’s degree in Information Systems, Priscilla combines engineering expertise with strong digital capabilities. She currently serves as a Lecturer at Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development in Ghana, where she teaches courses including Power Generation Systems, Energy Management, Electrical Machines, and Electronic Devices and Circuits. Her research achievements include peer-reviewed publications on IoT-enabled energy monitoring, smart grid optimization, renewable energy systems, self-driving vehicle security, and the privacy and security of advanced metering infrastructure. She has also presented research internationally and received competitive opportunities including a full World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence Ph.D. scholarship, Erasmus+ research exchange funding at TUM, Germany, and WASEND academic exchange funding in Benin Republic. Beyond research, Priscilla has supervised and mentored students, examined postgraduate theses, reviewed manuscripts for international journals, and contributed to digital skills and inclusive education initiatives. Her combination of engineering research, academic leadership, and commitment to technological advancement makes her a valuable addition to the Institute of STEM Innovation and Excellence community.  

Dr Chukwubike Udoka Okeke is an Associate Professor of Chemical Pathology. He is a distinguished and accomplished Academic, and Clinical Laboratory Scientist. With a PhD and MSc in Chemical Pathology, and international certifications in clinical laboratory sciences, he has made progressive impact in Laboratory Medicine. His expertise spans medical diagnostic testing, quality assurance and control, laboratory management, and the application of advanced molecular diagnostic technologies in disease diagnosis and management. Currently, Dr Chukwubike Okeke, with over 25 years of clinical laboratory experience, is based in a Molecular Diagnostic Reference Laboratory in USA, where he contributes to the delivery of accurate, reliable, and timely diagnostic services for disease treatment/management, and also in molecular oncology research. His work supports evidence-based clinical decision-making using modern molecular techniques, robust quality systems, and high professional standards. Dr. Chukwubike Okeke is an active member of more than 5 professional associations and holds relevant professional certifications, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, ethical practice, and excellence in laboratory medicine. He has also made substantial contributions to scientific research in infectious diseases, endocrinology, Neuro-musculoskeletal system, metabolic disorders and molecular pathology, with over 35 publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals. His research interests and publications demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in laboratory medicine. With extensive professional leadership, technical expertise, and research experience, Dr. Chukwubike Udoka Okeke is well positioned as a respected academic and chemical pathologist.