Ijeoma Asilebo

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

True impact comes from collaboration and support. Embracing diverse perspectives has strengthened every team I’ve led—in both research and community.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?

My biggest milestone was bravely pivoting from microbiology to biophysics research, then back to wet-lab cell biology. This interdisciplinary journey broadened my perspective and continues to enrich how I study complex cellular behaviors.

What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why? What obstacles will you overcome?

I want to be a scientist who turns cell biology insights into new drugs and health solutions. I’m driven to advance therapies while tackling regulatory hurdles, clear communication, and evidence-based policymaking.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

At the University of Notre Dame, I lead science policy community outreach, creating events where complex science research is made clear for local audiences. I also advocate for policies that connect science to real-world impact.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

Through AWIS, I’ve met incredible women scientists who inspire me to stand up for equity. The support, advice, and practical tools I’ve found in AWIS have helped me build confidence to navigate research and pursue big scientific ideas.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Liminal.

How do you define it?

A state or space that exists between two phases or places. It captures the beauty of transitions.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

In science, the liminal space between the known and unknown fuels discovery. Embracing uncertainty has shaped my career, driving me to fearlessly pursue bold questions and innovative research paths.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS fuels my commitment to equity and mentorship in STEM. It connects me to a community pushing for change and gives me the confidence to lead innovative projects while speaking up for others.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

My read for the month is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lack by Rebecca Skloot

What do you consider the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?

Embrace the steep learning curve and be relentlessly persistent. Progress may be slow, but true growth comes from showing up daily and facing challenges head-on with consistency and grit.

Ijeoma Asilebo is a PhD student in the Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program at Notre Dame. Her research focuses on developing and applying new optogenetic tools to manipulate single-cell pH and study how pH changes influence diverse cellular behaviors. She’s dedicated to promoting inclusion in STEM, engaging in science policy, and public outreach. Outside research, she enjoys hiking, creative writing, and exploring new cuisines.