I am currently a senior Ph.D. researcher in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM), where my research is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). My work is focused on bioinorganic chemistry, particularly the structure-function relationships of metalloenzymes and their catalytic mechanisms. My doctoral research involves using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and UV-VIS spectroscopy to investigate the structure and properties of intermediates formed during the reduction of nitrite-loaded cytochrome c nitrite reductase (ccNiR), an enzyme involved in the nitrogen cycle. This work aims to provide a deeper understanding of the role metal enzymes play in biological systems and how they influence enzymatic processes essential for environmental and metabolic functions. My academic journey began at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Education with a focus on teaching Chemistry. Afterward, I pursued my M.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Lagos, where I specialized in kinetics, electrochemistry, and bioanalytical chemistry, graduating with top honors. During my time in Lagos, I developed low-cost Amperometric Biosensors for glucose monitoring and worked on electrochemical sensing for environmental and health-related applications. This hands-on work sparked my interest in the intersection of chemistry and biology, leading me to explore metal-based enzymes during my doctoral studies. At UWM, I have continued my research on metalloenzymes, and my work focuses on understanding how metal cofactors in these enzymes enable catalytic processes. My primary research involves isolating and characterizing reaction intermediates formed during the nitrite reduction process, which is central to global nitrogen cycling. By using advanced spectroscopic techniques, I aim to capture intermediates and study their roles in enzymatic catalysis. The development of new experimental protocols for studying these intermediates has the potential to advance both the basic understanding of enzyme chemistry and its applications in areas such as bioremediation and health diagnostics. In addition to my research, I have had the privilege of contributing to the academic community through teaching. At UWM, I have served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in several general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry lab courses. My role involves designing instructional materials, guiding students through hands-on lab experiments, and providing one-on-one mentorship to ensure their success in both theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry. I have also served as the Head of Science, Innovation, Robotics & E-Learning at Dansol High School in Nigeria, where I mentored over 200 students and developed innovative educational projects. Notably, I coached two teams, RET Innovate and Team BIOCON, to the global finals of the Conrad Innovation Challenge, where students developed science-based solutions to real-world problems, including a bio-converter for tobacco and an app to curb underage smoking. In addition to my technical work, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists. I have been honored with several awards, including the highly competitive Distinguished Dissertation Fellowship at UWM and recognition for my role as an Outstanding International Student Mentor. I have also contributed to science outreach programs, providing tutoring to over 1,500 high school students in chemistry through RCEET Technologies, a platform I co-founded to bridge educational gaps.