Published on Aug. 14, 2024
Chinyere Omeife’s interest in healthcare began when she was just 6 years old after she had a routine blood draw. That interest grew into a passion as she got older and began interacting with her younger cousins.
“I really enjoy working with kids and am very interested in becoming a pediatrician,” said Omeife, who is from Blue Springs, Missouri. “As soon as I was old enough, I began volunteering at hospitals and medical camps. It was a world that I grew to enjoy more and more as I got more involved.”
Omeife will continue to pursue her passions at the University of Missouri. An incoming Stamps Scholar, Omeife plans to major in chemical engineering and will be on the pre-medicine track.
“I loved the Stamps interview weekend,” Omeife said. “Everyone was so nice, and it was incredible to interact with the current Stamps Scholars. It was very exciting to be named a Scholar, too. It’s an amazing program that I’m thankful to be a part of.”
Omeife was familiar with the MU campus before she ever toured or interviewed for the Stamps Scholarship. She attended the Missouri Scholars Academy (MSA) the summer between her sophomore and junior years of high school. MSA, founded in 1985, is a three-week residential program for 330 of Missouri’s academically gifted students who are ready to begin their junior year of high school. Through MSA, Omeife was able to take interesting classes, participate in exciting programs and live in Mark Twain Hall on the Mizzou campus.
“The Missouri Scholars Academy was truly incredible,” Omeife said. “It was so much fun. Being back on campus for the interview weekend was exciting, as it allowed me to revisit a lot of the spots I spent time at during MSA. For example, being back in Mark Twain Hall brought back so many great memories.”
While Omeife was considering a couple different degree programs, chemical engineering won out. She said the program will allow her to further engage in subject matter that is of great interest to her.
“Chemical engineering really checks a lot of boxes for me when it comes my passions,” Omeife said. “It’s perfect for me and also allows me to continue on a path toward healthcare.”
Omeife added that one of things she’s most excited about as a Stamps Scholar is the opportunity to conduct research early in her collegiate career. She hasn’t participated in research before and is looking forward to gaining new skills and knowledge. Omeife referenced the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building as a great space where vital health-related research is being done.
“The thought that I could be part of something that revolutionizes healthcare – or the world in general – is exciting,” Omeife said. “It’s awesome to think that I could be part of something that could help millions of people.”