Not too long ago in China, an avalanche of
honours fell on Nigeria’s path. It happened when one of her unsung
heroines surprised the world by claiming a coveted prize at a recent
edition of the ChinaNano
Science Conference.
Her work in the field of Nano science and technology – an
aspect of chemistry – won the best prize, outclassing over 1,000 other
entries.
In the eyes of world’s best scientists, Nigeria’s profile rose
sky-high like mercury in a test tube. British-born Nigerian, Dr (Miss)
Geraldine Echue helped this to happen when she gave the country the rare
opportunity. It was something to be proud about when her presentation
at the Chinese Academy of Sciences was adjudged the best in its
category.
After some painstaking consideration, a panel of judges at the
conference gave the verdict that placed Dr Echue in the league of
world’s rising chemists. She felt like exploding when it was announced
that her work had significantly contributed to learning and extended the
frontiers of Material Science. She gave experts from various lands and
climes a handful and a conviction that Nigeria is never short of the
power to surprise.
For her effort, she was rewarded with the conference’s top prize,
some traditional Chinese Art paper, and a certificate of participation
amid ovation. The ovation came down on her like sheets of rain –
unrestrainedly flowing from thousands of thankful hearts
Dr Echue, 27, was born and raised in England by her parents who hail
from Okwelle, in Onuimo Local Government area of Imo State. She recently
earned a PhD in Material Chemistry from University of Bristol, England,
specialising in Nano science and technology. She attended the same
University of Bristol, for her undergraduate and graduate studies, where
she read Chemistry. She worked for Quartz Scientific and Analytical
Laboratory in Watford, UK and also spent a year working for BP Chemicals
at their research centre in Hull, North East of England.
When she heard about the ChinaNano Conference, she flew to China at
the invitation of a Chinese professor. She went to the Asian continent
to partake in the fifth edition of the biannual conference, a scientific
meeting which held at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing.
The conference attracts the best chemists with specialization in
Material science and Nano science.
But it never occurred to her that she could get more than she hoped
for. What was on her mind, according to her, was to offer her best and
see what could come out of it. She never knew that she was on a trip
that would change the face of her career, and leave the world wondering
at the huge potentials that can come out of Nigeria. Now, she says each
time she reflects on her success, she cannot but marvel at her luck.
Going into the conference, which had virtually no black in attendance, Dr Echue overcame every stereotype to claim success.
She recalled her happiness when scores of Chinese, Australians,
Japanese, Americans, Germans and many other nationals came streaming to
take photographs with her. She said her Alma mater, University of
Bristol, also joined in wide celebration by splashing the conference’s
photographs on its website to prove that it’s a leading force in Europe.
Some days ago, Dr Echue, who is ever joyous being a Nigerian, breezed
into the country to see members of her extended family and as she put
it, to motivate her younger relations. In an engaging encounter, she
revealed her burning desire to contribute to the success of her
relations and to national development.
“I’m here to motivate my younger relations and to let them know that
if I can accomplish what I have accomplished today, they too can.”
Flashing toothy smiles, Dr Echue who was happy to be home, took time
to mingle and tell her story. “The China event is a scientific
conference called ChinaNano Conference. It attracts the experts in Nano
science and technology, a branch of material chemistry. They gather to
present their works, discuss ideas and come up with innovations. It was
like a forum for collaboration for scientists from all over the world.
You can be invited or you can sign up to present your scientific works
since amazing works of science are presented there.
“At the conference, there were experts in Material Chemistry and Nano
science. I went there because I’m still learning; I wanted to receive
lectures. I wanted to hear from older, better experienced and much more
progressive scientists speak. I wanted to present my work and see what
they could make out of it.
It was amazing; it was great for me to hear them say, ‘this is a
great work.’ It sounded like fantasy. And I said to myself, ‘am I the
one doing this thing?’ I was only hoping to learn from the masters who
came to the conference,” she said.
Recalling how her journey to her China success all began, she
informed that a certain Chinese professor invited her to come over and
present her works. “Yes we collaborate on scientific matters. But often,
I look out for opportunities that can come along – where I can present
my works and learn from other scientists.
“The conference was attended by hundreds of scientists from China,
Australia, UK, Japan, Germany, USA, Canada, South America and many more.
It was a truly global conference. I can’t remember seeing any blacks
there.
I suppose I was the only black person in attendance. And when my work
was adjudged to be the best in its category, very many came to me
wondering where I come from. Of course I told them I’m a Nigerian; I
told them I speak English with British accent because I was born in the
UK and they screamed. Many who were present, particularly from China,
kept coming with their families to request to take photographs with me
and all that.”
Also recalling how the work was received, she said: “I think my work
really said more than anything I can say. My work said everything by
itself. I didn’t get any negative comments. More than anything, people
were curious; they were not expecting to see someone like me there, and
so they wanted to find out more about where I come from, what my
background is among other things.
It was a great feeling when I was announced as winner of the top
prize. I screamed, ‘yeeeee!’ I was very happy. I wasn’t expecting a win;
I wasn’t thinking about anything. But I was so happy for the
success.”She explained that it was a conference in which people
presented papers in various categories of material science.
She also recalled that there were various doctoral students, about
1,000 of them who presented their works in her category. At any given
time, scores of other people, including about 20 judges listened to the
presentations. There were many speakers too. After every presentation,
there were was a question and answer session.”
She told the reporter that her exploits in China had given her the
confidence she is currently building upon. “I’m hoping to continue with
what I have achieved. I will be trying to improve on my research.
I believe what I achieved in China will make an impact on what I’m
doing at the moment in the UK. Going to China was amazing. Being at a
place where you don’t know anybody, and you don’t know what to expect
and you try your best, and people receive you well, is amazing.”
She also gave insight into various applications of Nano Science and
technology, saying: “I will continue to work in various applications of
Nano Science – plastics, amour, military hardware, and other
applications people do not know about. These are some of the
functionalities of Nano science.
People don’t understand that almost everything they use every day –
materials for making refrigerators, tables, cars, television sets and
many more domestic items, require design on Nano level. Material
chemistry is required to produce everything everyone uses everyday.
Indeed, Material chemistry overlaps with so many other disciplines.”
Exhibiting a deep sense of patriotism, Dr Echue says being Nigerian
and returning to Nigeria make her fell great. “Each time I come here, it
makes me know how lucky I am. Being Nigerian makes me feel great. I
feel I can help other people.
I have this feeling to do things for other people, especially my own
people because they are important to me. I desire to use the skill I
have to do positive things for the people. Each time, I have this
thought of investing in Nigeria.
I have this feeling to try to bring something here and help the
people. It is of no good having all the knowledge and skill without
using it to help,” she asserted. -SUNNEWS
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