Marquette University’s Norris Park is where doctoral student Chimobi Chikwendu can often be found enjoying an activity that has been part of his life since childhood: playing soccer.
Growing up in Nigeria, soccer was more than a favorite pastime. It was an opportunity to connect with family and friends, participate in competitions and gather at local sports viewing centers to cheer on their favorite teams. Today, more than 6,000 miles from home, soccer continues to provide Chikwendu with a strong sense of community as he pursues his Ph.D. in biological sciences, specializing in plant molecular biology and genetics, at Marquette University.
As Marquette celebrates International Education Week Nov. 16–20, the Graduate School is highlighting international students like Chikwendu, whose experiences reflect the importance of community, cultural connections and opportunities for growth, both personally and academically.
Gauraka: A place to call home
Chikwendu grew up in Gauraka, a small locality near Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. His hometown is characterized by evergreen forests that surround the town, creating extraordinary rural landscapes framed by nearby mountains. Situated on the outskirts of Gauraka is a specialized industrial cluster of aluminum manufacturing, fabrication and customization that serves as a major source of employment, apprenticeship and entrepreneurship in the area. The town’s proximity to the capital also contributes to its rapid development and urban growth.
For Chikwendu, however, Gauraka is much more than that. It is a tight-knit community known for its vibrant communal life, where people come together through sporting competitions, schools, bars, sports viewing centers, and religious activities. It is a place to call home.
Chikwendu’s roots are deeply embedded in a culture of community, where relationships among residents form the pillars that sustain the town. Raised by his mother and father alongside his five siblings, he fondly reminisces about his childhood, the friendships he formed at school and the people-centered approach to life that surrounded him.
The private school he attended was only a 10-minute walk from his home, so the daily journey naturally became an opportunity to spend time with friends, laughing and creating memories along the way.
“Most days I would meet up with my friends, and we would walk to school together,” he recalled. “After school, we would walk home together. Those were really fun times that I look back on fondly.”
Nigerian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, chilies and traditional swallows, starchy staples often served alongside soups. Chikwendu is especially fond of jollof rice with fried plantains, one of the most iconic and beloved combinations in Nigeria. The dish features rich, spiced tomato rice served alongside sweet, golden fried plantain slices.
A second favorite, also a classic Nigerian culinary combination, is pounded yam with ‘egusi’ soup. The dish features a smooth, stretchy, dough-like base made from white yam, served alongside a rich, textured soup made from melon seeds and leafy greens.
While these traditional dishes remain among his favorites, Chikwendu has also embraced new flavors since coming to the United States. A well-made baked mac and cheese and some good cornbread have become two of his favorites, adding to the familiar flavors of home.
From the Aluminum City to the Cream City
After attending the Federal University of Technology, Minna, in Nigeria, where he majored in plant biology, Chikwendu began his search for a doctoral program offering research opportunities that aligned with his academic interests. That’s when he came across Professor Michael Schläppi in the Department of Biological Sciences, whose molecular and genetic research investigates cold stress tolerance in rice.
Chikwendu was drawn not only to the research on abiotic stress tolerance in plants, but as he learned more about Marquette, he also recognized the many initiatives supporting students’ career development and the university’s commitment to student success. He decided to apply, and the seamless application process further reinforced his impression of Marquette as an institution that cares about and supports its students.
Today, Chikwendu’s research focuses on investigating the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying abiotic stress tolerance in plants, particularly their ability to withstand cold temperatures. His work explores how plants respond to environmental stress, bringing together his interests in plant biology, molecular research, and genetics.
Finding community at Marquette
Beyond his academic pursuits, Chikwendu has also found a welcoming community that supports his personal and professional growth. Through programs and events organized by the Office of International Education, the International Student Peer Support (ISPS) program and the Graduate Student Organization (GSO), Chikwendu has found opportunities to connect with fellow graduate students and build friendships across different backgrounds.
“Marquette has many programs and events that help build a community among graduate students.”
Chimobi Chikwendu
His involvement with the GSO extends beyond participation. As the organization’s logistics officer, Chikwendu helps coordinate events, manage administrative responsibilities, and oversee financial transactions. Through this leadership role, he contributes to strengthening the graduate student community by supporting activities that bring students together.
Chikwendu’s experience at Marquette extends beyond the classroom and research lab. The support of faculty members, opportunities for academic and professional development, and the serene campus environment all play an important role in his pursuit of academic and personal growth.
Chikwendu’s journey from Gauraka to Marquette is a testament to the power of community and the relationships that bring people together, regardless of geographical or cultural differences. From the soccer fields and familiar gathering places of his childhood to the research labs and student organizations at Marquette, his experiences demonstrate how shared interests and familiar passions can create a sense of belonging, even thousands of miles from home.
As he continues to pursue his academic goals, Chikwendu carries with him the same appreciation for friendship and connection that defined his upbringing, while building new relationships and embracing opportunities that continue to shape his journey.
Want to read similar stories or have a success story to share? Visit Stories of Graduate Student Success to learn more.
