Jemima A. Chukwu

Jemima A Chukwu

Department of Biomedical Sciences
Anatomy Demonstrator

Contact details

Address
Institute of Clinical Sciences
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
UK

Jemima A. Chukwu is an early-career Anatomist who facilitates anatomy learning for a variety of students in health-related programs. Her teaching methods includes interactive small group sessions, laboratory practicals with prosected specimens, models, as well as the utilization of innovation technologies including Anatomage, ultrasound device and other virtual learning resources.

Jemima is keen about research in advancing reproductive biology, specifically focusing on exploring the factors that contribute to infertility. She is also interested in anatomy education, particularly enhancing teaching and learning methodologies that are accessible, inclusive, memorable, and engaging for students. Additionally, she is enthusiastic about linking anatomical variations to bridging genetic gaps, which she believes is pivotal in deepening our understanding of human biology.

Qualifications

  • HEFi Horizon Award in Higher Education Teaching - April 2024
  • MSc in Human Clinical Embryology and Assisted Conception, University of Dundee, 2023
  • BSc (Hons) in Anatomy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, 2019

Biography

Jemima A. Chukwu earned her first degree in Anatomy in 2019. During the COVID-19 era, she pursued several courses to deepen her understanding of Embryology, an aspect of Anatomy, and earned CME credits. She combined this with an Anatomy Research Intern role in 2020, where she developed a strong passion for research and addressing scientific problems.

Starting in 2021, Jemima began teaching anatomy, embryology, and histology practical sessions to medical and health-allied undergraduate students at Edo State University. She later transferred to the University of Dundee to focus on Human Clinical Embryology and Assisted Conception. During this master’s program and under the guidance of experienced instructors and clinicians at the NHS Ninewells Assisted Conception Unit, she gained theoretical knowledge and basic practical skills, such as semen analysis, gamete cryopreservation, culture dish preparation, and ICSI.

Jemima actively participates in academic conferences and seminars, presenting on anatomy education, reproductive biology, and leadership since 2018. In 2023, she was selected as a Young Ambassador for the 'ESHRE 5 Team' of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. She also holds the position of Deputy Conference Officer at the Early Career Anatomists and serves on the Meetings Committee of the Anatomical Society.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Jemima is recognized as a charismatic leader. She initiated efforts to unite anatomy student bodies across 35 universities in Nigeria, fostering networking, collaborative research, and knowledge sharing. Her notable roles include being the first female president of the Anatomical Students Society of Nigeria (ASSON) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the pioneer regional coordinator of the South-Eastern forum of ASSON.

Jemima volunteers at CareerVillage.org, answering questions from high school and undergraduate students globally in areas of Anatomy, Leadership, Education, and Volunteering, accumulating over 57,712 reads and 161 Karma points. She has earned over 13 awards and produces educational and lifestyle content on YouTube during her leisure time. Her hobbies include reading, networking, and music.

Teaching

Research

Research interests

  • Reproductive Biology and Anatomy
  • Anatomy education
  • Infertility
  • Understanding anatomical variations

Current projects

  • Sperm enhancing capacity and Safety of Torin 2.
  • Impact of ChatGPT in Anatomy education. What can we do?
  • Investigating the relevance of the bachelor’s degree in Anatomy and career paths in a Nigerian population.

Other activities

  • Deputy Conference Officer for the Early Career Anatomist. April 2024 - Present
  • Member of the Meetings Committee for the Anatomical Society. December 2023 – Present.
  • ‘ESHRE 5’ Young Ambassador for the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. 2023
  • Ex officio II for the Anatomical Students’ Society of Nigeria. 2021 - 2023

     

Other Membership

  • American Association for Anatomy
  • Anatomical Society of Nigeria
  • Society of Clinical and Experimental Anatomist of Nigeria