Chizzy is an HDFS PhD student who first joined the program in 2023. He was born in Southeastern Nigeria and holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, a medical degree from Igbinedion University, and a master’s degree in HDFS from the UConn. Before coming to UConn, Chizzy worked as a general medical practitioner in Nigeria and as a clinical instructor at St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada.
Chizzy’s interest in gerontology can be traced to his time working as a medical practitioner. During his clinical encounters with older patients, he often found these patients’ problems unique and misunderstood. These, plus an eagerness to work with his UConn advisor, Dr. Candi Nwakasi, drew him to UConn. His research centers focuses on psychosocial and sociocultural drivers of health, with a particular emphasis on cancer survivorship and cognitive health. As an aspiring academic, Chizzy hopes to champion efforts to modify the curriculum in the medical, allied, and other affiliated health sciences, toward an acceptance and normalization of a healthcare delivery model that is holistic and caters to the needs of all people irrespective of their age bracket.
Chizzy loves sports, mainly soccer and track and field events. He also enjoys watching TV shows, cooking, and gardening.