For Racheal Asaolu, science isn’t just about discovery—it’s about impact. Whether through groundbreaking research on neurodegenerative diseases, or her dedication to fostering diversity in STEM, she is committed to making a difference. Her path to pursuing a PhD in Biology and Biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is rooted in a lifelong drive to make a difference, through important research and encouraging diversity in STEM. Originally from Nigeria, Asaolu’s academic foundation in Biochemistry fueled her passion for uncovering scientific solutions while empowering the next generation of scientists.
Now as a PhD candidate in WPI’s Neuroscience Lab, Asaolu’s research focuses on a critical and timely issue, the link between air pollution and neurodegenerative diseases. She is investigating how environmental toxins, such as particulate matter (PM), contribute to conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. “The growing global concern about air pollution and its effects on public health makes this research incredibly important,” Asaolu shares. “I hope my work will contribute to better public health policies and preventative strategies that reduce exposure to harmful toxins.”
Asaolu’s dedication to promoting diversity in STEM goes hand in hand with her research. As a graduate mentor for the Women’s Research Mentorship Program (WRAMP), she inspires high school and undergraduate students by guiding them through hands-on lab projects and sparking their interest in science. This commitment to mentorship and advocacy earned her the prestigious Genetics Society of America’s Presidential Ambassador for Equity and Inclusion Award. As one of only 20 recipients in the inaugural cohort, this honor celebrates her tireless efforts to create opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM and build a more inclusive scientific community, both at WPI and beyond.
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Asaolu extends her commitment to mentorship beyond WPI through the Elite Mentoring Foundation, which provides educational resources and guidance to students across Africa. Her vision is to break down barriers in STEM by ensuring that aspiring scientists have access to the tools and support they need to succeed. “I believe that access to education and mentorship is key to breaking barriers in STEM,” Asaolu’s says. “My goal is to scale up this initiative to reach more students and make a lasting impact.”
Asaolu’s journey at WPI has not been without its challenges. Balancing the demands of rigorous academics with personal health struggles tested her resilience. “It was a challenging period,” Asaolu recalls. “But I received immense support from my advisor, Professor Jagan Srinivasan, and my Head of Department, Professor Reeta Rao. Their guidance and flexibility helped me stay on track academically while taking care of my health.”
She also utilized resources from WPI’s Student Development & Counseling Center (SDCC), which provided invaluable mental health support. This experience reinforced Asaolu’s belief in the importance of seeking help and highlighted the power of a supportive community.
One of the aspects that drew Asaolu to WPI was its strong focus on project-based learning. “WPI’s project-based approach has been a game-changer in how I approach research,” Asaolu explains. “It has taught me the importance of applying theoretical knowledge in practical ways to solve real-world problems.”
Asaolu credits her mentors at WPI for shaping her academic and personal growth. “Professor Jagan Srinivasan has been instrumental in helping me navigate complex research questions and grow as a scientist,” she says. “Additionally, Professor Amity Manning’s thoughtful approach to research and her ability to balance professional and personal life have been incredibly inspiring.”
After completing her PhD, Asaolu would like to continue her research on neurodegenerative diseases and expand her work to address the impact of air pollution. She wants to focus primarily on underrepresented populations and developing countries where pollution levels are often dangerously high. She also plans to enhance her mentorship initiatives and launch science communication workshops that empower communities to understand and mitigate environmental risks.“I want my research to highlight the importance of environmental health and contribute to public health policies that make a difference,” Asaolu says. “Science should be accessible and impactful, especially for communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental challenges.”
Asaolu’s accomplishments exemplify the power of perseverance, mentorship, and a commitment to equity. Her work at WPI and beyond continues to inspire those around her and pave the way for a more inclusive and impactful scientific community, and we are so glad to have her!