VALID8

Rachel Okojie is an undergraduate student at the University of Benin, Nigeria. In this special VALID8 interview marking the milestone of 1,000 VALIDATE members worldwide, Rachel shares her experiences in TB research and her journey within the network.

1 – What do you do / what do you research?

I am a lecturer and researcher in a university, and my research focuses on tuberculosis.

2 – What drew you to studying vaccines?

I was drawn to studying vaccines because of my zeal to make a positive impact as a researcher and to reduce the TB disease burden in humans.

3 – How has VALIDATE shaped your work or career and research so far?

VALIDATE has taught me to be more resourceful. It has widened my research horizon and created a comfortable space for collaboration with members.

4 – What’s your favourite memory or moment from your time with VALIDATE?

I always cherish the Annual General Meeting. I look forward to it as a big family reunion, filled with cheerful and pleasant people, lots of excitement, and of course gooood meals.

5 – What do you value most about being connected to 1,000 researchers across 80+ countries?

I feel like a special brand, with high-class exposure and access to global expertise.

6 – What advice would you give to the 1,000th VALIDATE member joining today?

You are very lucky to belong to this great family. Be active in all VALIDATE activities and remain open to being positively transformed in all areas of life.

7 – What excites you most about the future of VALIDATE?

What excites me most about the future of VALIDATE is being involved in the development of newer and widely accepted vaccines globally.

8 – Describe VALIDATE in one word.

Phenomenal.