With an initial aspiration to become a medical doctor, Ejike eventually discovered an even broader calling – using research to improve health outcomes at the population level. This shift, fueled by his enduring passion for health and science, led him to build a career at the intersection of microbiology, epidemiology, and biostatistics.
"Medical doctors help individuals. Public health professionals help populations," said Ejike, who recently completed his Master of Science in Biostatistics and Data Science at UTMB's School of Public and Population Health. "Why not do it on a larger scale?"
HIV-Malaria Research Sparked Population-Level Thinking
Ejike's journey to UTMB began with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Microbiology, followed by a Master's in Medical Microbiology. His early research focused on co-infections between HIV and malaria, examining their combined effects on patients. This work sparked his interest in understanding disease patterns at the population level.
During his PhD in Epidemiology at Ebonyi State University, Ejike studied antibiotic resistance, specifically investigating ESBL-producing bacteria and their prevalence in water bodies across Nigerian states. But he recognized a gap in his skillset.
"Epidemiology came with biostatistics, but my experience during my doctoral studies wasn't as strong as what I needed," Ejike explained. "I needed a deeper understanding why and how variables relate to each other when conducting investigations and surveillance."
R Package Cuts Hours of Manual Data Processing to Minutes
For his capstone project at UTMB, Ejike developed an R package (NhanesCombine) that addresses a specific challenge researchers face when working with NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) data. The tool allows researchers to download data from multiple survey cycles, combine them, and automatically apply the proper statistical weighting.
"It saves you hours of downloading and recalculating the weighting of data from different survey cycles," Ejike said. His package enables researchers to extract exactly what they need with a single line of code, whether from one cycle or multiple years of data.
Using this tool, Ejike modeled infection trends in the U.S. population based on inflammatory biomarkers like white blood cell count and C-reactive protein, incorporating variables such as hospital stay duration, medication history, education, age, and sex.
"Get Your Hands Dirty" Approach Led to Research Success
Ejike 's approach to mastering R programming exemplifies his learning philosophy. Feeling overwhelmed early in his biostatistics coursework, he approached Dr. Dan Jupiter after class with a direct request.
"I told him that the best way to get to know something is to get your hands dirty in it," Ejike recalled. "He threw me right into the deep end."
The mentorship proved transformative. After completing a manuscript with Dr. Jupiter, Ejike received praise that boosted his confidence: "He mentioned that I did a fantastic job, and that the PI loved the work. Coming from someone as reputable as him, it was a wonderful moment."
Fish Farming Experience Taught Every Problem Is Solvable
Before pursuing his advanced degrees, Ejike ran a fish farm and palm oil plantation in Nigeria, building both businesses from scratch in an environment where bank loans for starting entrepreneurs were virtually nonexistent. This experience shaped his approach to challenges.
"Every problem is solvable," Ejike said. "As long as you don't panic and take it easy, you'll get through it."
This philosophy helped him navigate the rigorous demands of his MS program while self-funding his education—a feat that impressed even those who doubted it could be done.
Future Research Will Target Pharmaceutical Safety at Population Level
Looking ahead, Ejike envisions conducting research on pharmaceutical effects on population wellbeing. "Times are changing," he explained. "I want my research to move toward finding better, safer effects of pharmaceutical drugs on overall general wellbeing."
His ultimate goal extends beyond individual research contributions. Having taught part-time at the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu while mentoring young students, he sees knowledge transfer as an essential responsibility.
"At a certain age, you need to teach what you know," Ejike said, recalling childhood visits to village elders who shared wisdom with gathered listeners. "You need to let people know what you know."
U.S. Model Shows How Academia and Field Work Can Merge
Ejike's time at UTMB transformed his perspective on public health practice. In Nigeria, he observed a disconnect between academics conducting research and practitioners implementing programs. In the United States, he discovered these roles are intertwined.
"You cannot talk about research without talking about universities, and you cannot talk about public health response without talking about professors in the lab doing the actual work," he noted. This integrated approach is something he hopes to promote as his career advances.
For now, Ejike is focused on finding a position where he can apply his biostatistical expertise to public health challenges. His ideal role would involve collaborating with investigators on research that informs policy decisions affecting population health.
"I am that kind of person who likes when everybody feels like an extension of this body of a team," he said. "We all have to do what we have to do to make the team succeed."
Ejike Nwabueze graduated from UTMB School of Public and Population Health in May 2025 with a Master of Science degree in Biostatistics and Data Science. He also holds a PhD in Epidemiology and a Master of Science in Microbiology and is currently seeking biostatistician positions in pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions.