Early Life and Education
Born on March 5, 1993, in Abuja, Nigeria, Esse Michelle Aigbokhan has grown from a promising young student in Lagos to a trailblazer in the world of biomedical engineering. A brilliant mind, Esse’s academic journey began at Bells University of Technology, where she not only graduated with a First Class in Biomedical Engineering but also received the prestigious award for the best graduating student in 2015. Her thirst for knowledge and passion for innovation led her to Washington University in St. Louis, where she completed her Master’s in 2023 and is currently pursuing her Ph.D.
A Life Dedicated to Healthcare Innovation
From an early age, Esse displayed a profound interest in healthcare. At 14, as a healthcare prefect in secondary school, she began to explore ways to improve healthcare access and affordability. Her undergraduate thesis, an incubator with a built-in phototherapy unit, was a response to Nigeria’s high under-five mortality rate due to neonatal jaundice. This project not only showcased her ingenuity but also earned her a nomination for a national science award.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Esse’s professional career is marked by her tenure at GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GSK) in Nigeria, where she began as a Future Leaders Program recruit in 2017. She excelled in multiple roles, including Associate Brand Manager and Brand and Customer Manager, receiving multiple global employee recognition awards. Her efforts in designing and executing campaigns have saved the lives of millions of children in Nigeria, particularly those suffering from respiratory disorders like asthma.
Research and Entrepreneurial Excellence
Esse is deeply involved in the field of microbial therapeutics, with a focus on developing advanced drug delivery systems for managing cancer and phenylketonuria. Her research thesis explores the potential of microbial therapeutics to not only reduce healthcare costs but also enhance the quality of care for conditions such as cancer, genetic disorders like phenylketonuria, and potentially diabetes. In addition to her research, Esse is a co-founder of a startup that is pioneering an AI tool based on Generative Pre-trained Transformers. This tool aims to tackle a significant challenge in diabetes management: the underutilization of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) services. Despite the proven effectiveness of DSMES, a CDC initiative, in improving diabetes outcomes, its uptake among those living with diabetes remains disappointingly low. Esse’s research interest and startup, which has been accepted into the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub as a partner, aspires to transform the US healthcare landscape and improve the lives of millions of people both within the United States and globally. Beyond her academic and entrepreneurial pursuits, Esse is an active contributor to the healthcare community. She serves as a consultant for healthcare startups, provides advice on global health affairs, and mentors in the fields of biomedical and biotechnology research. Her teaching prowess is evident in her role as a teaching assistant, where she imparted knowledge of the Python programming language to undergraduate students in biomedical engineering.
Personal Life and Volunteering
Esse is married to Dr. Oghosa Evbuomwan and is known for her commitment to community service. She volunteers at her local church as a trainer, blending her personal life seamlessly with her passion for helping others.
A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration
Esse Michelle Aigbokhan’s story is not just one of academic and professional excellence; it is a narrative of resilience, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of bettering healthcare systems globally. As she continues her journey in the biomedical engineering field, her story inspires many, especially young women in science, proving that with hard work, passion, and innovation, one can make a significant impact on the world.
