Providing for his family has always been a constant in life for James Omweri. This UAB chemistry graduate now wants to build a better future for his family as a radiochemist.
James and his children Bernoulli, 6, and Bernice, 10.
Photography: Jennifer Alsabrook-TurnerFor James Mokaya Omweri, studying at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is a milestone in the future he is building for his family.
Omweri was born in Kenya and is a graduate student who will receive his doctorate in chemistry from the College of Arts and Sciences on Saturday, August 10.
First the family
As the second eldest sibling in a family of five, Omweri, now 37, spent his childhood and youth caring for the family.
“My sister and I did manual labor in our village to earn money and food for our family,” Omweri said. “But I knew that wasn’t the end of the road for me. Something inside me said, ‘James, you can do this, keep going.'”
When Omweri earned his bachelor’s degree in science education with government funding in Kenya, he was the first in his family to receive a post-secondary education.
“I trained as a high school teacher and was hired by the Kenyan government as a physics and chemistry teacher. I taught for seven years,” Omweri said.
After meeting his wife and having two children, Omweri wanted to continue his education for the benefit of his family.
Since Omweri was unable to obtain a scholarship in Kenya, he turned his attention to the United States. After receiving a scholarship to study for a master’s degree in chemistry, he moved to Ohio in 2017.
James and his wife Annan.
Photography: Jennifer Alsabrook-TurnerTwo years later, Omweri’s wife and children moved to Ohio. His wife enrolled at the same university on a scholarship to pursue her master’s degree in biology.
Looking for a warmer environment to pursue his PhD and raise his family, Omweri found UAB and applied to the Faculty of Chemistry.
Changes and challenges
Omweri enrolled as a doctoral student at UAB in fall 2020. In addition to facing the challenges of a doctoral student’s life, Omweri also had to navigate the pandemic.
“Being not from America, there are so many things you have to learn and get used to that go beyond studying,” Omweri said. “Technology is not as advanced and accessible in Kenya, so starting my Ph.D. program was challenging as I was trying to learn new materials and meet new people without being face to face.”
In addition to having to adapt to the nuances of COVID life, Omweri also worked as a teaching assistant. But as he worked through his program, Omweri focused on his “why.”
“From community to infrastructure and instrumentation, there is a place for you at UAB,” Omweri said. Learn more about finding your place at UAB here.
“My daughter would constantly ask me how much longer I would read, and those moments reminded me why I was learning in the first place,” Omweri said. “I wanted to one day be an encouraging example for them, like they had been for me.”
Be a blazer
Despite the challenges that come with being a father, learning demanding material, doing research and adapting to new ways of life, Omweri expressed his admiration and respect for his mentors and professors.
Omweri joined the laboratory of Suzanne Lapi, Ph.D., to whom he largely attributes his success in radiochemistry.
Photography: Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner“Without Dr. Lapi, I would not be here today celebrating this milestone,” Omweri said. “The professors at UAB place great importance on your success, and I am forever grateful for the preparation I received and the patience they showed.”
Omweri says the last four years at UAB have been fantastic and looking back, he appreciates the growth and opportunities UAB has provided him.
“I feel more knowledgeable and valuable,” Omweri said. “Staying focused, remembering where I came from and reflecting on what God has done for me has helped me overcome the challenges.”
In Dr. Lapi’s laboratory, Omweri was able to write and publish several research papers.
“UAB was able to support my drive and offer me opportunities that I never dreamed of as a young boy in Kenya,” Omweri said.
After three offers from industry for postgraduate studies, Omweri accepted a full-time position as a radiochemist. He says UAB is the perfect place for anyone looking to broaden their horizons for the future.
“I encourage anyone who wants to further their education not to let their background stop them from pursuing their goals,” Omweri said. “From the community to the infrastructure and tools, there is a place for you at UAB.”
