Chukwuemeka Obuekwe

MSc Integrated Immunology, 2025

I am pursuing an MSc in Integrated Immunology at the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences as both a Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholar and a Clarendon Scholar. I hold a medical degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and a BSc in Microbiology from Covenant University, both of which I completed summa cum laude.

As a budding physician-scientist, my research interests lie at the intersection of immunology, gastroenterology, and health equity. At Oxford, my goal is to deepen my understanding of immunology and investigate the immune-mediated mechanisms in gastrointestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and gastric cancer. My ultimate aim is to translate these immunological insights into improved therapies. As an Ethical Electives Scholar at the University of Cambridge, I previously explored a novel approach to treating upper gastrointestinal perforations.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I have co-founded a fast-growing digital health platform, taught and mentored hundreds of students, and led initiatives to expand open access to research and promote preventive healthcare in Nigeria. I am delighted to join the vibrant GTC community and look forward to engaging with its diverse network. When I’m not focused on my studies, you can find me binge-watching movies and documentaries, hiking, exploring nature and art, or hanging out with friends.

MSc Integrated Immunology, 2022

My name is Francisco Orliacq, I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina and I came to Oxford to purse a MSc in Integrated Immunology.

As part of my background, I finished the Medical Doctor Program at the School of Medicine at the Argentinian Catholic University (UCA) and at the British Hospital of BsAs in 2021.

I decided to study medicine because I want to help people and I am passionate about how the human body works, especially molecular mechanisms involving cell functions. I am fascinated by medical sciences, research, and teaching, three things I have been committed to during my studies.

My interest in immunology began during my medical training. Apart from vaccine development, which meant a great revolution in world health, as a student and physician I notice that immunology is even more present in medical practice: novel treatments for autoimmune disorders, cancer immunotherapy, infectious diseases and transplantation. I believe that having the opportunity to do this MSc will combine my two true passions: helping others & science.

I am also an amateur swimmer, I like cycling and I am enjoying a lot rowing.

Contact: francisco.orliacq@gtc.ox.ac.uk

MSc Integrated Immunology
2020

I completed medical school at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 2019, finishing as the best graduating student. At Oxford, I am studying for the MSc in Integrated Immunology at the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, and a recipient of the Oxford Clarendon scholarship.

As a budding clinician-scientist with interests in tumor immunology, I want to build a career at the intersection of compassionate patient care and cutting-edge cancer research. My MSc research at the Oxford Department of Oncology with Dr Eileen Parkes’ group will explore cGAS-STING immune signaling in cancers with ineffective DNA repair machinery, and the effects of modulating this pathway for better cancer treatments.

GTC has been a solid part of my Oxford experience especially as an international student studying during a pandemic. I enjoy the warm and inclusive atmosphere here at GTC and the resources for studying and socializing made available by the college.

I am also very keen about expanding access to education in Nigeria and I co-founded the The Ganglion Initiative, which has provided career guidance, mentorship and scholarship opportunities to over 8,000 students in Nigeria.

I enjoy music, traveling, climbing and particularly exploring the historic city of Oxford!