CHIMEZIRIM EVELYN OPARA
Princeton
Summary
Motivated neuroscience student with a strong foundation in molecular biology, synthetic biology, and public health research, complemented by leadership and communication skills. Demonstrates a keen interest in laboratory research and metabolic neuroscience, fostering interdisciplinary inquiry to address complex scientific challenges. Passionate about navigating the neural circuits that govern motivation and feeding behavior, as well as exploring the intricacies of metabolic regulation and obesity biology. Eager to contribute to innovative research initiatives that enhance understanding of these critical areas!
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Advising Fellow
Matriculate
11.2025 - Current
- Provide 1:1 college advising to high-achieving, low-income high school students throughout the college application cycle.
- Support students with college research, personal statements, supplemental essays, and financial aid/FAFSA navigation.
Community Action (CA) Leader — Refugee Services
Princeton University
08.2025 - 09.2025
- Led small group discussions and service-learning activities for first-year students on global migration and community support initiatives.
- Coordinated projects with local organizations and guided reflections on equity, resource access, and civic engagement.
- Incoming Class Orientation
Social Engagement Lead, Resources Lead, Youth Chapter Coordinator
American Red Cross
06.2023 - 08.2025
- Led youth engagement campaigns through social media, events, and volunteer outreach initiatives.
- Produced and distributed the YouthWire newsletter to thousands of youth volunteers nationwide.
- Managed and updated youth-facing content on redcross.org and maintained national resource libraries.
- Strengthened visibility and connection across Red Cross youth chapters and volunteer networks.
- National Youth Council
Education
B.A - Neuroscience
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ05-2028
Skills
- Bilingual: Fluent in English and Igbo
- FIRST AID and CPR certified
- Emergency Preparedness: training in opioid overdose prevention and emergency response protocols
- Communication: Experienced in program documentation, resource creation, and volunteer outreach
Research
Utilization of Photosynthetic Dinoflagellates for Renewable Energy — Stanford University iGEM 2023 September
- Investigated synthetic biology approaches using Symbiodinium species for sustainable marine biofuel production; conducted literature review and project ideation.
Mathematical Models and Malaria — Cornell University, HPREP, 2023 March
- Assessed the role of mathematical modeling in combating malaria in developing countries.
Where Action Fails, Silence Speaks: Resistance and Identity at the Igbo Landing — Princeton University 2024
- Explored silence as resistance using Julie Dash’s Daughters of the Dust (1991), Saidiya Hartman’s “critical fabulation,” and Ron Eyerman’s cultural trauma theory.
Racism Amongst Kids and its Effects — Independent Research — June 2020
- Examined childhood bias formation through a developmental psychology and neuroscience lens.
- Analyzed how racial prejudice is learned/taught behavior shaped by social modeling, environmental cues, and early cognitive development.
- Explored implications for long-term mental health, identity formation, and social behavior
Leadership
- Thrive Scholar April 2023 – Present
- Events Coordinator, Black Premedical Society at Princeton University January 2025 – Present
- Marketing Chair, African Students Association at Princeton University September 2024 – Present
- Academic Tutor for Elementary and Middle School Scholars April 2023 – Present
- Socials Communications & Encounter Team, Christian Union Nova at Princeton University Sept 2024 – Present
- Health Professions Recruitment Exposure Program (HPREP), Weill Cornell Medicine December 2022 – March 2023
Certification
- First Aid/CPR Certified
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Igbo
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Advising Fellow
Matriculate
11.2025 - Current
Community Action (CA) Leader — Refugee Services
Princeton University
08.2025 - 09.2025
Social Engagement Lead, Resources Lead, Youth Chapter Coordinator
American Red Cross
06.2023 - 08.2025
B.A - Neuroscience
Princeton University