Programs
Courses Taught
CHEM 221CHEM 222
CHEM 223
CHEM 224
Education
- Ph.D., Organic chemistry, Howard University
- M.S., Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento
- B.S., Chemistry, California State University, Stanislaus
Interests
- My work focuses on the synthesis and assessment of drug candidates for the treatment of sickle cell disease. Future studies include the synthesis of additional drug candidates, structure-activity relationship studies, and X-ray crystallography of drug-protein structures. My educational research focus is on developing general and organic chemistry course curriculum and laboratory activities that focus on the retention and inclusion of underrepresented groups in STEM, providing equitable learning environments for students and accommodating diverse ways of learning.
Affiliations
- GEM Fellow (Howard)
- Just-Julian Fellow (Howard)
- John and Elizabeth Phillips Dissertation Fellow (Phillips Exeter Academy)
Select Works Published
- Design, synthesis and evaluation of allosteric effectors for hemoglobin.
Enakaya, N.; Jefferson, A.; Chew-Martinez, D.; and Matthews, Accounts of chemical research, 2023 - Evaluation of alternatives to paraffin for antirelaxation coatings.
Lazare, J.; Enakaya, N.; and Lyons, J.L., JVST A, 2020
Philosophy
My teaching objective is to give students the knowledge and tools to develop informed decisions
about scientific information and to give support to students who seek professional careers in
science. My teaching method focuses on providing students with the foundation for success and
fosters discussion amongst students by creating problem-focused curriculum. Research has
shown that students learn more effectively when introducing science material using a practical
approach rather than focusing on lecturing and memorization. This creates performance-based
learning outcomes. For example, my method provides students with a list of skills that they
should acquire instead of a list of facts students should know.