Cynthia Eluagu
Degree: Ph.D. Student
Advisor: Mark Orazem, Ph.D.
Born in Imo State, Nigeria, the fifth of six children, Cynthia Eluagu worked hard to stand out in her family. She did so by earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering with honors in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering.
She is now in her fourth year of her Ph.D. in chemical engineering at the University of Florida and will graduate Dec. 12, 2025.
Eluagu was inspired to pursue her doctoral degree because of a position she held at Feddo Group, an engineering firm based in Australia. She worked with onshore and offshore energy projects to identify challenges in global energy exploration and guide the trajectory of research initiatives in this sector.
She also led diverse teams researching pipeline cathodic protection, corrosion monitoring, materials optimization and flow assurance of multiphase fluids. This culminated in the publication of four research papers at international conferences.
At UF, her research focus is on electrochemical engineering, which encompasses electrochemistry, cathodic protection and analyzing brain stimulation electrodes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
UF also gave her the opportunity to work with Distinguished Professor Mark Orazem, Ph.D.
“I remember Cynthia as an engaging, talented and motivated young person, exactly what we want to see in our department,” Orazem recalled of meeting Eluagu over Zoom. “Her background is in materials science, and she has worked for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.”
“She wanted to work on pipeline corrosion, but my current funding was on electrodes for neural stimulation,” Orazem said. “She chose the advisor over the research area, and I am happy she did. She has been an asset to my group and we will miss her.”
As she approaches graduation, Eluagu has some advice for new students.
First, if you develop a case of imposter syndrome or feel that your accomplishments are not enough compared to your peers, remind yourself that you were selected for your program for a reason and you deserve to be there.
“I found it hard to believe I belonged among such talented peers. I leaned on mentors and peers who reassured me that these feelings were normal and temporary. Over time, I learned to focus on my progress rather than comparing myself to others,” she said.
Second, if you develop a case of culture shock from your new academic and social environments, take advantage of opportunities to engage with your peers, join student organizations and embrace new experiences. Sharing your experiences and building camaraderie will remind you that you are not alone.
Finally, Eluagu recommends improving presentation and communication skills by “attending workshops, practicing with colleagues and seeking feedback. Clear and confident communication has been invaluable in both academic and professional settings,” she said.
“Get involved in organizations like GRACE or AIChE, which provide networking, professional development and a strong sense of community. Don’t miss classes, study after your classes, attend office hours and group study and ask a lot of questions,” she added.
Eluagu successfully defended her dissertation. After graduation, she plans to secure a senior researcher position in the industry that will reflect her current research, as well as process optimization and semiconductors.
“I’m most excited about the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking innovations in the field of electrochemistry, material science and chemical engineering. The constant advancements in research and development are inspiring, and I’m eager to play a role in shaping the future of industries that impact the environment and society.
More about Cynthia Eluagu:
What is a skill that makes you unique?
My unique skill is my ability to solve complex problems. I enjoy analyzing issues and finding effective ways to resolve them.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to instantly learn and master any skill. It would make problem-solving and innovation so much easier, especially in research and everyday life!
What’s the last book you read?
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. (She read it to her 1-year-old daughter, but it still counts.)
Name a place on your travel bucket list?
Japan. I’d love to experience the culture, food and beautiful scenery.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would be jollof rice. I love the taste. Plus, it never gets boring.