Precious Opurum Connects Students and Scientists at the Dream Center at SLCC

Hailing from Nigeria and having pursued my education in Ghana before moving to the United States, I have spent most of my life navigating the world as an international student. As a first-generation doctoral graduate, I understand deeply the importance of building community and creating connections, especially in spaces where cultural, financial, and institutional barriers can make academic life feel isolating. My journey has included challenges, from navigating immigration and funding to adjusting to cultural differences, all while trying to find my place in science and higher education.

As a first child and daughter who grew up amongst many male cousins, I have always had big dreams of what I wanted to become. These feelings were shaped largely by movies and stories that introduced me to the world of science and medicine. Those early interests eventually inspired me to pursue a doctoral degree. I started this journey clueless and often had to figure things out as they unfolded. I wish I had more accessible, relatable guidance that would have streamlined things and made me more confident in my decisions. In a bid to gain more insight into my decisions and progress, I turned to social media and naysayers. It was helpful for some time, but then it wasn't. I realized this whenever I had follow-up questions and felt that these accomplished people I watched and heard about were far more than I could ever be. It felt like we were in different worlds.

Reflecting on my journey, I am still navigating life, more aware. I’m attracted to opportunities that would make STEM more accessible and relatable for students from backgrounds like mine, including immigrant, first-generation, and undocumented students who may not see themselves represented in science. Joining the STEM Ambassador Program was a breath of fresh air. As a training program focused on bridging the gap between scientific innovation and the broader community, I automatically felt at home.

Following the immersion exercises, Dr. Atim Enyenihi and I organized “Stem Stories” in partnership with the Dream Center at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) during Dreamers Month in April 2026. We gathered students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation, underrepresented, or non-traditional students, interested in exploring opportunities in STEM and higher education. Our goal was to create an open, engaging, and informative space where students could connect directly with scientists, ask real-time questions, and hear authentic stories about navigating academia, research, and career development in STEM fields. We hoped that students could see people like them represented and know that STEM is not a single, rigid path and that professionals do not exist only on TV.

In preparation for the event, we worked closely with our Dream Center partners to coordinate logistics, invite speakers from different scientific and professional backgrounds, and design interactive discussion topics that would resonate with students. We intentionally created a welcoming and conversational environment, allowing students to openly engage with the panelists and one another rather than in a formal setting.

The engagement activity included a speaker panel, student Q&A session, networking opportunities, and discussions centered on academic journeys, overcoming challenges, representation in STEM, and career development. Students actively participated in conversations about graduate school, research, mentorship, and balancing personal identity with professional aspirations. The event concluded with informal networking, during which students could connect directly with speakers and peers. The turnout exceeded expectations, with 57 attendees recorded through sign-in sheets. Survey feedback demonstrated that participants found the session valuable, relatable, and inspiring. Many students shared that hearing diverse personal stories and career experiences helped them feel more confident in pursuing STEM opportunities they previously thought were out of reach. One of the most meaningful aspects for me was knowing that each student left not only encouraged but also equipped with real contact and resources to address a burning question in their hearts, supporting their next steps.

As a scientist studying mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease and renal cancer, I am committed to a translational research career and equally to translational service. This means connecting what I study and lead in the lab to how I support and empower the communities I live in and learn in. By contributing both inside and outside the lab, I learned that even small acts of mentorship and visibility can have a lasting impact. This work has made me more intentional, compassionate, and devoted to building bridges, supporting students, and encouraging the inner explorer in all of us.

Reflecting on the event, one of its greatest strengths was the sense of openness and belonging fostered throughout the discussions. Students were highly engaged and asked thoughtful questions, highlighting the importance of creating spaces where representation and mentorship are visible and accessible. Collaborating with community-centered partners also enhanced the event's impact. In the future, we plan to expand the events by incorporating more interactive components, hands-on STEM demonstrations, and additional networking opportunities.

I’m deeply grateful to the SLCC-Dream Center, our invited speakers, attendees, and the STEM Ambassador Program for their support and collaboration in making this event successful. Their commitment to student empowerment and inclusive STEM engagement made this experience both meaningful and impactful.