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Okechukwu Achonu

2,185

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I'm Zeal, a Computer Science major at Fisk University, and I love figuring things out. Lately, that has meant working on quantum computing, AI, and software development. At MIT iQuHacks, I worked on a challenge that involved optimizing connections in a network by splitting a graph to maximize meaningful interactions while maintaining balance. With my team, I've built AI models that classified thousands of images, created a chatbot preserving Fisk's history, and led the backend development of an AI-powered healthcare misinformation detector that earned first runner-up at a Microsoft x Vanderbilt hackathon. Beyond tech, I find creativity in art and storytelling. As a Gallery Ambassador at Carl Van Vechten Art Galleries, I enjoy learning the hidden layers and stories behind each piece, but my favorite part is giving tours. Every visitor brings a new perspective, and I always leave with something unexpected to think about. I consistently volunteer within my community and as an Honored Ambassador for the International Youth Math Challenge (IYMC), I introduce youth from underrepresented backgrounds to advanced mathematics and help them understand how to use it to solve problems when applied to different fields. I recently started playing pool for fun, and I'm enjoying it - probably because of its geometry. Each night I look up, I'm reminded of how much more there is to understand. My best star is Betelgeuse in Orion, a massive red supergiant nearing the end of its life. I always search for the next thing to build, solve, or explore, and I've always enjoyed doing so.

Education

Fisk University

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Computer Science

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Technology

    • Dream career goals:

      Computer/Software/AI Engineering

    • Honored Ambassador

      International Youth Math Challenge
      2021 – Present4 years
    • AI Developer

      MLH VandyHacks
      2024 – 2024
    • Microsoft Atlanta, Vanderbilt Data Science Institute

      Software Developer, Backend
      2024 – 2024
    • Algorithm Engineer

      MIT iQuHacks
      2025 – 2025
    • Incoming Hardware Engineering Intern

      NVIDIA
      2025 – 2025

    Sports

    Basketball

    Club
    2021 – Present4 years

    Pool

    Intramural
    2025 – Present2 months

    Research

    • Computational Science

      Atlanta University Consortium — Student Researcher
      2024 – 2024

    Arts

    • Education USA Black History Month Celebration

      Performance Art
      A Tribute to Nikki Giovanni - https://www.instagram.com/educationusanigeria/reel/C3u0PayMbSB/
      2024 – 2024
    • Carl Van Vechten Art Galleries

      Visual Arts
      Gallery Tour Guide for Alfred Steiglitz Collection and Beverly Buchanan Collection
      2024 – 2024

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Summary of Volunteering at Fisk University — I have dedicated 78.38 hours to public service, volunteering, and advocacy. This includes 27.5 hours in public service, 44.88 in volunteering, and 6 in advocacy, focusing on leadership, education, community service, and career development.
      2024 – Present
    • Advocacy

      Fisk CS Club Interview Prep — I was both a participant and beneficiary of the training, gaining valuable insights and preparing for technical interviews.
      2024 – Present
    • Public Service (Politics)

      TSU x Fisk Freshman Takeover — I participated in discussions and activities to exchange ideas and foster collaboration between institutions and successfully complete the sanitation project
      2024 – 2024
    • Volunteering

      Freshman Day of Service — I actively participated in service projects that helped improve the university and community environment.
      2024 – 2024
    • Public Service (Politics)

      Health and Wellness Awareness (HBCU Wellness Project at Meharry Medical College) — I engaged in heart and mental health discussions to promote well-being and awareness on campus.
      2024 – Present
    • Public Service (Politics)

      Educational and Leadership Programs — I attended events like the MLK Annual Convocation and the Fall Honors Symposium to gain leadership insights.
      2024 – Present
    • Public Service (Politics)

      Career Development Events (Office of Career Planning & Development) — I attended workshops and events like The Showcase and The Voice of Influence to enhance career readiness.
      2024 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Gallery Volunteer (Fisk University Galleries) — I assisted with exhibit maintenance, guided visitors, and contributed to enhancing the gallery experience.
      2024 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Mailroom Volunteer (Fisk Mail Center) — I organized and distributed mail efficiently, ensuring timely deliveries and smooth operations within the Fisk Mail Center.
      2024 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Beulah C. Parker Memorial Scholarship
    Winner
    As I stood at my father’s graveside, letting the red sand slip through my fingers, I couldn’t ignore the role medical misinformation had played in his passing. It was a moment that shaped my perspective, reinforcing my belief in the power of knowledge and technology to make a difference. I knew then that I wanted to use STEM to create meaningful change that could improve lives and prevent others from facing similar challenges. STEM, to me, is more than a field of study; it’s a gateway to transformative solutions. From the way technology can connect people to how mathematical models guide real-world decisions, STEM has the potential to impact every area of life. Motivated by this belief, I sought every opportunity to deepen my knowledge, competing in events like the National JETS Competition, where I placed first, and the KSF National Math Competition, where I earned gold. These achievements represented more than personal milestones. They proved how education and innovation could open doors to a better future. As a Black student from Nigeria attending Fisk University, I represent a voice often missing in STEM. My background has given me firsthand insight into the challenges low-income students face while pursuing higher education, from the financial strain of tuition to limited access to resources. Despite these obstacles, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned recognition as a W.E.B. DuBois Honors Scholar and Erastus Milo Cravath Presidential Scholar. These accomplishments have strengthened my resolve to use my education to create meaningful change. One pivotal moment in my STEM journey was leading a team at the Microsoft X Vanderbilt Accelerate Your AI Un-Hackathon, where we developed TruthRx. This AI-powered tool identifies healthcare misinformation with over 90% accuracy. The project, inspired by my personal experiences, became a way to address the issue of misinformation. It reminded me of how technology can solve problems that directly impact lives. Additionally, it reinforced my goal to create tools that prevent others from enduring similar tragedies. Representation is critical in STEM, not only to ensure diverse perspectives but also to pave the way for those who follow. Through roles like Senior Ambassador for the International Youth Math Challenge and involvement in organizations such as HBCU20x20 and the National Society of Black Engineers, I work to empower other students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. I want to show them that they can overcome barriers and make an impact in STEM. The Beulah C. Parker Memorial Scholarship would alleviate the financial challenges that often distract from my studies and projects. With this support, I can continue developing solutions like TruthRx and mentoring others to pursue STEM. Every project I undertake—from creating AI tools to designing quantum circuits—is a step toward building a future where misinformation no longer costs lives and all students, regardless of their background, can realize their potential. I am committed to shaping a world where STEM will be a tool for equity and opportunity, ensuring that previous mistakes do not define the future. By championing diversity and inclusion, I aspire to create pathways for others to thrive in STEM, leaving no voice unheard and no potential untapped.