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Student Spotlight: Kenechukwu Sibeudu MS’26

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Building a Healthier Future Through Data

Kenechukwu Sibeudu’s path to health data science began with an introductory biostatistics class during her undergraduate studies, a first exposure to the power of data in healthcare. That interest deepened after graduation, when she began working in the life sciences industry. “I found myself increasingly curious about the data driving the tests I performed in the lab. I realized I wanted to approach healthcare issues from a data-driven perspective.”

That curiosity led Kenechukwu to Dartmouth, where she is now pursuing her Master of Science in Health Data Science at the Geisel School of Medicine. For her, the decision was as much about the community as it was about education. "I came to Dartmouth because I wanted to join a community of scholars with diverse backgrounds and experiences,” she says. “I was drawn to the opportunity to learn from esteemed faculty and peers, while also being part of an environment that values and appreciates my own background and perspectives.”

At Dartmouth, Kenechukwu has found more than just a rigorous academic program. She has discovered a supportive, hands-on learning environment. “I’ve been surprised by the abundance of opportunities to apply what we’re learning,” she says. She recently joined Dr. Alka Dev’s lab, where she collaborates with both Dr. Dev and Dr. Wesley Marrero on a project in the MATRIX CoLab. Together, they are developing a machine learning model to assess polysocial risk determinant outcomes in maternal health. “It’s incredibly rewarding to take concepts from the classroom and put them into practice on work that could shape real-world outcomes.”

Her dedication and vision for global impact also earned her a place in Dartmouth’s Global Health Fellows Program, which offers students the chance to engage with global health challenges through research, policy, and field experiences. “Being a Global Health Fellow has broadened my understanding of what it means to drive change in public health. It's helped me think more deeply about the systems that impact care access and outcomes.”

With a strong foundation from Dartmouth, Kenechukwu is building the expertise to bridge clinical understanding with data-driven solutions. “Dartmouth has helped me grow into someone who’s comfortable navigating complex problems from an interdisciplinary perspective,” she says. “It’s also taught me to be an inquisitive learner, unafraid of exploring unfamiliar paths.” Looking ahead, she hopes to continue applying data science to drive meaningful change in the communities she serves. 

“Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help!” Kenechukwu offers incoming students. “There are so many people here who are invested in your success and willing to support you, but you are your own best advocate. Taking that first step to ask for assistance can make all the difference.”

And when she’s not immersed in her research or classwork? You might find her unwinding at a local favorite: “Watching a movie at the Nugget Theatre and then getting ice cream next door at Hanover Scoops!”

 

Written by: Mia Soucy

POSTED 9/29/2025 AT 04:05 PM IN #studentspotlight #HealthDataScience #2025