Doctoral student Aiemere Oikeh receives 2024 Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award

Doctoral student Aiemere Oikeh has been named the 2024 recipient of the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award on behalf of the College of Public Health (CPH). Aiemere was among nearly 35 University of Kentucky alumni and students honored at the 33rd annual Lyman T. Johnson Awards luncheon on Oct. 11 in the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom.

The Lyman T. Johnson Awards honor individuals who have made a lasting impact on their communities while embodying the legacy of Lyman T. Johnson, the first African American student to attend the University of Kentucky (UK). UK’s academic colleges and units each select at least one African American student within the college or department whose academic achievement and ability to impact the lives of others would warrant them to receive the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award.

“Being recognized with the Lyman T. Johnson Award is profoundly meaningful,” said Aiemere, reflecting on the significance of this recognition. “It represents a deep connection to the values and legacy of Lyman T. Johnson, who stood for courage, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of equality and justice. It inspires me to advocate for minorities and to strive for more inclusivity and diversity in my research to reduce health disparities and promote health equity.”

Aiemere earned a degree in Biochemistry from the University of Benin in Nigeria, her home country. This foundation led her to pursue a Master of Health Administration degree from Missouri State University.

Aiemere’s journey to public health was shaped by her experiences growing up in Nigeria, where she observed significant disparities in health access and outcomes. These firsthand experiences motivated her to pursue a career focused on addressing the root causes of health inequities.

“Growing up in a diverse community, I observed the disparities in health access and health outcomes among different groups,” she said. “This sparked my desire to understand the broader factors contributing to health disparities and impacting health outcomes. Ultimately, I viewed public health as a vital field for driving systemic change and impacting the lives of others, and this inspired my entry into this field.”

Driven by a desire to understand the broader factors influencing health disparities, Aiemere sought out opportunities to engage with public health initiatives, which ultimately led her to UK.

“I was drawn to the University of Kentucky’s College of Public Health because of its strong emphasis on research targeted at addressing real-world health issues,” she said. “I wanted an opportunity to collaborate with diverse faculty and contribute to innovative research at the population level to address pressing health challenges.”

Aiemere’s research focuses on diabetes as a critical public health issue, particularly its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. She aims to address the root causes and social determinants contributing to health disparities, advocating for equitable access to healthcare resources. Aiemere seeks to develop interventions that promote health equity and empower individuals to manage and prevent diabetes effectively.

After graduation, Aiemere envisions her career progressing through a blend of fieldwork and research. She plans to work at a health department to engage with communities and address critical health concerns.

“I am particularly interested in conducting data-driven research to illuminate health disparities and inform effective interventions,” she said. “As I build my expertise, I aim to take on leadership roles that drive initiatives and mentor new professionals in the field.”

To learn more about the University of Kentucky College of Public Health’s people, programs, and passion for public health, visit cph.uky.edu.