When Jemima Sani arrived at the UGA College of Pharmacy from Nigeria in fall 2023, she brought with her not only a commitment to academic excellence, but a bold vision: to revolutionize healthcare through scientific innovation and strategic entrepreneurship. Now pursuing a PhD in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences at the College, Jemima also has earned a Certificate in International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences and is working on a master’s degree in the same program—achievements that reflect her determination to bridge the gap between research and real-world healthcare solutions.
“My parents introduced me to entrepreneurship, which sparked my drive for business,” she reflected. “While they wanted me to follow in their footsteps, my passion for science led me to pursue the PhD. I credit my parents for giving me the motivation to intersect science, healthcare, and business.”
But behind the bold vision was a student navigating unfamiliar territory, both geographically and professionally. “I wasn’t sure what direction to take in my career,” she recalled. “As a first-generation graduate student, I needed guidance, especially from someone who had walked this path before.”
Her decision to join the UGA Mentor Program was rooted in a need for clarity and direction. “I wanted to know how best my certificate program would fit into my long-term career goals,” Jemima explained. “When I found a mentor who had done the same PhD and the same certificate, it felt like a perfect fit.”
To her surprise, the process of connecting was simple and supportive. She was partnered with Dr. Tanzir Mortuza ’09, ‘18, a College of Pharmacy alumnus who is the Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs at BeOne Medicines in Boston and a member of the College of Pharmacy’s Alumni Board.
“Dr. Mortuza is incredibly welcoming,” she said. “He is always willing to meet, offer advice, and share his experiences. It was way easier than I expected. In fact, it was he who encouraged me to pursue the Master’s in IBRS after I completed my graduate certificate. My dual MS/PhD track will allow me to finish my master’s next spring.” In her research, Jemima uses 3-D patient-derived organoids to identify novel approaches for improving immunotherapy outcomes in patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
Beyond academic support, Dr. Mortuza offered life advice. “He encouraged me to take care of myself—to find balance and take time to rest outside of school. That was impactful.”
Said Dr. Mortuza about mentorship, “I enjoy encouraging young scientists to get out of their comfort zone and explore various opportunities. I love talking to them about their passion and career aspirations. I like to share my experiences and try to provide them with tools and resources for different opportunities. I have participated in mentoring programs at UGA as well as in all my other professional organizations and enjoy every bit of it. When a student gets benefits out of the program, there is nothing more fulfilling than that.”
In 2023, the College published a story about Dr. Mortuza, which can be read here.
Jemima found the UGA Mentor platform’s built-in resources especially useful as a first-time mentee. “The message templates helped with my initial outreach, and the scheduler made it easy to align our mutual availability,” she said. “The monthly goals and check-ins helped us stay on track and added structure to our conversations.”
With Dr. Mortuza’s guidance, Jemima continues to refine her vision: combining research, business strategy, and regulatory knowledge to deliver accessible and sustainable healthcare innovations across the globe. It also has allowed her to become an unofficial mentor to younger students in the laboratory where she works for Dr. Yaguang Xi, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences.
When asked what she’d say to students considering the UGA Mentor Program, Jemima doesn’t hesitate: “Definitely give it a try. It really helps to have someone who’s been in your shoes. They know the challenges; they know the paths; and they can offer advice that no online article can.”
For Jemima Sani, mentorship hasn’t just been a helpful experience—it’s been a catalyst for transformation, clarity, and confidence as she builds a career at the intersection of science, business, and global impact.
Jemima Sani
