‘Physics gave me a path’: Cynthia Osuala on her rise from Nigerian classrooms to global quantum research

Cynthia Osuala, a rising Nigerian physicist, has credited her early passion for science with charting a path that has taken her from classrooms in Nigeria to the forefront of quantum research in the United States.

“Physics gave me a path,” Osuala said in a recent interview reflecting on her journey, which began with a fascination for simple experiments such as manipulating sunlight through convex lenses during her high school years.

Her academic excellence quickly distinguished her. Osuala completed her Bachelor’s degree in Physics at Bayero University Kano with first-class honors, a distinction that underscored her potential as a rising scientist.

Her trajectory accelerated when she was awarded a World Bank Scholarship in 2018 to pursue a Master’s in Theoretical and Applied Physics at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja. The award, which covered tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, gave her the opportunity to deepen her expertise while contributing to collaborative research projects.

“It was at AUST that I began to see physics not just as a subject, but as a global tool for solving real-world challenges,” she recalled.

During her master’s studies, Osuala earned a highly competitive Physics Researcher Fellowship at the prestigious RIKEN Research Institute in Wako, Japan, one of the world’s leading centers for advanced physics. There, she worked on topological skyrmionic systems, investigating how exotic spin textures could give rise to novel quantum phases. This work deepened her expertise in topological physics and marked her first major step into the frontier of condensed matter research.

“The RIKEN fellowship expanded my scientific worldview,” Osuala said. “I was working alongside some of the brightest physicists globally, and it strengthened my confidence in using ng advanced theoretical and computational tools to tackle cutting-edge research questions.”

Her pursuit of excellence has now brought her to the United States, where she is undertaking her Ph.D. in Physics at Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey, with a full scholarship. Her research focuses on Matter-wave Interferometry quantum devices, a field with transformative potential for national security, secure communications, and advanced quantum sensing technologies.

“Ultimately, my goal is to create a functioning quantum device that uses graphene as its core material,” Osuala explained. “Such a breakthrough would revolutionize secure communication and pave the way for innovative applications in defense and beyond.”

From her beginnings in Nigeria to international research fellowships in Japan and now doctoral work in the United States, Osuala’s journey underscores the power of education and persistence.

She sees her path not only as a personal achievement but as a testament to the role African scientists can play in shaping the future of global technology.

“I want young students in Nigeria and across Africa to know that science can be a passport,” she said. “It can take you from your classroom to the global stage, and more importantly, it can empower you to create solutions that matter.”