Research Staff Spotlight: Oluchi Ibe

For Clinical Research Assistant Oluchi Ibe, helping to provide mental health resources to young people is one of the most fulfilling parts of her job at CHLA. “Today’s youth face so many challenges unique to their generation, such as pressures from social media,” Oluchi says. “Learning more about what they are going through and addressing this is important to me.”

Growing up in L.A., Oluchi knew early on that she wanted to be a pediatric doctor, but during her undergraduate years at Loyola Marymount University, she had the opportunity to conduct research. “I wanted to find research opportunities that related specifically to pediatric care,” she explains. “I’m now taking a couple of gap years before I start medical school, so I was really excited to apply for and start this job at CHLA.”

Oluchi works as a clinical research assistant in CHLA’s Clinical Research Support Office. She currently supports the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, a national longitudinal study for which Elizabeth Sowell, PhD, is the CHLA site leader. The study is aimed at understanding how childhood experiences, including sleep behavior, substance exposure, and social media use can impact brain development through adolescence.

“My role involves interviewing adolescents to understand how these situational and environmental factors may be affecting them,” Oluchi explains. “And I really appreciate that my team is super supportive and we all share the same dedication to creating positive outcomes for young people.”

Oluchi has also been able to shadow Dr. Melissa Bent in CHLA’s Jackie and Gene Autry Orthopedic Center. “Witnessing the compassionate care she provides has been an honor,” Oluchi says. “It's also how I hope to be as a future physician.”

In her free time, Oluchi enjoys going to the beach, traveling, trying new restaurants, and attending workout classes with friends.