Ngozi Idika

Meet Your Departmental Student Advisor!

Ngozi Idika photo

Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Major: Critical Ethnic Studies
Concentration: Community and Global Health
Best Adjective to Describe You: Dignified

Congratulations Ngozi, Class of 2021

Department Student Advisors (DSAs) are senior majors who are nominated by the departments, and make themselves available to students to answer questions about the department. They know firsthand what it’s like to be in the major. They are available via email, and at special campus events to answer your questions.


In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The interdisciplinary aspect of the major is dynamic. It really brings a breadth of knowledge that most majors don’t have.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Knowledge is power, so ask questions. Don’t be afraid to talk to the DSAs. We are here to help by all means. Allow yourself to explore different subjects of learning. Attend events held by CES.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
Remember who you are first. Changing in college is great as you learn more, but don’t conform to things that you know internally will make you unhappy. Also, get involved in extracurricular activities because it exposes you to leadership opportunities.

What has been your favorite class at K? Why?
My favorite class would be Insurgency and Solidarity with Dr. Goméz. It exposed me to phenomenal theoretical frameworks that challenged my thinking and helped build my sense of reality in relation to the world around us in a complex and intellectual way.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
K’s interdisciplinary approach cultivated new interests in what I wanted to do. I have taken biology and chemistry classes to anthropology and English. The classes I have taken enlighten and challenge me outside my comfort zone. Before, I took mainly science classes, but exploring other departments allowed me to become an independent thinker.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I am on the executive board in Women of Color Alliance and Kalama Africa. I have presented in student conferences in other schools through the Intercultural Center. I am also part of the MAPS.

What is your SIP?
For my SIP, I will be focusing on the exploitation of black bodies in medical practices with Dr. Sinha. I will be looking at studies and events in medical practices that have exploited black bodies for scientific racism and in the health-care system. I will be analyzing theoretical frameworks to back up my work.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I plan to study Public/Global health in graduate school and go on to medical school or to further a career in Epidemiology.