Title: Director and Clinical Scientist
Company: Pfizer Inc.
Location: Harrogate, Tennessee, United States
Jennifer D. Onwumeh-Okwundu, MD, director and clinical scientist at Pfizer Inc., has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements, and leadership in health care.
Dr. Onwumeh-Okwundu is a distinguished leader in clinical research, currently serving as the director and clinical scientist for emerging markets at Pfizer Inc. since 2023. Her role involves spearheading the Matrix study, which focuses on advancing vaccine use. Dr. Onwumeh-Okwundu excels in leading clinical operations and medical and scientific affairs, and guiding investigators in collaboration with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive studies and evidence-generation plans. Her expertise extends to leading multiple entities in epidemiology, overseeing protocol development, study designs and training. Dr. Onwumeh-Okwundu’s meticulous approach to data review and interpretation ensures the highest standards of research integrity and scientific excellence.
Before being acquired by Pfizer Inc., Dr. Onwumeh-Okwundu was a lead physician, scientist and clinical research lead from 2020 to 2022 with an independent group affiliated with Larkin Community Hospital and Johnson & Johnson’s vaccines and pharmaceutical products. Between 2017 and 2018, she served as a research clinician, medical officer and trial team lead clinician at the University of Cape Town’s HIV Prevention Trials Network, affiliated with MERCK/GSK. Her contributions were instrumental in advancing HIV prevention efforts through rigorous clinical trials. Before this role, Dr. Onwumeh-Okwundu was an obstetric medical officer at the Western Cape Department of Health’s Mowbray Maternity Hospital from 2015 to 2017, where she honed her skills in maternal health care.
Dr. Onwumeh-Okwundu began her career as a medical officer at Tygerberg Hospital under the Western Cape Department of Health in 2013. Her early experiences laid the foundation for her future success in clinical research and development.
Possessing a rich educational background, Dr. Onwumeh-Okwundu earned a Master of Science in medical sciences and clinical epidemiology, cum laude, from Stellenbosch University in 2014. She also received an MD in medicine and surgery from the University of Nigeria in 2009. Additionally, Dr. Onwumeh-Okwundu pursued an Executive Master of Business Administration from Valar Institute. Her educational background has been instrumental in her ability to excel in strategic areas of clinical development and real-world application of multiple infectious disease vaccines.
Dr. Onwumeh-Okwundu is a member of the Society for Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology, reflecting her commitment to professional growth and collaboration within her field. Beyond her professional affiliations, she is deeply committed to mentoring young women and guiding the next generation as they strive to achieve their goals.
As a seasoned researcher, Dr. Onwumeh-Okwundu contributed significantly to academic literature. In addition to authoring multiple publications that have advanced knowledge in her areas of expertise, she has served as an editor for the Journal of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology and the Global Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases.
Throughout her career, Dr. Onwumeh-Okwundu has been recognized for her dedication to advancing health care in emerging markets, ensuring that innovative and life-saving vaccines reach communities in need. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she is married to a pediatrician with two daughters and one son who aspire to follow in their parents’ footsteps by pursuing careers in pediatrics. Her passion for her work is fueled by strong self-belief instilled by her parents, which continues to drive her success today.
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