Chimdimnma "Chi-Chi" Esimai is to receive the 2013 United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and Merck Company Foundation Graduate Science Research Fellowship. 

The fellowship is awarded to help top African American graduate students complete coursework, conduct research, and prepare the dissertation required for a doctoral degree in the biomedically relevant life or physical sciences and engineering.  Esimai will receive a fellowship stipend to cover from 12-24 months of fellowship tenure.

Esimai, a pre-doctoral candidate in Georgia Tech's Bioengineering program, is advised by Andres Garcia, PhD, professor of Mechanical Engineering.  She is conducting research in cadherin-based cell-cell adhesive force.