Barbara Okeke graduated with her PhD in Human Toxicology in May 2018. Her dissertation is entitled: "Changes in Biomarkers of Adolescent Applicators and Non-Applicators Over Time Related to Lambda-Cyhalothrin, Alpha-Cypermethrin, Chlorpyrifos, and Profenofos Pesticide Exposure".While working on her PhD, she served as a Graduate Research Assistant with the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health. She studied biology and nursing at Norfolk State University. Barbara was also an ACT North American Fellow with the American College of Toxicology, the GPAC/JFC Chair with the University of Iowa Graduate and Professional Student Government, Vice President with the Society for Black Graduate and Professional Students at the University of Iowa, Treasurer with the National Black Graduate Student Association, and Iowa State Director with the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Barbara joined the Human Toxicology program due to her "fascination with neuro-toxicity and the abundance of collegiate research being done in that field [at the University of Iowa]. This university is also very diverse and offers countless opportunities and growth for women in the sciences."

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Diane Rohlman