About

Welcome to CollegeSista! 

CollegeSista is a platform providing advice about applying to, matriculating to, and thriving in graduate school. As a computer scientist, interdisciplinary researcher, avid traveler, voracious reader, and blogger, I'm looking forward to sharing my insights in this digital space I've curated! CollegeSista is a place where underrepresented students can find inspiration from a former PhD student and learn more about life as an academic in this place called the “Ivory Tower”.

Who am I?

I’m Chinasa T. Okolo, a Ph.D. graduate in Computer Science at Cornell University. Aside from being a student, I love to travel internationally (30+ countries visited!), listen to music, read, sing, and dance. My research examines how African governments can enable effective AI and data governance, investigates the impact of data work in the Global South, and analyzes datafication and algorithmic marginalization in Africa. I’ve published research at top-tier venues in human-computer interaction, sociotechnical computing, and technology policy.

I'm passionate about improving equity in AI, developing responsible AI and data governance frameworks, and bolstering the African tech ecosystem.

I enjoyed receiving free products, but wanted to do something that had more tangible value and decided to take my knowledge from throughout the years and turn it into what is now CollegeSista! With this renewed focus, I hope to serve as a source for those looking for inspiration, advice, and insight into my life as a graduate student and as a future professional.

Looking for more?

For more information about me, check out my FAQs page and follow me on social media everywhere @CollegeSista! I appreciate you visiting my blog and be sure to stick around for great content.

Are you a brand interested in getting a student perspective on your products or services? Chinasa (CollegeSista) is available to collaborate on sponsored media posts, product reviews, and brand ambassadorships. Please contact me through email!