Clinton Ikioda, St. Francis Preparatory School

For Clinton Ikioda, the emphasis his parents placed on faith and education are apparent in his professional choice and accomplishments today.

“Living in Queens with my three siblings, my parents were very big on schools that developed us spiritually and on excellence in education,” said Ikioda, 24, today a ninth-grade biology teacher at St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows, Queens, which is his own alma mater.

Ikioda attended Catholic grammar school, where he developed his lifelong interest in science. At St. Francis, Ikioda recalls taking biology as a sophomore with a phenomenal, passionate teacher, and a chemistry course with a hilarious educator.

“I enjoyed their classes and loved the labs we did, and they had such faith in me,” he said. “I truly had teachers here who believed in me and who pushed me to be the best student I could be. I knew I wanted to major in science when I graduated.”

Ikioda pursued his undergraduate degree in biology and society at Cornell University, going on to teach at a charter school in New Haven, Conn. He’s currently completing his master’s degree in sociology and education at Columbia University’s Teachers College. When his current post became available last September, he “jumped on it,” said Ikioda.

“It had always been a clear-cut goal for me to return to St. Francis to teach,” he said. “I wanted to work in an environment where faith was something that was celebrated, talked about and acknowledged. Faith is personally one of my biggest priorities.”

Today, some of his own teachers are now colleagues. “They all have my back,” he said. “I never felt like a stranger here. I re-entered the same empowering, positive, uplifting atmosphere I graduated from.”

With his own students, “I aim to develop their love and appreciation for science. I want to spark their curiosity, so they can go out into the real world and make a difference.”

Beyond how much biology they retain, Ikioda said, “I hope my course instills soft skills that are so beneficial in everyday life — advocating for yourself, note-taking, perseverance and hard work. The idea that nothing comes easy.

“These are the skills that will get you far, not just in your academic but professional life,” said Ikioda.