Dajewel– Our Resident Curly Chemist

Well my lovely curlies, we are adding yet another resident expert to our growing list! Dajewel will now be among the ranks of our beloved Curl Whisperer, Dr. Perry our resident M.D., and SuburbanBushbabe. Let’s meet this lovely curly Belizean:

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Barry University. During this time, I conducted research with my professor and advisor, Dr. George Fisher. I also conducted research at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Florida. I did a research internship in Naples, Italy, through the Minority International Research Training (MIRT). I have presented posters at two American Chemical Society meetings and one Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) symposium. Datum that I generated while working with Dr.Fisher contributed to an article that was published in Amino Acids.

I have experience in method development, formulations and quality assurance in the following industries: cosmetic, food and biopharmaceutical. I am currently pursing my Master of Science in Biotechnology/Bioscience Regulatory Affairs at Johns Hopkins University. I am a member of the American Chemical Society, Sigma Xi National Research Honor Society and Gamma Sigma Epsilon National Honor Society.

My hair was occasionally hot combed until the age of 16. I was relaxed from age 16 to 21. I decided to grow out my perm because the last one pretty much destroyed the length and thickness of my hair. I transitioned by wearing cornrows, and gradually trimming the relaxed ends. Since then, I have worn my hair pressed and curled (the last time I got this done was two years ago), two-strand twisted, twist-outs, and my ‘fro. I have been natural for about five and a half years. Co-washing, aloe gel straight from the plant, 100% unrefined shea butter, EVCO, castor oil and a good leave-in never failed my hair! I would not trade my coils, kinks and curls for nothing!!

DaJewel will contribute to CurlyNikki.com bi-weekly, picking apart the ingredients in popular as well as lesser known products. She will be making recommendations based on her findings… enabling PJs worldwide!

You can also find Dajewel on the forums!