Dr Obohwemu teaches and mentors students across various disciplines, including public health, psychology, and mental health.
He explained: “My work sits at the intersection of theory, practice, and human experience—equipping future professionals with the knowledge and empathy to support diverse communities. In addition to teaching, I’m actively involved in mental health research, particularly in the development of new psychological theories and assessment tools.”
When asked about his biggest achievement to date, Dr Obohwemu stated: “Without question, the development of the Self-Comforting and Coping Theory (SCCT) and the Self-Comforting and Coping Scale (SCCS) has been my most significant achievement to date. This is a trailblazing innovation—a psychological theory and accompanying psychometric tool that specifically examines how individuals engage in self-soothing behaviours during distress.
“The SCCT is a world-first, offering a new lens for understanding emotional resilience, particularly in populations that may not have access to formal mental health support. Similarly, the SCCS is the first comprehensive validated scale of its kind. It’s already gaining attention in academic and clinical circles globally and is set to reshape how self-regulation and coping are studied, taught, and supported. For me, it represents the power of turning lived experience into research that can genuinely transform lives.”
However, Dr Obohwemu's journey to his achievement has not been easy. Arriving in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic, he faced immense challenges including three national lockdowns, isolation from family and friends, and financial uncertainty. Adversity ultimately shaped his work, allowing him to transform his lived experiences into a pioneering psychological framework.
Dr Obohwemu's academic journey was greatly influenced by his time at the University of Sunderland, where he developed his research skills and found a supportive community that emphasised applied research and ethical inquiry.
He explained: “What initially drew me to the University of Sunderland was its strong reputation for academic excellence in public health and its commitment to supporting international students. I was particularly impressed by the University’s focus on applied research and community impact—values that resonated deeply with my own vision for contributing to global health.
“Once I joined, I found a learning environment that was both intellectually stimulating and personally supportive. The faculty were incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and invested in student success. I appreciated the emphasis on critical thinking, ethical research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. My PhD programme challenged me in the best possible ways—it gave me the freedom to explore bold ideas, like the development of the Self-Comforting and Coping Theory, while also grounding me in rigorous academic methodology.
“Beyond the academic experience, I also found a sense of community at Sunderland. From the library staff to the research support team, everyone played a role in shaping my journey. I truly felt that I was part of something bigger—an institution that believed in its students and gave them the tools to make a difference.”
During his time at the University of Sunderland, Dr Obohewemu won the Vitae Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition in 2022, which significantly enhanced his communication skills, enabling him to effectively share his research with diverse audiences.
Dr Obohewemu said: “The challenge of condensing my entire PhD research into a compelling three-minute presentation sharpened my communication skills and forced me to distil my ideas into their most powerful essence. It gave me the confidence to share my work with broader audiences—academic and non-academic alike—and showed me the importance of accessibility in research. That competition didn’t just give me recognition; it gave me belief in the global potential of my work.”
In offering advice to recent graduates, Dr Obohwemu emphasises the importance of continuous learning and skill development: “Focus on becoming a person of value. Build skills that set you apart and remain curious about the world.
“The job market can be unpredictable, but your resilience, adaptability, and creativity will always be in demand.
“Also, don’t underestimate the power of relationships. Network authentically, seek mentors, and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Finally, know your worth—but be humble enough to start where you are and grow from there. Every step counts.”
Asked about his future plans, Dr Obohwemu concluded: “My next step is to continue expanding the body of research around the Self-Comforting and Coping framework. Two new innovations—the Self-Comforting Attitude Theory (SCAT) and the Self-Comforting Attitude Scale (SCAS)—are currently under peer review with reputable academic journals, and I look forward to seeing them published soon.
“Beyond publications, I aim to collaborate with international researchers, mental health practitioners, and educational institutions to integrate these tools into clinical, academic, and policy settings. Ultimately, I want to develop training programmes and intervention models based on this framework, so that emotional self-regulation becomes a teachable, measurable, and supported life skill—across cultures and continents.”