ACA Early Career Scientist Spotlight

Personal Statement 

I was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa but moved to the United States in 2018, after receiving my pharmacy degree, to pursue a PhD degree in the biomedical sciences. Currently, I am a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), studying Pharmaceutical Sciences with concentration in Medicinal Chemistry. I am training to become a structural biologist; utilizing this powerful technique to study protein structure and function, and for drug discovery. I am involved in three exciting structural biology projects that include structure-function studies to elucidate the molecular basis underlying Agrobacterium receptor VirA pathogenesis in crop destruction; structure function studies to gain insight into the proteins’, YggS, PROSC and PDXI, involvement in vitamin B6 homeostasis; and finally elucidating the molecular basis underlying aromatic aldehyde antisickling mechanism of action, and to exploit the information for designing novel compounds to treat sickle cell disease. I have co-authored 5 publications (3 published, 1 accepted for publication, and one undergoing revision). I have also deposited and published 13 X-ray crystal structures of proteins in the Protein Databank, with some of these proteins complexed with potential therapeutic agents. I expect to publish at least 5 additional peer-reviewed articles from my ongoing research projects. I have taken part in several conferences and showcased my research in poster presentations. My journey as a graduate student at VCU has equipped me with skills in various cutting-edge technologies, as well as given me a platform to teach (PharmD) students coupled with undertaking ground-breaking research on novel areas in modern science.

Certain cultures and systems tend to hinder the progress of women in higher education. As an African woman in STEM, the opportunity to contribute and be of profound impact to the scientific community, while setting an example for others like me, is a dream come true and a step in the right direction towards what drives me. My research in sickle cell disease is particularly of interest to me since it is prevalent in Ghana and many African countries. My contribution in this area is how I can give back to my roots, indirectly, and that brings me so much joy. With all the resources and opportunities available to me, I enjoy giving back to the community. During the weekends, a group of scientists, including me, visit middle schools in Henrico, Virginia to garner interest in science in young minds. We engage in various science projects through play and teamwork and produce a conducive as well as a safe environment for them to learn. The objective is to increase the awareness of students in underprivileged communities of the possibilities of becoming whatever they want to be, just like how we have fought against the odds to climb up the academic ladder.

My personal motto has always been that “We are what we repeatedly do, excellence therefore is not an act, but a habit”, (Aristotle). This has always pushed me to strive for excellence through consistent self-discipline. Acquisition of knowledge and being a friend of the human race through service to others will, therefore, always drive me. I am a polyglot, with a mastery in 5 languages and a free-lance artist with specialization in hyper realistic drawings using charcoal. I am a budding scientist, X-ray crystallographer to be precise. My whole family is proud of this achievement so far. I am making my country, Ghana, proud abroad, and with the hope that it will serve as a powerful motivation for young black girls to take up science. I was recently nominated and inducted into the Phi Beta Delta honor society (Lambda Theta chapter) due to my academic achievements. I am also an active member of the International Student and Scholar Advisory Board member for the Global Education Office of VCU and plan to contribute my quota to other organizations in the not-so-distant future.