Could you tell us about your background? 

I have a BSc in Chemistry and after graduating worked as a teaching assistant for a year at the University of Ghana. A year later I started my MPhil in Nuclear & Radio Chemistry. During the second year of my MPhil I was employed by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) as a trainee research scientist. When I graduated GAEC fully engaged me in their chemistry department as an assistant research scientist; I was later transferred to the Ghana Space Science & Technology Institute (GSSTI). I served as the project manager for the African VLBI Network training for Ghanaians in Cape Town, South Africa from October 2013 until May 2014. Following this I worked as the deputy project manager for the Ghana Radio Astronomy Project (at GSSTI) from 2014 until 2017. GSSTI then put me in charge of science outreach & communication until I came to the UK in October 2019.

 

Please tell us more about your current area of research.

My research analyses the application of science diplomacy practices on enhancing policies in agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ghana.

 

What are your plans for when you finish your Masters? 

I will hopefully pursue a PhD in the field of science policy and diplomacy, however if that does not pan out I will go back home and apply my newly acquired experience and knowledge to better serve my employers.

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What started your interest in science policy and data science? 

My interest in science policy began during training sessions in South Africa, where I acted as the project manager and media liaison for work groups of scientists and technologists. 

 

What would your dream job be, and where?

I would like to interface between scientific research and policy making. I want to advocate for why governments and the private sector should both invest in scientific research, and help policy makers to understand the significance of informed and evidence-based policy making . I would like to do this in Ghana but also wherever the opportunity might take me.

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What advantages do you think there are for students with machine learning skills, particularly in Africa?

With the advent of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope and the Africa VLBI Network (AVN), there is a great need for data scientists and data analysts.

  

What have you enjoyed most about the UK while you've been studying here?

Compared to other European countries the UK has a wide variety of people with many different cultures which makes it easier to integrate into social groups. The language also makes it easy to communicate and you can get around to different places with relative ease.

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