Today@Sam Article

Global Journeys To Bearkat Success: Bernard Mensah

Dec. 10, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

For Bernard Mensah, a graduate student in chemistry at Sam Houston State University, the decision to study in the United States was personal and purpose driven. Originally from Kasoa, a small town in Ghana, he came to SHSU to explore groundbreaking research opportunities and build a career in drug discovery.

Mensah’s decision to attend SHSU was influenced by its proximity to family—his sister lives in Dallas—as well as the university’s strong emphasis on impactful research.

“The work being done on cyanide detoxification in the chemistry department caught my attention, because it’s a significant issue in Ghana due to illegal mining,” he said.

Although the professor he initially wanted to collaborate with had retired, he found a new research focus that aligned with his interests: synthesizing organic molecules for medical and synthetic applications.

Adjusting to life in the U.S. came with its challenges, including the difficulty of leaving his family behind in Ghana. Despite this, he was pleasantly surprised by the warm and accepting SHSU community.

“Everyone here is willing to help, from professors to friends to complete strangers,” he said. “The small class sizes make it easy to interact with professors and build strong academic relationships. You’ll find a welcoming community at SHSU that will help you succeed.”

Adapting to a new food culture is a common struggle starting out for many international students. For Mensah, the support he received proved transformative.

“The food was a challenge at first because it was so different from what I was used to,” he said. “Through the Global Engagement Center, I met my Bearkat Buddy, who introduced me to local cuisine and made me feel at home."

The international student community at SHSU has been a cornerstone of Mensah’s experience. Regular weekend soccer games and shared cultural experiences with fellow students have fostered a true sense of belonging.

“The camaraderie among international students is incredible,” he said.

Mensah envisions a career as part of a research team focused on developing treatments for diseases like malaria. SHSU’s supportive environment and access to state-of-the-art research tools have equipped him to pursue and define his goals. From Ghana to Huntsville, Mensah’s journey exemplifies the power of education to bridge global challenges and create opportunities for meaningful impact.

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