George Agyeman-Badu
Biological Sciences
Accra, Ghana
What is your main extracurricular activity? Why is it important to you?
I'm an executive member of the Ghanaians at Cornell organization. As an international student from Ghana, I find that from small talk or serious academic discourse, my experiences vest me with a different way of thinking and a different perspective which invariably allows me to bring unique ideas into discussions. Ghanaians at Cornell stands as a bigger me in the Cornell community to widen the scope of students' perspective by holding various events and activities that sensitize and engage the whole Cornell community with the culture of a different people. I am always happy to share my culture with other people as I enjoy learning about others' cultures.
Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most? How or why?
My peer advisor, but mainly my advisor (Gerald W. Feigenson), influenced my Cornell education a lot. He was a father figure who was so approachable I never hesitated to shoot him an email to make time to talk about my semester’s challenges, progress or just bounce ideas off him to get some good quality advice. I knew very little about research but he guided me into getting a research lab as well as securing funding for a summer research internship. Having taken over 30 courses and having interacted with at least 30 professors, I am confident to say my advisor is part of the top 1% of professors in terms of helpfulness outside of the classroom.
How did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?
Cornell brings so many bright students together and you are bound to learn something from others if you are willing. In some cases, your beliefs will be challenged, you will be forced to think in ways you never have and a new world will be opened to you in the process. You will stumble into new interests like I did with computer science when I took an introductory course out of a whim. Over the years, Cornell has slowly shaped me into an individual with stronger beliefs and with a lot more interests.
More News from A&S
Carbon dioxide key to making a precise polymer safely
Chemistry and Chemical Biology
