Amy Nkrumah’s journey toward a career in medicine began with a life-changing moment. "One of my earliest encounters with the medical field occurred when I accompanied a relative to the labor and delivery ward as she entered active labor," says Amy. "Witnessing such a profound event left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to pursue a career in medicine, specifically in providing exceptional care to women and their families."  

Today, Amy is majoring in behavioral and biological sciences and pre-medicine at the University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters (CASL).

Researching Nanomedicine with Visionary Mentors

Since June 2022, Amy has been actively involved in innovative nanomedicine research, working under the mentorship of Krisanu Bandyopadhyay, PhD, chair, Department of Natural Sciences, and professor of chemistry; and Zhi “Elena” Zhang, MD, PhD, associate professor of neurobiology, CASL Natural Sciences. “In our lab, we synthesize gold nanoparticles and conjugate them to a protein-folding chaperone, which is then used in a juvenile mouse model of traumatic brain injury,” she says. “My main role involves synthesizing the nanoparticles, which requires a deep understanding of both inorganic and organic chemistry concepts.”

Although Amy is not a chemistry major — unlike many of the previous students involved in the project — her interest in chemistry has always been strong. "This interest has grown even more as I explore its biomedical applications in the lab,” says Amy. “When I first started, I encountered several new concepts and instruments, but my curiosity drove me to learn and adapt. Dr. Bandyopadhyay’s mentorship has been invaluable in helping me navigate new challenges.”

Amy’s work has led to a peer-reviewed publication in the Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, as well as a presentation at the American Chemical Society’s Spring 2025 Conference in San Diego.

MAPS Leadership

In addition to her research, Amy has been an engaged leader in the Minority Association of Pre-Med Students (MAPS) at UM-Dearborn, where she has served as both treasurer and president.

One of her first major responsibilities was overseeing the financial aspect of the MAPS trip to the Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC), hosted by the Student National Medical Association. “As president in 2023, I wanted to make it easier for students to learn about AMEC and attend,” she says. “I implemented virtual information sessions and created an email list for interested students, which allowed them to attend the conference free of charge, thanks to generous support from CASL and the College of Education, Health, & Human Services (CEHHS).

At AMEC, students participate in clinical simulations and interact with admissions representatives and medical students from across the country. Under Amy’s leadership, two student groups attended AMEC conferences in Hartford and New Orleans, with a third group preparing for the AMEC 2025 conference in St. Louis.

After attending AMEC in 2023, Amy took the initiative to connect UM-Dearborn students with admissions recruiters at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine by organizing a virtual session for those unable to attend the conference in person.

Creativity and Impact in Campus Leadership

Amy’s leadership experience began with her role as secretary of the Biology Club, where she had the opportunity to plan creative and stimulating events. “In the winter 2022 semester, I learned that the Natural Sciences Department had been collecting used lab coats for redistribution,” she recalls. “I proposed that the Biology Club host a free lab coat tie-dye event, allowing students to decorate and take home coats for their classes and labs. The event was a success, with over 30 students benefiting from the initiative.”

That same year, Amy designed an educational event based on content from introductory biology classes. “After taking BIOL 140, I organized the first human-sized cell replica competition, where student groups built life-sized models of eukaryotic cell structures that were assessed by faculty judges. Over 70 students participated, and the faculty feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It was rewarding to see students creatively depict structures like the Golgi apparatus and mitochondria.”

Applying Creativity to Health Education

Amy’s academic journey has allowed her to apply her knowledge in innovative ways. One example is a final project in a course taught by Susana Peciña, PhD, professor of psychology, CASL Behavioral Sciences. “We created a podcast episode on sleep health for adolescents. The feedback received from Dr. Peciña was invaluable in shaping our project,” she says. “This experience taught me to approach challenges with an open mind and think creatively — skills that will be essential as I pursue a career in medicine, particularly in patient education and empowerment.”

Volunteering at Corewell Health

Outside the classroom, Amy has dedicated her time to volunteering at Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital. Each week, she serves as a cuddler in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, providing comfort to infants and support to their families during challenging times. “My experience in the NICU has been transformative,” she says. “It has reaffirmed my passion for medicine and deepened my understanding of the healthcare system. It’s been incredibly rewarding to make a positive impact on the lives of newborns and their families, and I’m more committed than ever to becoming a physician who can make a meaningful difference.”

A Shared Journey with her Sister Rachel

Amy’s college experience has been further enriched by attending UM-Dearborn alongside her sister, Rachel, who graduated in 2024. She says she looks forward to her future in medicine, carrying the invaluable lessons and experiences from her time at UM-Dearborn.