Larry Atakora-Amaniampong, a McDonnell Scholar and fourth-year Biomedical Engineering PhD student in McKelvey School of Engineering at WashU, is spearheading a commendable initiative to donate teaching laboratory equipment from WashU’s Department of Biomedical Engineering to three under-resourced BME departments in Ghana: the University of Ghana, All Nations University, and Koforidua Technical University. Each department will receive four Biopac Student Laboratory systems complete with accessories. These systems are essential for developing robust laboratory curricula, particularly in areas such as quantitative and measurement physiology, and they provide undergraduates with invaluable hands-on learning experiences.
For many universities in Ghana, the high costs make acquiring such equipment nearly impossible. By providing these tools, this initiative not only alleviates financial barriers but also significantly enhances the educational opportunities available to students. Beyond the donation of equipment, this effort embodies a broader vision: fostering global academic solidarity and ensuring that promising students, regardless of their geographical location, have access to the resources they need to excel.
Larry emphasizes that true impact arises from leveraging one’s networks and opportunities for the collective good, rather than merely for personal advancement. Through this project, he hopes to inspire others to recognize the importance of extending support to those in need, bridging gaps, sharing resources, and nurturing the next generation of engineers and innovators. Through his exemplary leadership, vision, and dedication to making a positive impact, Larry embodies the core attributes of McDonnell Scholars, emphasizing his remarkable contributions to academic exchange and collaboration.
