The Science of Transfer: From LCCC to Yale University

Transfer Student Akua Agyemang of North Ridgeville Graduates from Yale University, Begins Preparing M.D.-Ph.D. Applications

With plans to attend medical school and become an obstetrician-gynecologist, Akua Agyemang knows she has a long and potentially expensive route ahead of her in higher education. So when it was time to decide what college she would attend after graduating from North Ridgeville High School in 2019, Agyemang selected Lorain County Community College for her first college degree.

In May 2021 she earned an associate of science degree from LCCC with a 4.0 grade point average. She transferred to Yale University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry with Distinction in 2024.

Now, she’s preparing her MD-PhD applications with an eye on computational biology.

“Everyone says it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and they are 100% correct,” Agyemang says.

As part of her preparation, Agyemang is completing a fellowship through the Advancing Success and Persistence in Research Education (ASPiRE) program. She was matched with the Christopher Mason Lab within the Division of Physiology and Biophysics at Weill Cornell Medicine.

“I started in August and almost a week later I was in Tokyo with them for a conference,” she says. “It was a cool experience and very eye-opening, and a little unsettling, to learn just how diverse a microbial ecosystem exists in public transport globally.”

Ageymang’s current project is a computationally-based spatial transcriptomic study of liver cancer.

“Learning coding has been on my to-do list for quite some time, so I am really grateful to have the opportunity to finally get my feet wet,” she says.

Before transferring to Yale, Agyemang immersed herself in science research at LCCC, conducting graduate-level studies in chemistry and microbiology under the direction of Dr. Regan Silvestri and Dr. Harry Kestler, respectively. She was a member of LCCC’s chapter of the American Society of Microbiology and presented her research at multiple conferences.

“LCCC allowed me the opportunity to collaborate with bright students and faculty members who share a passion for utilizing their intellectual talents to help others, as well as the privilege to work closely with those who share the same values and passions as myself,” she says.

“My two years at LCCC have allowed me to pursue a quality education at a price that was affordable for myself and my family.” – Akua Agyemang

In addition to her research, Agyemang served as president of LCCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She helped PTK members adapt to online classes and meeting, as well as connected with the community through service projects.

Outside of the college, Agyemang worked at CVS pharmacy, where she was on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout her various duties at the store, she placed a priority on spreading kindness to her customers during some especially trying times.

“Helping patients in any way I can has impacted them in ways I would have never expected, providing them the reassurance that they are not navigating these issues alone,” she says.

Agyemang earned national recognition by being named a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar, in addition to being named to the All-Ohio First Academic Team. The two distinctions recognize the top community college students in the country and the state.

“My two years at Lorain County Community College have allowed me to pursue a quality education at a price that was affordable for myself and my family,” she says.