Why did you apply for the YAM program?
I applied for the YAM program to primarily gain exposure and interact with expert mathematicians. As a growing mathematician I consider these two as necessary for doing more in the field.
What fascinates you about mathematics?
Mathematics fascinates me particularly in how it applies to our daily lives and the ability to improve work efficiency.
What scientific question have you been working on in Bonn in recent months?
I work at the interface of mathematics and life sciences. In the research group of Prof. Jan Hasenauer at the LIMES Institute, I have been working on the primary cilium over the past few months. organelle that protrudes from the plasma membrane of most mammalian cells and acts as a signalling hub between the cells and the surrounding. A dysfunction of the primary cilium causes ciliopathies like polycystic kidney disease, retinal degeneration, obesity, skeletal malformations, brain anomalies among others. As such, knowing more about the cilium is crucial to addressing these illnesses. We know an increase in cAMP (Cyclic adenosine monophosphate) leads to an increase in Primary Cilium length. So the question is: Under what mechanisms does cAMP chemical species in a cilium influence the length of the Cilium considering the concentration levels of cAMP at different spaces across the cilium? To address this question we apply mathematical modeling.
You studied in Ghana and start a PhD position in Canada after your stay in Germany. Your scientific journey has just begun. Where do you see yourself in your future?
I see myself pursuing a career in mathematics in Ghana mainly due to the many problems I could help solve with mathematics. Obviously Ghana is a developing country and its limited resources will pose a challenge but given the resources needed I could not see myself in any other place than Ghana.
You are also involved alongside your academic career and have served as president of two boards in Ghana. What kind of responsibilities does such commitment entail, and why do you think it is important?
I was the vice president of the National Association for Mathematics Students, Ghana(NAMS-Gh) and also the president of The Mathematics Society of the University of Ghana (TMS-UG) during the same period. This meant that I basically represented the members of these associations at the national and university levels. As every leader has their own action plan, my plan was to motivate persons in mathematics to continue with the subject and consider making a career out of it. I and the executive committee achieve this through seminar programs, live radio talk shows, film shows, and creating as many committees as possible to have members have a voice in the association.
In addition, among other things, I have played cricket and baseball for Legon Hall at the University of Ghana, helped plan the 66th Legon Hall Week, been a librarian and event planner at the University of Ghana, and at AIMS (African Institute for Mathematical Sciences) in Rwanda.
I find these commitments important in balancing my academic life and social life. Also this creates more exposure to avenues I could apply my mathematics knowledge to improve or kind of increase efficiency. These commitments make me creative and give me access to various ways of going about an event which I consider relevant in my career as a mathematician.
How did you like it at the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics?
The Hausdorff Center for Mathematics presented itself to me as a place for business. For example, when I arrived in Bonn, I had to go to the center to announce my arrival. After a brief introduction to two PhD students, they directly asked me to do some mathematics with them. Subsequent events proved to be a serious place. Above all, having experts in the various areas of mathematics is fascinating as there is always someone you could approach with any problem. Above all, it is fascinating to have so many experts from different areas of mathematics in one place. There is always someone you can turn to with any problem.
What will you learn from your time in Bonn?
I have learned so much about the city, about the architecture, the design and the observance of traffic rules - even if I have sometimes caught myself not observing the latter. And let's not forget the people. Most people are friendly, and some greet you when you meet them on the street. Another example is that I was having lunch alone in the dining hall when someone (a stranger) sat down next to me and engaged me in conversation for over 30 minutes.
You're about to start your PhD thesis. What will you be working on in your project?
My PhD thesis will focus on understanding the interplay between infectious disease dynamics and population behavior dynamics. Basically, how changes in human behavior influence the spread of a disease carrying pathogen in a population. This is a topic that is currently highly relevant due to the Corona pandemic.
And last but not least, what is your big goal as a scientist?
The big goal for me as a scientist will be seeing my work or a work I contributed being included in policy making to improve livelihood or see my work make the lives of people better and safer.
The YAM program
The Young African Mathematicians (YAM) Bonn Visitor Program is a cooperation of the Cluster of Excellence HCM with the International Office of the University of Bonn and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) with its five centers of excellence in Rwana, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon and South-Africa. It is a support program for young researchers in mathematics and at the same time aims to promote the internationalization of the University of Bonn with a focus on the African continent. By immersing themselves in the mathematical activities at the University of Bonn, students as well as graduates get to know a high quality international research environment.
Each year, three mathematicians are selected by a committee in Africa through a multi-stage selection process. During their stay at HCM, they collaborate on projects, participate in events, and network. All of this is intended to help them further their personal careers and, in the long term, also advance the research infrastructure in their home countries.
The program was initiated by mathematician Prof. Dr. Franca Hoffmann, one of six so-called Bonn Junior Fellows at HCM. She has long been involved in various mathematics projects and organizations in Africa. At AIMS, she is currently coordinating the establishment of a doctoral school in data science on a part-time basis.
