Afua Asare

Experience

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  Clark University

  Aug 2019 - Aug 2019

  Adam Achiever
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  Worcester Polytechnic Institute

  Mar 2020 - Dec 2020

  Research Student
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  Mass Mentoring Partnership

  Nov 2020 - Jan 2021

  Youth Leadership Council
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  Novelly

  Apr 2021 - Mar 2022

  SPEAK! Leadership Academy
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  Thrive Scholars

  Apr 2021 - now

  Thrive Scholar

  As a Scholar in the prestigious Thrive Scholars program, I was selected from a competitive pool of applicants for a 6-year commitment focused on college access, success, and professional development for high-achieving, underrepresented, first-generation students. Over the course of the program, I have been actively involved in a comprehensive four-year Career Development Program, which includes professional career coaching, as well as participating in case studies and projects that have sharpened my analytical, quantitative, and communication skills. This experience has equipped me with invaluable tools and support, fostering my academic and professional growth and preparing me for future career success. Show less

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  Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

  Jun 2021 - Aug 2021

  Research Intern

  Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogenic fungus that infects immunocompromised individuals, such as those undergoing anti-cancer therapy or living with HIV/AIDS. The highest mortality rates from fungal infections are recorded among the world's poorest populations, who often lack access to proper sanitation, safe drinking water, and healthcare resources. The increasing resistance to antifungal drugs has severely limited our ability to treat these infections effectively, making the discovery of new anti-fungal agents crucial. Given the eukaryotic nature of fungi, which share many cellular similarities with human cells, developing anti-fungal drugs that do not harm human cells has proven to be extremely challenging. In our research, we utilized screening data from the Broad DOS platform, which contains compounds screened against C. neoformans, to train a neural network capable of identifying compounds that inhibit fungal growth. Achieving a 99.97% test accuracy, our model predicted compound properties from 2D structures. Using this model, we screened an additional 75,000 structures and identified 8 promising candidates for further study by Broad scientists.Moving forward, we plan to diversify the training structures in our initial dataset to enhance the model's predictive power against a broader range of structurally diverse compounds. This ongoing research aims to contribute to the development of effective anti-fungal therapies. Show less

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  MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (previously OEOP)

  Jun 2021 - Jan 2022

  MIT Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community (MOSTEC)

  As a participant in the prestigious MIT Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community (MOSTEC) program, now MITES, I engaged in science writing and communications, and design thinking coursework, as well as invaluable college readiness workshops where I honed my essay writing skills and explored potential college majors. As part of my coursework, I conducted comprehensive research on the history of breast cancer among marginalized communities nationwide, an authored an article that highlighted critical disparities in breast cancer care in the USA. Additionally, I developed and presented a prototype for a physical activity app designed to promote wellness during the pandemic. At the end of the program my paper was recognized as a "Best of MOSTEC" article. Show less

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  The Valedictorian Project

  May 2022 - now

  Mentee
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  Harvard Undergraduate African Development Group

  Feb 2023 - now

  • Board Member

    Apr 2024 - now

  • Director of Programming

    Feb 2023 - Apr 2024
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  Women In Science at Harvard-Radcliffe

  Apr 2023 - now

  • Treasurer

    Oct 2023 - now

  • Alumni Affairs Committee Member

    Apr 2023 - Oct 2023

  • Freshman Representative for the Student Affairs and Events Committee

    Apr 2023 - Jun 2023
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  UVU Bio

  Jun 2023 - Aug 2023

  Strategy Consulting Intern

  As a Client Manager for the UVU Bio market entry project, I played a pivotal role in driving the global expansion of our parent company, valued between $25-$100 million. Focused on extending this leading African biotech education program, I worked with a team to initiate strategic efforts to bring transformative biotech skills development programs to West Africa. Conducting in-depth market analysis, we meticulously researched and recommended a cost-effective merged market entry strategy, strategically poised to slash expenses by a minimum of 40%. This groundwork laid the foundation for our ambitious goal of launching comprehensive programs across Africa. My team synthesized these extensive efforts into a compelling business case, outlining recommendations for a phased entry into Kenya and Nigeria. Deliberately approved by the UVU Bio board, this strategy is set to make long-lasting improvements until 2025.Throughout the course of the project, I actively engaged with clients and relevant third parties, ensuring transparent and smooth communication channels. This not only solidified our partnerships but also contributed to the overall success of the project. Show less

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  Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School

  Oct 2023 - now

  As a dedicated member of the Commissioner Search Committee for the HKS IOP Policy Program, I played a key role in securing a project with the National Women's Health Network (NWHN). Through proactive initiative, I facilitated communication with a commissioner from our partner organization in order to evaluate compatibility and explore potential projects.

  • Health Policy Commission Member

    Sept 2023 - now

  • Commissioner Search Committee Member

    Oct 2023 - May 2024