Alaba Anna Tam Danagogo has emerged as the 2021 overall best graduating student at the Syracuse University in New York, the United States of America.
The 20-year-old graduated with distinctions in Biology Major and Minor in English and Textual Studies and was also awarded the prestigious 1870 scholarship by the university for another four-year Medical Studies.
Alaba Anna Tam Danagogo was the Students’ Speaker (valedictorian) for 2021 and was designated as a Senior Class Marshall of the university, recognised as a Distinguished Syracuse University Scholar, having graduated summa cum laude with a 3.97 CGPA in a four-point system.
Among her academic accomplishments are dean’s list honors, distinction in biology and the 1870 Scholarship, the highest recognition offered by the Office of Admissions.
According to Syracuse University:
“Danagogo’s studies in biology have also included experience as an undergraduate researcher, performing routine laboratory experiments and analyzing experimental data in support of graduate students’ research. Her current independent research focuses on the precise mechanisms of Cited2, a transcriptional co-regulator that is expressed during a phase of neocortical development in the brain. Through this research, Danagogo hopes to increase the knowledge surrounding development of the neocortex, which could act as the basis of a possible medical model for understanding and rescuing phenotypes of related neurodevelopmental disorders.
In addition to her research and academic pursuits, Danagogo has been an active volunteer and aide in the clinical field. She has worked with Crouse Hospital, first serving as a medical imaging patient care aide and now as a medical and surgical unit patient care aid. She also volunteered at the Ophthalmic Specialist Clinics in Port Harcourt, assisting nurses with administering visual acuity tests.
Beyond her work in biology and the clinical field, Danagogo has also found a passion for service through her involvement activities. She is the event coordinator for the Food Recovery Network, planning and organizing events to increase awareness of food waste on college campuses and raising funds for local shelters. She also serves as an international student mentor through the Connections Program with the Center for International Services. In this role, she assists first-year and transfer international students with adjusting to life at Syracuse University and connecting with relevant resources. Danagogo also works with the Center for Learning and Student Success as a tutor providing academic support to other students. Among her many involvement activities, Danagogo also found a new passion through the aikido sport club. Now serving as vice president, Danagogo enjoys practicing aikido and is on the sixth kyu.”
Receiving her valedictory award, Alaba Anna Tam Danagogo said:
“The journey was tough but I made the promise to myself to do my best and make my time at Syracuse University special for me.
I hope to gain the necessary scientific skills to care for those in need and also bring my thoughts to bear through literature and creative writing.”
