Pharmaceutical Scientist – Peggy Nana Ama Arthur

 

I got to know Peggy through mutual connections on LinkedIn. Here is our interview about her scientific journey:

Hi Peggy, thanks for accepting to share your story with us. You are welcome to this episode of Words That Count.
Thank you Winnie. It is my pleasure to be here.

What is your full name?
My full name is Peggy Nana Ama Arthur

What do you do currently?
I am a PhD candidate studying Pharmaceutical Sciences at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Please tell us a little bit about your childhood; how did you end up where you are now?
I grew up in Accra-Ghana with a family of five where I was nurtured in a family filled with love and discipline. I attended Ave Maria School for my primary and high school education and later studied General Science at Wesley Girls’ High School. Right from childhood, I understood the value of education and always cherished every moment in school. After graduation, I studied a Bachelors degree in Biochemistry at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) despite my dream of becoming a Paediatrician because of my love for children and medicine.

Over time, while working as an intern in a Medical Laboratory during college, my preferences and interest had a rather remarkable twist. I began having avid interest in drug discovery and development. Fuelled by this new desire, I worked in the Teaching and Research Department at KNUST for my National Service and came to the US after a year (2018) to start my Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

What have you found inspiring and challenging along this journey called life?
Along this journey, I realized life is full of opportunities and paths to success depending on your perspective of every situation. I always look at the brighter side of every situation. I was challenged with adjusting to new things quickly and embracing change but everything worked out very well with the right mindset and the strong desire to follow my passion.

What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I love listening music and podcasts. I sing in the choir at church and go for walks at the park often. I enjoy spending time with friends as well.

What are some of your prestigious moments?
Best Teaching and Research Assistant award in the Biochemistry Department (KNUST).

Dr. Israel Tribble, Jr. Award, for demonstrating excellent academic knowledge and communication to enhance the American Community, Florida A & M University: May 2020.

Third Place Poster Presentation Award in Nano-Biotechnology, Tissue Engineering Nanopharmaceutics, NanoFlorida International Conference, Tampa, USA: November 2019

What is your favourite quote?
“ You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of
your success is found in your daily routine” ~ Darren Hardy

Please leave us with a word of encouragement
I believe in these five laws written by Bob Burg and John David Mann in the book ‘Go Giver’:
The law of value: Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
The law of compensation: Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them
The law of influence: Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.
The law of authenticity: The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
The law of receptivity: The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.

Thank you very much Peggy, it was such an honour to share your story with the world. We wish you the very best with school.