Scholars in the Arts
"I am fascinated by the breadth of Art History and by how painting teaches a culture about itself."
Scholars Around the World
Two JKCF Scholars organize a 15-day study tour to Bolivia to explore the country’s political economy, peoples and rural development
Kojo N. Wallace
“People with different backgrounds provide the freshest and most interesting information.”
- Alumni of: 2008 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program
- Resides: New York, NY
- Hometown: Takoradi, Ghana.
- Age: 26
- Community College: CUNY Bronx Community College
- Four-year College or University: Cornell University
- Graduate School: Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Education / Academia, Entrepreneur / Independent Business, Medical Practitioner, Biochemistry, Mathematics
- Other Interests: Church / Religious Organization, Environmental Science, Honor Society, International Relations / NGOs, Leadership Development, Performing Arts / Theatre, Sports, Tutoring / Mentoring, Volunteer Work
Biography
PROFILE: In his Ghana high school, Kojo Wallace found his courses in physics, biology, and mathematics to be very similar to his other favorite subject, music. “They appeared to have a complex form of harmony and relationship; straightforward, yet abstract, and requiring one to be focused and yet open minded. I knew then that whatever career I chose would be in the sciences.”
Ghana has roughly a hundred linguistic and cultural groups, but it was not until Kojo entered the prestigious boarding school of Mfantsipim that he was introduced to the diverse cultures of his own country. “During that period, I understood more about the superiority complex associated with diversity and ethnic groups; I realized that they are social constructs that have no real bearing on the nature of individuals.”
INSPIRATION: Kojo’s experiences growing up in Ghana, where often incorrect diagnoses prolong illnesses, instilled a strong desire to provide quality health care.
ASPIRATION: Kojo plans to practice medicine.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Kojo served as a research assistant at Brookhaven National Laboratories, a student ambassador at Bronx Community College, and a student marshall on commencement day.
ACCOLADES: Kojo received a National Science Foundation merit scholarship and was nominated for the All-USA Community College Academic team. He received a first place award from the New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation for a presentation of independent scientific research. He is a recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa award for exemplary leadership while serving as Inter-Organizational Committee representative.
INTERESTING FACT: Kojo speaks Twi and some French in addition to English. He is a “total hip hop fan” who plays acoustic guitar.
Other Scholars Like Kojo
Rachel Alpert
Graduate Scholar
Harvard University
Tiffany Ellis
Graduate Scholar
University of Oxford
Kristin Ondecko Ligda
Graduate Scholar
Virginia Commonwealth University
Deeneaus Polk
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
University of Mississippi