PROFILE: Ndang Azang-Njaah
Meet Ndang!
Ndang Azang-Njaah is a junior biochemistry major from Westminster, Maryland whose parents hail from Cameroon. At Winters Mill High School he served as the Vice President of the student government, played soccer, ran indoor track, and was also involved in the school's music programs. At Maryland, he is a Banneker Key Scholar and proud recipient of the Isidore and Annie Adler Scholarship in Chemistry. In his free time Ndang enjoys plays intramural football and spending time with his campus ministry group, Reformed University Fellowship.
What has been your most memorable experience in college so far?
My most memorable experience would have to be participating in the inaugural Honors study abroad program to Cameroon during the summer of 2007. The program, "Cameroon: A Case Study in European Colonialisms" sought to introduce students to the history of German involvement in the early colonial days of Cameroon. It also included a two-week academic service-learning program held in coordination with Education Fights AIDS (EFA) International. This gave me the opportunity to work with an organization that is dedicated to providing support groups to promote the successful future of African youth infected or affected by HIV. The trip gave me a greater appreciation for my own heritage, and allowed me to personally identify with the implications of a growing epidemic.
What do you plan to do after College?
I have always had a great interest in the life sciences. As someone who enjoys learning, I have found it increasingly hard to narrow my interests to a specific career path. Nevertheless, after successfully finishing my undergraduate degree with a B.S. in Biochemistry, I intend to apply to Medical School. However, I do not plan to take a traditional career path with my degree plans. If possible I would like to pursue either a Ph.D. in Pharmacology or an M.P.H. degree, and follow a medical career path within the realm of the biomedical industry or public health. A long-term career goal would be to work for an international organization such as the U.N. or the W.H.O.
What sorts of things are you involved with on campus?
This semester I have been involved as a volunteer at the UMD Health Center Pharmacy. I work at the Eppley Recreation Center as a member of the Weight/Fitness staff. I am also a member of the campus ministry group, Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), which is dedicated to sharing the gospel to the UMD campus community, and gives students the opportunity to come together in fellowship on various occasions. I am also active in several honor societies on campus, and I intend to use this upcoming semester as another opportunity to branch out and explore other ways to be involved on campus.
How would you spend a free week?
My personal interests range from playing video games to going out and having a good time playing sports with my friends. I enjoy having time to read a good book, especially one with some suspense or one relating to my career interests. If I had a free week, I would most likely use the time to catch up with friends and family that I haven't seen in a long time. It would be a great to see those who've been a part of my life in my younger years and who I haven't had the chance to be with due to the variety of things that I have been doing. I'm also sure that with a week, I'd be able to have a movie marathon to see all the classic movie series and televisions shows that I have missed out on over the years.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
My advice to incoming freshmen would be to make an effort to learn as much about campus life at the University of Maryland as possible. There is a lot that college has to offer, but some of the best things come as hidden gems that are only found when you have a chance to actively look for them. If you get the chance, I highly recommend participating in a study abroad course. Maryland provides ample opportunities to study abroad whether it be for a summer or winter term, a semester or a whole year; and there are programs becoming available now in regions of the world that have not been study abroad venues in the past.
Academically, it would be highly beneficial for freshmen to start forming connections with faculty early and often. Establishing a connection with faculty members will not only help within the classroom, but could also be resourceful for the later years of college, especially when a faculty member you have known for a while is willing to write you a letter of recommendation. Your references will be stronger the more a faculty member knows about you. Plus, it is never too early to start networking for later in life.
