Dr. Amie Fornah Sankoh is a trailblazing scientist and accessibility advocate who made history in 2023 as the first deaf Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in a STEM field.
Early Life and Education
Born in Sierra Leone, Dr. Sankoh lost her hearing at the age of three due to a childhood illness. Growing up during the country’s civil war, she faced significant challenges, including limited access to education and communication barriers. Despite these obstacles, she developed a strong affinity for mathematics, a subject she found accessible due to its visual nature.
Her academic journey led her to the Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT/NTID), where she earned degrees in Laboratory Science Technology and Biochemistry. She then pursued a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Tennessee, focusing her research on plant cell communication and the role of hormones in plant-pathogen interactions.
Professional Achievements
Dr. Sankoh’s doctoral research provided insights into how plant cells communicate, particularly through structures called plasmodesmata and the movement of the hormone salicylic acid during pathogen attacks.
Currently, she serves as a Senior Research Specialist at Dow Coating Materials, where she works on developing innovative waterborne barrier coatings for paper. Her work aims to enhance the functional performance and recyclability of paper-based packaging applications.
Advocacy and Outreach
Beyond her scientific endeavors, Dr. Sankoh is a passionate advocate for accessibility in STEM. She actively works to support Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students, striving to provide them with hands-on laboratory experiences and mentorship. Her advocacy emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in scientific inquiry and the need for inclusive environments in research and education.
Dr. Sankoh shares her journey and insights through her Instagram account, @deaf_scientist, where she continues to inspire and empower others in the Deaf and scientific communitie
Dr. Amie Fornah Sankoh’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education and advocacy.
