UMass Boston

“We are more than our degrees or titles. We are stories of persistence, courage, and growth."

Born and raised in Ghana, Charlotte Kyeremah came to the U.S. in early 2018 at age 28 to pursue her second master’s degree at UMass Boston. After graduating in 2020 she decided to continue her educational journey with a PhD in integrative biosciences with a concentration in biophysics. 

“As the eldest of five children and the first in my family to attend school, my journey has been shaped by the incredible sacrifices of my parents,” said Kyeremah, who now lives in Dorchester. She also credits her husband Peter for being her rock through her academic journey. 

“Being selected as a commencement speaker is truly an honor,” Kyeremah said. “It’s not just a moment for me; it’s a chance to represent the incredible diversity and resilience of our graduating class. It means that my story—my journey from Ghana to earning a PhD here at UMass Boston—is seen as one worth sharing.”

This award recognizes Kyeremah’s academic record as well as her groundbreaking research and service to the UMass Boston and global communities.

During her doctoral program, Kyeremah designed and developed a low-cost, field-portable digital holographic microscopy system from the ground up. The device was tested at the Duraisingh Lab at the Harvard School of Public Health, where it successfully detected malaria-infected red blood cells. The affordable, standalone device has the potential to be used in resource-limited settings to help address health disparities. 

The most formative UMass Boston experiences for Kyeremah were the ones that pushed her out of her comfort zone. Developing the digital holographic microscopy system was one of those experiences.

“There were times when the experiments didn’t work, the algorithms failed, and I felt completely stuck,” Kyeremah said. “However, those challenges taught me perseverance, creative problem-solving, and the value of seeking guidance.”

Kyeremah’s research had its challenges. “There were times when I doubted my ability to see my project through–moments when life outside of the lab seemed overwhelming,” she said. “But I learned to lean on my support system, to ask for help when I needed it, and to find strength in my purpose. That experience shaped me into someone who values resilience and community, and it taught me that success isn’t just about pushing through alone.” 

In his nomination letter, Associate Professor Chandra Yelleswarapu mentioned Kyeremah’s commitment to addressing health disparities through science. 

“Charlotte’s journey exemplifies the power of innovation, resilience, and global impact. She is a brilliant scientist and an inspiring leader, able to communicate complex scientific ideas with clarity and passion,” he wrote. He also noted that her research “has transformative potential for healthcare research in low-resource settings.”

Beyond her time at UMass Boston, Kyeremah has served as the Northeast regional liaison for the Microscopy Society of America and has volunteered with organizations such as the American Physical Society and OPTICA. She also mentors underrepresented student groups in STEM and the McNair program.

“My goal is to continue developing accessible diagnostic technologies that can make a real difference, especially in underserved communities,” she said. “I want to take the skills I’ve gained here and apply them to create tools that empower healthcare workers in resource-limited settings. I also hope to mentor aspiring scientists, particularly those from backgrounds like mine, to help them see that they, too, can make a mark in the world of research and innovation.”

According to Yelleswarapu, Kyeremah’s work will yield five publications in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, she is exploring the possibilities of applying for provisional patent applications. She was even invited to present her research at the Department of Physics at the Naval Postgraduate School, where she intends to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship through the NRC program. 

For Kyeremah, the experiences gained at UMass Boston have helped her move closer to her goal to become a bridge-builder between science and the communities it’s meant to serve. “This place has shown me that being a scientist is also about being an advocate, a mentor, and a bridge-builder between innovation and real-world needs,” she said. “It’s made me passionate about using my skills to create positive change.”

When she gives her speech at commencement, Kyeremah hopes to leave her fellow graduates inspired to continue on their important journeys. 

“We are more than our degrees or titles,” she said. “We are stories of persistence, courage, and growth. We are the evidence that hope works—that even when things seem impossible, determination can lead us to extraordinary places.”

To students beginning their UMass Boston journey, she offered this advice: “Don’t be afraid to embrace your own story and let it guide your path,” Kyeremah said. “You belong here. Your journey is unique and valuable, and your voice has a place in this community. Use it to elevate yourself and those around you.”