Year: 2022
University: Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)
Discipline: Design
Country of Origin: Cameroon
Research: Advancing bone tissue regenerative engineering for facial bone defects
Dr. Ange Therese Akono is working in the realm of bone tissue regenerative engineering, with a focus on discovering nanostructured bone scaffolds to help patients who require maxillofacial bone repairs.
She credits her WiSTEM2D Scholars Award funding with “providing a bridge in a new area that I have been investigating over the last three years.” She shares that “the funding, mentoring and research time commitment are crucial for growth and recognition as a scholar.”
Dr. Akono heard about the WiSTEM2D program from the Office of Sponsored Research at her university, Northwestern. “The award has been a huge distinction, and many have congratulated me at my institution and beyond for receiving it,” she says.
While Dr. Akono acknowledges that working as a woman in STEM2D can be daunting at times, it can also be very rewarding. “The benefits extend to other areas: parenting, family, life planning. There are also generational benefits as the next generation gets inspired from their parents,” she says.