Ms .Abigail Aba Mensah | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award
Ms. Abigail Aba Mensah, Graduate Research Assistant the Ohio State University, United States
Ms. Abigail Aba Mensah, a dedicated Graduate Research Assistant at the Ohio State University in the United States, has been recognized with the prestigious Best Researcher Award in Agricultural and Biological Sciences. Her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field shines through in her innovative research contributions. Abigail’s work not only exemplifies academic excellence but also demonstrates a passion for addressing critical agricultural challenges. Her efforts are poised to make significant impacts in sustainable farming practices and biological sciences, inspiring peers and aspiring researchers alike. She embodies the spirit of scholarly pursuit and achievement in her academic journey.
PROFILE
EDUCATION
Abigail Aba Mensah holds a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from The Ohio State University, USA (2023), where her research focused on enhancing food safety and nutritional quality of hydroponically grown leafy greens . Her thesis specifically addressed the elimination of human pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. from lettuce cultivated in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic systems. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor’s in Biochemistry at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana (2019), investigating biogenic amines in Burkina, a local milk drink in Ghana’s northern region . Abigail is passionate about improving food safety standards and nutritional health through innovative agricultural practices.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Abigail Aba Mensah has pursued a diverse career path in scientific research and academia, showcasing her expertise across multiple roles. At The Ohio State University, she excelled as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, where she conducted cutting-edge research in hydroponics food safety and microbiological assays. Her responsibilities included handling bacterial pathogens, ensuring lab safety compliance, and mentoring students through grading and advising. Prior to this, at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in Ghana, Abigail gained invaluable experience as a Research Assistant, focusing on DNA extraction from COVID-19 samples and studying infectious diseases like Yaws. Her internships at Korle-Bu Polyclinic and the Food and Drugs Authority underscore her commitment to healthcare and regulatory standards.
SCHOLARLY PRESENTATION
Abigail Aba Mensah recently delivered a guest lecture titled “Hydroponic Produce Safety” in March 2023, highlighting advancements in ensuring safe agricultural practices. Her oral presentation in June 2022, alongside Melanie ILL. and TM. Miller, focused on mitigating human pathogen contamination in lettuce grown through NFT hydroponic systems. This study, published online by ASN, underscores the critical role of technology in enhancing food safety and sustainability . Ms. Mensah’s work contributes significantly to understanding and implementing safer growing methods, crucial for the future of agriculture .
HONORS, AWARDS
Abigail Aba Mensah has consistently excelled in her academic journey, earning prestigious scholarships and awards. Her recent achievements include the Shanely Grad Scholarship and M Kassouny Scholarship for the 2023/2024 academic year, building on prior recognitions such as the Clabaugh and Duhamel Scholarships from previous years. Abigail’s commitment to education and research is further underscored by her receipt of the Education and Human Ecology (OSU) Travel Award and Department of Human Sciences (OSU) Travel Award in both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, her success extends to impactful presentations, highlighted by winning the 2023 Russell Klein Symposium Oral Presentation Award and earning 3rd Place in the Clinical/translational Poster category.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES
Abigail Aba Mensah actively engages in a variety of academic conferences across the United States and internationally. Within Ohio State University, she has participated in events such as the Interdisciplinary Research Fall Forum, Russel Klein Nutrition Symposium (both in April 2022 and 2023), Hayes Forum in February 2022, and EHE Research Forum in May 2022. Beyond her local engagements, Abigail has contributed to out-of-state conferences including the American Society for Microbiology in June 2022 and the International Association for Food Protection in July 2022. She also presented at the International Association for Food Protection in Canada in July 2023, showcasing her dedication to global academic exchange .
LEADERSHIP ROLES
Abigail Aba Mensah has been an integral part of the Graduate Society of Nutritional Sciences (GSNS) since 2022, excelling in various roles. As Secretary, her duties include meticulously documenting meetings, maintaining records, and facilitating correspondence. She also ensures attendance and community participation records are up-to-date while presiding over GSNS meetings. Additionally, Abigail serves as a Graduate Ambassador, actively engaging students by communicating program highlights and coordinating prospective applicant interactions. Her previous role as Treasurer highlights her financial acumen, managing GSNS finances adeptly. Moreover, Abigail’s contributions extend to qualitative methodology review and student liaison responsibilities, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing educational experiences.