Albert Ashong
Grade: Second year (PhD)
Province or Territory: Ontario
Organization/program: Canadian Black Scientists Network
What does being part of this organization or program mean to you?
As a Black researcher in Canada, this network is more than a professional association to me. It is a source of belonging, mentorship, and collective empowerment. It means having a space where my scientific journey is understood not only through the lens of research, but also through shared lived experiences. The network represents visibility for Black scientists, support for navigating academic and professional challenges, and a platform to uplift one another’s work and voices. It reminds me that my success is not mine alone, but part of a larger legacy of breaking barriers and creating pathways for those who will come after me.
What part of attending the 2026 Youth Summit and Expo are you most excited about?
What excites me most about attending the 2026 Youth Summit is the opportunity to connect with driven, passionate young leaders who are committed to making meaningful change in their communities. Being in a space filled with diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and innovative ideas is incredibly energizing, and I’m looking forward to the conversations that challenge me to think bigger and act more intentionally.
What excites you about STEM?
What excites me about STEM is its ability to turn curiosity into real-world solutions that improve lives. I’m especially interested in the intersection of biology and technology, and how tools like biosensing and data-driven methods can be used for early disease detection and better healthcare. STEM inspires me because it combines creativity, problem-solving, and constant innovation to address complex challenges in meaningful ways.
Fun fact about me:
I’m the kind of person who can get genuinely excited about both a cool scientific breakthrough and perfectly seasoned food in the same breath. I spend my days working on biomedical sensing research, but outside the lab I’m all about good conversations, music, and meals that bring people together. I love travelling.
Albert Ashong
Canadian Black Scientists Network
What does being part of this organization or program mean to you?
As a Black researcher in Canada, this network is more than a professional association to me. It is a source of belonging, mentorship, and collective empowerment. It means having a space where my scientific journey is understood not only through the lens of research, but also through shared lived experiences. The network represents visibility for Black scientists, support for navigating academic and professional challenges, and a platform to uplift one another’s work and voices. It reminds me that my success is not mine alone, but part of a larger legacy of breaking barriers and creating pathways for those who will come after me.
What part of attending the 2026 Youth Summit and Expo are you most excited about?
What excites me most about attending the 2026 Youth Summit is the opportunity to connect with driven, passionate young leaders who are committed to making meaningful change in their communities. Being in a space filled with diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and innovative ideas is incredibly energizing, and I’m looking forward to the conversations that challenge me to think bigger and act more intentionally.
What excites you about STEM?
What excites me about STEM is its ability to turn curiosity into real-world solutions that improve lives. I’m especially interested in the intersection of biology and technology, and how tools like biosensing and data-driven methods can be used for early disease detection and better healthcare. STEM inspires me because it combines creativity, problem-solving, and constant innovation to address complex challenges in meaningful ways.
Fun fact about me:
I’m the kind of person who can get genuinely excited about both a cool scientific breakthrough and perfectly seasoned food in the same breath. I spend my days working on biomedical sensing research, but outside the lab I’m all about good conversations, music, and meals that bring people together. I love travelling.
