Unveiling the Journey of Prince Edem Samoh: Democratizing Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology
Interview and blog by:
Rosemond Nyatefe Tawiah (iGEM Ambassador for Africa, 2023)
In this exclusive interview, we dive into the journey of Prince Edem Samoh, a remarkable individual who is at the forefront of using synthetic biology to solve local problems in Africa. With a passion for innovation, collaboration, and education, Prince's story illuminates the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for synthetic biology on the African continent.
After obtaining his degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Ghana, he embarked on a transformative journey that led him to co-found Kumasi Hive Biolab, a pioneering community lab in Kumasi, Ghana whose mission is to leverage the power of synthetic biology in addressing local challenges and democratizing biotechnology within the region. Prince's exploration led him to becoming a member of the Open Bioeconomy Lab in Cambridge, UK, and he is currently a researcher and lab manager at Ashesi University’s Bioengineering lab where his research is focused on harnessing synthetic biology to tackle critical local problems.
A Road Paved by iGEM
Prince's path collided with iGEM during a frugal science class he took in 2020 taught by Professor Manu Prakash's at Stanford University. iGEM, offered the perfect platform for Prince and his team to elevate their frugal science project to the next level. Their project centered on democratizing biotechnology by developing a toolkit that enabled individuals in resource-limited areas to produce and purify DNA polymerase, a crucial enzyme for research. This venture not only crystallized Prince's passion for synthetic biology but also showcased its power to make a tangible impact on communities.
Synthetic Biology: A Journey Beyond Borders
Prince's journey in synthetic biology had its roots in co-founding the Hive Biolab. The lab's focus was two-fold: solving local problems using synthetic biology and making biotechnology accessible to the people of their region. This commitment to combining science and community led Prince to become part of the Open Bioeconomy Lab in Cambridge, UK.
From a Frugal Science class to joining the iGEM Competition
The frugal science class opened Prince's eyes to the challenges faced by global communities, particularly during the pandemic. Access to reagents and consumables for research was a bottleneck, especially for regions in the global south, and this realization laid the foundation for Prince's team’s iGEM project. Also known as “Friendzymes” the Open Science Global team that Prince belonged to was made up of a diverse group of individuals from around the world with a common goal of developing a toolkit for producing and purifying DNA polymerase, a crucial enzyme used in research. Their project's ultimate goal was to democratize biotechnology by providing accessible tools for research. Despite the challenges of virtual collaboration, the team thrived, connecting with other teams and collaborating on projects. This experience not only honed Prince's technical skills but also reinforced the importance of a global network in scientific progress. Although the pandemic forced the 2021 iGEM jamboree to be virtual, Prince's interactions with diverse teams left an indelible mark. In his words, "Even though it was virtual, I got to meet a lot of people because collaboration was a requirement for some medals. We got to learn from a lot of teams and even after the event, I still have connections with some people, and we work on projects together."
Journey Beyond iGEM: From Ambassador to Judge
After participating in iGEM, Prince's commitment to the synthetic biology community remained unwavering. He became an iGEM Ambassador, connecting with teams and promoting the iGEM experience. His passion and dedication eventually led him to the role of a judge for the 2022 and 2023 iGEM competitions. The transition from participant to judge provided him with a new perspective, allowing him to contribute to shaping the future of synthetic biology and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Educational Empowerment and Overcoming Barriers
Prince's vision for the future of synthetic biology in Africa is rooted in education and awareness. He emphasizes the need for educational institutions, biotech companies, and stakeholders to work together in breaking down barriers. Through curriculum development, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on training, Prince envisions a future where more African teams can participate in iGEM and contribute to solving local challenges using knowledge of synthetic biology.
Prince believes that synthetic biology holds immense potential in addressing one of the most pressing global challenges: climate change. By harnessing the power of synthetic biology, he envisions innovative solutions for sustainable energy production, efficient farming practices, and mitigating environmental degradation. Prince's passion for this field reflects his commitment to driving change at a global scale.
A Lifetime Changing Experience
In summary, Prince Edem Samoh's transition from biomedical engineering to the forefront of synthetic biology showcases the impact that determined individuals can make on the world stage. From co-founding the Hive Biolab to becoming an iGEM ambassador and judge, Prince's story is a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when science is combined with a vision for a better future. In a sentence, Prince describes iGEM as a lifetime changing experience, simply put - Amazing!
As the world continues to grapple with complex challenges, individuals like Prince Edem Samoh inspire us to look beyond borders, embrace collaboration, and channel our passions into actionable solutions. Through his journey, we are reminded that the path to scientific progress is not just a solitary endeavor—it's a collective journey that connects individuals, communities, and the world at large.
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