Godwin Aizenofe

Hello, I am Godwin Aizenofe, and I graduated from UMBC at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) with a degree in Translational Life Science Technology (TLST).

My journey to UMBC-USG began at Montgomery College, where during my second year, I was thinking about next steps after community college. UMBC’s TLST program director visited my genetics class and introduced the program at USG. The proximity to home, combined with my growing interest in the field, made the decision clear, and I enrolled in fall 2022.

My time in the TLST program was both challenging and transformative, shaped by hands-on research experiences that solidified my academic and career direction. My first internship was with Dr. Friar at UMBC-USG, where I worked on a project that explored microbial communities through genetic analysis. That experience introduced me to the world of bioinformatics and strengthened my skills in data analysis and interpretation.

Building on that foundation, I interned at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). There, I contributed to research addressing drug development challenges for sickle cell disease, focusing on data analysis and visualization to support the study of disease models.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Ghosh at UMBC-USG, I expanded my research experience by studying immune system responses related to COVID-19. I learned to apply both experimental and analytical approaches to better understand how cells respond to infection and inflammation. Later, I returned to the NIH for another internship, this time at the NIH Clinical Center, where I worked on comparative genomics research that deepened my understanding of genetic diversity and evolution.

Outside the classroom and lab, I served as co-president of the Biotech Club. Our mission was to support students interested in biotechnology, biology and health sciences by creating opportunities to connect with professionals, explore different career paths and build community on campus. We also tried to keep things fun and engaging for new and current students. Our pièce de résistance (yes, that’s my one semester of French class — and maybe a little help from Google) was inviting guest speakers to share their journeys and provide us with insights into the latest research in the biotech industry.

Equally impactful were the relationships I built along the way. Mentorship from faculty such as Dr. Wayman, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Friar, and Dr. Ghosh played a pivotal role in my growth. Their guidance and encouragement helped me navigate challenges, refine my goals and gain the confidence to pursue ambitious opportunities.

I’m also deeply grateful to my diverse friend group at USG — affectionately known as My Habibis — who made my undergraduate journey unforgettable. Their drive, humor and support kept me motivated through late-night study sessions, spirited debates and countless shared milestones. I graduated in the fall of 2024 and am in a postbaccalaureate program at the NIH in preparation for a Ph.D. in bioinformatics — a decision shaped by the knowledge, internships, and leadership opportunities I experienced through the TLST program offered on the USG campus.