PhD Student in Cell Biology Earns International Recognition from Academic Medicine

Felix Asare, a PhD student in Cell Biology at the Graduate College, has received an Honorable Mention in Academic Medicine’s highly competitive 2025 call for Trainee Letters to the Editor—an international recognition that highlights both his scholarly promise and his commitment to biomedical research.

The annual call invited trainees from around the world to reflect on a defining moment that inspired their path toward medicine, research, or service. Contributors were asked to describe “the moment you knew you wanted to do, to become, to support, to solve, to serve, to cure,” drawing on personal experiences that shaped their academic and professional trajectories.

From a pool of 377 submissions representing 20 countries—and spanning career stages from undergraduate medical students to advanced fellows and postdoctoral trainees—Asare’s letter stood out. His submission, “The Moment I Knew: Born of Books, Forged in Research,” was selected for an Honorable Mention and featured in the December 2025 issue of Academic Medicine, one of the leading journals in health professions education.

In his essay, Asare reflects on the early influences and pivotal experiences that sparked his passion for scientific discovery and solidified his commitment to research. His story underscores the power of mentorship, curiosity, and sustained engagement with scholarship—hallmarks of the graduate training experience.

This recognition not only celebrates Asare’s individual achievement but also reflects the Graduate College’s commitment to fostering globally engaged scholars who contribute thoughtfully to their fields. For prospective students considering advanced training in the biomedical sciences, Asare’s accomplishment illustrates how graduate education can amplify personal motivation into work that resonates on an international stage.

Asare’s success serves as a reminder that impactful research careers often begin with a single moment of inspiration—and are shaped by the academic communities that support them.