Born and raised in Ghana, Godwin Boakye has come a long way from the classrooms of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to becoming a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Toronto, where he is pursuing a Master of Biotechnology (MBiotech) degree. His sights are set on a future in the biopharmaceutical industry.
It was at KNUST that Godwin discovered his passion for molecular biology and biotechnology. But he knew it would take more than passion to persevere.
"My time at KNUST was about more than just academics," Godwin shares. "It was where I learned the importance of resilience, perseverance, and never settling for less, no matter the odds. That period really shaped my mindset for the challenges ahead."
The transition to Toronto was a huge leap, but Godwin’s excitement was palpable.
“When I first applied for the MBiotech program, I knew it was the perfect fit. The program’s combination of scientific depth and business strategy aligned perfectly with my goals. I wanted to be part of something that wasn’t just about science but also about using that knowledge to make an impact,” Godwin says, reflecting on his decision.
Today, his journey is unfolding in ways he couldn’t have imagined. The MBiotech program at the University of Toronto has been a transformative experience, providing him with a broader view of the biopharmaceutical landscape.
From understanding clinical trials and regulatory affairs to working on hands-on projects, Godwin has gained a holistic understanding of what it takes to succeed in the industry. But what truly stands out to him is the sense of community.
“Being part of this program has been incredible not only because of the knowledge I’ve gained but also because of the people around me,” he says. “The professors here have so much real-world experience, and they make learning relatable. They push you to think critically, and they're always there when you need them. And my peers are so talented; it’s inspiring to learn alongside them. We challenge each other to do better.”
For Godwin, mentorship has been key in shaping his path. Dr. Thomas Hambridge and Professor Francis Agyemang-Yeboah have been his guiding lights, helping him aim higher.
“They’ve shown me what it means to truly aim for excellence, and they’ve helped me believe in myself every step of the way,” he says.
One person who’s had an enormous impact on Godwin’s journey is Kinza, the program’s internship placement manager. Her guidance helped him secure his upcoming internship at Sanofi, where he’ll be working in the Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes marketing space.
“Kinza helped me every step of the way: resume-building, interview preparation, you name it. Without her support, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to pursue such an incredible opportunity.”
Godwin is especially excited about the real-world experience this internship will offer.
“I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned about science and strategy to real challenges,” he shares. “It’s one thing to learn about something in the classroom, but it's another to see how it’s applied in the industry. I’m excited to contribute to work that can truly impact patients’ lives.”
When looking ahead, Godwin’s vision is clear: he wants to play a pivotal role in the biopharmaceutical industry, bridging the gap between science and business.
“In five years, I see myself working in a strategic marketing role, contributing to the launch of innovative therapies that improve patients' lives. I want to be part of a team that ensures these therapies reach the right people and have a meaningful impact,” he says.
But Godwin’s aspirations don’t stop there. He wants to pay forward the support he’s received by mentoring others in the future.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have had great mentors who believed in me. I want to be that person for someone else, helping them navigate their path and overcome obstacles like I did,” he explains with conviction.
