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Photo of Ebenezer Brefo-Appiah

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Paul Agbekpornu

Master Scholar

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, University of Toronto

Photo of Elizabeth Acheampong

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Seidu Tahiru

Master Scholar

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, University of Toronto

Photo of Emmanuel Opoku Mensah

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Famous Tay

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Gwen Burrows

Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact

Office of the Vice-President International, University of Toronto

Photo of Harriet Tunu Baraka

Master Scholar

Amref International University, University of Toronto

Photo of David Palmer

Vice President, Advancement

University of Toronto

Profile

Ebenezer Brefo-Appiah

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Hello, I am Ebenezer Brefo-Appiah, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering here at the University of Toronto as a scholarship recipient.

I live my life each new day counting the blessing of getting to further my education as a scholar here at UofT where innovation meets passion.

My academic journey so far is thrilling, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to immerse myself in cutting-edge technologies and collaborate closely with renowned faculty to utilize state-of-the-art technologies in research projects.

I am elated to witness recent advancements in the biomedical field and l can’t wait to see future advancements.

God bless the Mastercard Foundation and God bless the University!

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Biomedical Engineering
Profile

Paul Agbekpornu

Master Scholar

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

I’m Paul Agbekpornu from Ghana. At the moment, I am pursuing a master’s in financial insurance at the University of Toronto.

After completing risk theory research addressing the pricing of insurance and reinsurance products, I was apprehensive about pursuing a degree that would complement my research. Fortunately, my desire became a reality thanks to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program, and I am gaining a strong academic curiosity and sense of purpose at UofT. The extensive training, I am receiving in data science is broadening my knowledge and skills in financial insurance. My scholastic career has begun to shift and reshape thanks to the Mastercard Foundation grant.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Ghana
Canada
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Financial Insurance (MFI)
Profile

Elizabeth Acheampong

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

My experience as an international student on the Mastercard Scholarship at the University of Toronto has been nothing short of transformative.

It has not only provided me with a world-class education but has also opened doors to new horizons and perspectives. I have felt welcomed and embraced by a multicultural community. Interacting with peers from various backgrounds has enriched my cultural awareness and global perspective. It has taught me the importance of empathy and understanding, essential skills for our interconnected world. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Biomedical Engineering
Profile

Seidu Tahiru

Master Scholar

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

My name is Seidu Tahiru from Ghana, with a background in Actuarial Science and Applied Mathematics.

My academic journey centers on Health Informatics and Data Analytics. I am passionate about harnessing advanced analytics to empower clinicians with transformative decision-making tools for the benefit of patients and the healthcare systems.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship has transformed my academic journey, providing me with vital academic guidance, career mentorship, and financial support. This program has cultivated a community of scholars dedicated to positive change in Africa.

I aspire to leverage this opportunity to improve healthcare systems, particularly in Ghana, and contribute to a healthier future for all.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Health informatics Executive (EMHI)
Profile

Emmanuel Opoku Mensah

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

My experience as a Mastercard Scholar has been nothing short of exhilarating.

This is in stark contrast to the initial feeling of uncertainty when I was selected. Mastercard has contributed immensely to my integration into my program of study. Every step of the way was carefully guided to prevent any mishaps, and I could not be more grateful.

I am looking forward to completing my Masters in Public Health at the University of Toronto and making great impact in the occupational and environmental health space worldwide.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Ghana
Canada
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Occupational and Environmental Health
Profile

Shadrach Korsah

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Toronto and formerly at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, my fundamental experience is that the Scholars Program is full of opportunities – opportunities for personal development, networking, impact and self-actualization.

The exposure has enabled me to develop a better sense of leadership, one that is premised on the values of integrity, service and positive influence.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Social and Behavioural Health Sciences
Profile

Famous Tay

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

The Mastercard Foundation’s visionary commitment to education and leadership has profoundly influenced my journey.

As a Mastercard Scholar, I’m deeply proud to be part of a program that not only champions academic excellence but also emphasizes the importance of creating a meaningful, positive impact in the world. This scholarship has not only alleviated financial barriers but has also fostered a culture of service and leadership within me. Through my studies, I’m determined to contribute to solving global challenges and improving accessibility of healthcare. This transformative experience has empowered me to think globally and act locally, making a real difference.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Biomedical Engineering
Profile

Gwen Burrows

Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact

Office of the Vice-President International

Gwen Burrows is Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact at the University of Toronto.

The Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement and Impact (AVP IEI) collaborates with colleagues across the university and internationally to advance the University of Toronto’s global excellence and impact in research, its translation, and in teaching and learning. The Assistant Vice-President leads and executes the University’s integrated international strategy across multiple dimensions, with a particular focus on region-specific engagement strategies and the development of partnerships to maximize global impact.

Gwen was Executive Director in the Office of the Vice President International for five years before becoming AVP IEI and in that role, supported the creation and implementation of the University’s first international strategic plan, and led the development of key international partnerships in a number of regions around the world. Gwen came to the University from The Hospital for Sick Children, where she held a number of leadership positions, including Executive Director, Public Affairs and Child Health Advocacy. As Director, Strategic Projects for the SickKids Research Institute from 2006-2013, amongst other accomplishments Gwen co-led a successful $227 million Canada Foundation for Innovation grant proposal and its implementation to support the vision guiding the development of the Peter Gilligan Centre for Research and Learning. Gwen holds a Master’s in Philosophy from Johns Hopkins and a BA from McGill University.

Email Address
gwen.burrows@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Governance
Executive Steering Committee
Profile

Harriet Tunu Baraka

Master Scholar

Amref International University

My name is Harriet Tunu Baraka from Kenya, and I am a Mastercard Foundation scholar pursuing a Master of Health Administration at the esteemed University of Toronto. 

I got the award through my former school, Amref International University and this transformative journey has been incredible. The Mastercard Foundation team has been very supportive, and my transition to Canada has been seamless. This journey will not only equip me with the necessary leadership skills for the healthcare industry, but it will also make me expand my network and create lasting memories. I am very grateful.

Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Kenya
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Health Administration (MHSc)
Profile

David Palmer

Vice President, Advancement

University of Toronto

Since 2007, David has served as Vice-President, Advancement for the University of Toronto.  Under David’s leadership, U of T launched Boundless which concluded in 2018 as the largest campaign in Canadian history with $2.64 billion raised.   

David is a Senior Fellow of Massey College, a Council for Advancement and Support of Education Laureate and former trustee, an executive committee member of the National Council of Foundation Executives, and a director of the Earth Rangers Foundation. He earned his Master of Fine Arts in musicology from Princeton University and began his career as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Music at Western University, his undergraduate alma mater.

From 1999 to 2007, David served as President and Executive Director of the Royal Ontario Museum Board of Governors. From 1993 to 1999, David led a ground-breaking campaign for the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University, ushering in a new era in professional-faculty fundraising in Canada.

David was recognized in 2011 with the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 2016 he was recognized with the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education.

Email Address
davidnpalmer@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Governance
Executive Steering Committee