Nathaniel Mensah and his team from Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, (PRESEC), put up an outstanding performance during the 2019 edition of the National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ). Their hard work and dedication led them to the Grand Finale, where they faced off against two formidable competitors: St. Augustine’s College and St. Peter’s Secondary School, Nkwatia.
Nathaniel Mensah
Despite their efforts, Nathaniel and his team were defeated by St. Augustine’s College, who emerged as the champions.
For Nathaniel Mensah and his teammates, Emmanuel Nii Amu Duodu and Selassie Mortey, the journey did not end with the NSMQ. The competition showcased their ability to collaborate effectively and strive for excellence; qualities that have continued to define their paths even after the quiz. While each member has embarked on a unique journey, their shared experience at the NSMQ has instilled in them a commitment to contribute to the development of Ghana and the broader African continent.
From the NSMQ stage, Nathaniel has gone on to become a student at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, USA, where he is engaged in ground-breaking research that blends engineering and data science with human sensing and health. His work involves developing and utilising mobile, wearable, and digital solutions to understand, monitor, and influence biobehavioural factors that affect health, particularly in the African context.
In his cosy dorm room, Nathaniel is driven by a mission to improve health outcomes in Africa through innovative technological solutions. His research aims to leverage modern engineering techniques and data analytics to create accessible, scalable tools that can address some of the continent's most pressing health challenges. By focusing on biobehavioural factors—those influenced by both biological and behavioural aspects—Nathaniel hopes to pave the way for more personalised and effective health interventions.
Nathaniel's commitment to using his skills for the betterment of society is a testament to the values he cultivated during his time at PRESEC and his experience in the NSMQ. While he may not have won the competition, his journey since then has been nothing short of remarkable, proving that true success is measured not just by victories in competitions but by the impact one makes in the world.
Nathaniel Mensah's story is a powerful reminder that resilience and innovation go hand-in-hand. As he continues to carve out a path at the intersection of technology and health, he remains an inspiration to many young Ghanaians, and a testament to the transformative power of education and collaboration. As we bring this season of NSMQ Livechat to a close, we are thrilled to have Nathaniel Mensah join us as our guest for the final episode.