The first-year PhD student will research the challenges and prospects of school-going pregnant and parenting adolescents in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
Donald Amenah, an UMSON PhD student, has been named a 2025 Provost’s Global Scholar.
The Provost’s Global Scholar Program provides an opportunity for UMB students to engage in a global health, law, or social work experience of their own choosing and design with the support of a $2,000 stipend for educational expenses related to the proposed experience. Through participation in the Global Scholar Program, in concert with the student’s graduate or professional studies, students will grow in their understanding of how their actions can address the world’s most pressing and enduring issues collaboratively and equitably.
Amenah's research focuses on community-based interventions that empower women, children, and families, recognizing the pivotal role nurses play in driving health outcomes. He is particularly interested in addressing disparities in perinatal care access, utilization, and quality among marginalized groups and in how policy, education, and health care systems intersect to shape maternal and child well-being.
"I am dedicated to improving reproductive health outcomes for women and children through research, advocacy, and community-driven interventions," he says. "With extensive experience in disease surveillance, immunization, and maternal health services, I have witnessed firsthand the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations like mothers and their children. This drives my unwavering commitment to developing evidence-based solutions that enhance health care accessibility and equity."
For his Provost’s Global Scholar project, he plans to research the challenges and prospects of school-going pregnant and parenting adolescents in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The study aims to explore the unique barriers these adolescents face in accessing and completing their education, particularly in poverty-endemic regions where adolescent pregnancy rates remain high. While many girls drop out due to the overwhelming challenges of pregnancy and parenting, others demonstrate resilience and continue their education. However, there is a significant gap in the research on their specific experiences within the school system. This study seeks to bridge this gap by identifying key factors influencing their academic persistence and evaluating the support systems that can enhance their educational success.
"This project is a pivotal opportunity for my academic and professional growth, allowing me to engage in impactful global health research while expanding my expertise in maternal and adolescent health," he says. "It will enhance my leadership skills by equipping me with the knowledge and experience to develop evidence-based solutions addressing educational inequities among vulnerable populations. Moreover, this experience aligns with my long-term goal of shaping policies and interventions that promote equitable access to health care and education, ensuring that adolescent mothers are not left behind in their pursuit of academic and personal success."
Students from all UMB schools were eligible to apply to the Provost's Global Scholars program by proposing a research, service, or learning initiative; the funded work must take place before Dec. 31.