Sethri Asamoah-Nani ’27: Dedicated to Science and Service
ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 17, 2026) — For Sethri Asamoah-Nani ’27, education has never been just a stepping stone — it has always been a foundation.
Raised in Ghana, Asamoah-Nani grew up in a household where learning, discipline and community were central values. He recalls a childhood shaped by strong traditions and a rigorous academic environment that emphasized diligence and preparation. That early grounding, reinforced by the support of his family and teachers, would later ease his transition to higher education in the United States.
“From the welcoming, engaging people I interacted with every day to the mouthwatering food, growing up in Ghana was an endearing experience,” said Asamoah-Nani. “It was a place where you always felt connected. When I later moved to the Bronx, that sense of community made the transition easier, because I was still surrounded by people who shared similar roots.”
That continuity helped Asamoah-Nani adjust to life in the United States and begin looking toward college with a clear sense of purpose. When it came time to choose, the University at Albany stood out — not only for its academic reputation, but for the breadth of opportunities it offered beyond the classroom.
As a biological sciences major, Asamoah-Nani was drawn to the ability to engage in hands-on research early in his undergraduate career, applying theory to practice while preparing for a future in healthcare. “Access to research opportunities creates a pathway to put theory into practice outside of a classroom setting,” he said.
That pathway has since expanded well beyond academics. On campus, Asamoah-Nani is deeply involved in student life, serving as a resident assistant, a member of the men’s club soccer team, a Purple and Gold ambassador and a UAlbany Fund representative. He is also part of Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service. In addition, he is active in the MCAT Club and works as both a research assistant and an intern with UAlbany Athletics.
On top of this, he serves as a patient care assistant at Albany Medical Center.
“Working at a local hospital alongside being actively involved in campus life has created a unique and edifying experience,” he said. “It has changed how I approach different activities I encounter on a day-to-day basis.”
Through his work at Albany Med, Asamoah-Nani confirmed his desire to become a physician. Observing healthcare in action showed him that medicine is rooted in teamwork and sustained human connection. He credits the nurses and staff he works with for demonstrating what compassionate care looks like in practice.
Looking back, Asamoah-Nani sees his journey as one defined by openness — to people, to ideas and to opportunities. That perspective shapes the advice he offers incoming students, particularly those from international or multicultural backgrounds.
“Come with an open mind,” he said. “Step outside your comfort zone. Engage in things beyond your major. Test yourself, get involved, make mistakes and learn.”
For Asamoah-Nani, UAlbany is not just a place to earn a degree, but a space to grow into the kind of healthcare professional he hopes to become — one grounded in knowledge, service and understanding.