Service and Outreach

As a member and president (2022-2023) of the Auburn University chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), Ernest and his NOBCChE colleagues have created engaging K-12 outreach events to inspire the next generation of diverse chemists, chemical engineers, and innovators who will conduct research leading to more effective and well-rounded advancements. Some of our recent K-12 outreach events are highlighted below:

1. K-12 event at Sanford Middle School, Opelika, AL 

• The Nesvard Institute of Molecular Sciences, Accra, Ghana

Ernest has strong service interests in capacity building initiatives for historically underrepresented groups and developing countries. In 2019, he initiated the Nesvard Institute of Molecular Sciences which is an African-focused private nonprofit research and educational institute in Ghana. The Institute's central goal is to create a common space for Pan-Africans trained at home and abroad in the broad areas of molecular sciences to establish sustainable mentorship and collaborations to pursue and advance scientific interests of Africa.The Institute's community continue to grow and has successfuly become a grooming grounds for several young Pan-African scientists. 

• Eagle Wings Examinations Consult, Kumasi, Ghana

Ernest founded (in 2011) a sole-proprietary initiative (Eagle Wings Examinations Consult) providing examinations-tailored solutions to public and private basic schools in rural areas (in Ghana) to improve students’ performance in placement (external) examinations prior to high school. This initiative has benefited dozen basic school students across Ghana illustrated by the improved performance of associated schools and their students. 

• International Younger Chemists Network (IYCN)

IYCN is dedicated to creating an environment where all of those in the chemical sciences globally are welcome. We believe that celebrating our differences and what makes us unique will help us to create a more sustainable scientific community, and world. As IYCN strives to achieve its mission and vision, and make an impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we will rely on our diverse membership and essential partner organizations to bring their unique skills, views, and experiences. We can only succeed if early career chemists from all backgrounds and nations have the opportunity to join, network and participate. Ernest served as the International Society Liaison Committee Member (2020-2022) responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships and collaborations between the IYCN and chemical societies in the African regions. 

• While at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana

During his graduate studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), his advisor Professor Richard Tia (of blessed memory) assigned him to mentor several undergraduate seniors. Ernest honorably mentored thirty-nine undergraduate seniors in computational chemistry research and eventually published peer-reviewed articles with eleven of them. Twenty-one of the mentees are currently enrolled in graduate programs notably in the United States. In addendum, he mentored four international exchange graduate students in computational chemistry for catalysis.

• While at the Auburn University, Auburn, AL

During his doctoral studies at the Auburn University, Ernest has been a graduate teaching assistant (GTA) in general and physical chemistry since he enrolled in Spring 2020. Ernest takes so much delight in his GTA resposbilities as it affords him the opportunity to continuously impart knowledge to young students from diverse backgrounds. As a GTA, he enjoys the (indirect) opportunity to learn and get exposed to the cultural dynamics of his students. 

• Ernest's involvement with the Auburn University chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) as a member and president (2022-2023) has afforded him many opportunites to mentor many young talented diverse scientists. He continues to receive mentorship from many astute senior NOBCChE professionals and associates. 

• At The Nesvard Institute of Molecular Sciences, Accra, Ghana

As the founder and research fellow at the The Nesvard Institute of Molecular Sciences, he has enjoyed the many privileged opportunities the Institute has afforded him to mentor many young Pan-Africans. Many of his mentees are now his collaborators. The many scholarly contributions to peer-reviewed journals by him and his mentees are testaments to the quality and success of works at the Institute.