Michael Donkor
Michael Donkor is a rising senior at the University of Southern California, double majoring in Quantitative and Computational Biology and Global Health, with a minor in Health Care Studies. He is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. Michael’s academic interests lie at the link of data-driven health research, healthcare systems, and technological innovation—particularly how these domains can be integrated to improve care delivery and outcomes for vulnerable minority populations. After completing his studies, he plans to attend medical school and continue working at the intersection of clinical care.
As a SUMR scholar, Donkor has the privilege of working with Dr. Jamaji Nwanaji-Enwerem on a project examining the impact of electronic discharge practices in emergency departments on patient safety among elderly populations. This research focuses on how digital discharge methods—such as electronic prescriptions and instructions—can reduce errors and improve care continuity, while also exploring the unique challenges elderly patients may face due to cognitive decline, limited technological literacy, or social support gaps. The project aims to assess whether the benefits of electronic discharge systems are equitably experienced by older adults and to identify strategies to mitigate potential disparities in safety and adherence.
At USC, Donkor is a Presidential Scholar and a board member of the African-Americans in Health organization, helping to pave the way for Black pre-health students in their undergraduate journey. He also serves as GEMSTEM Scholar and where he is research assistant in the Hill Lab at USC’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Additionally, Donkor serves as a volunteer and community involvement committee member at USC’s chapter of the Kidney Disease Screening Program. Lastly, he serves as an admission ambassador and an overseas studies ambassador.
In his free time, Donkor enjoys being a foodie, traveling, running, and binge watching tv shows. He hopes to create a lasting legacy by transforming healthcare and leaving his mark on the world.