From Lübeck to Canada: How a summer school changed Albert Ashong’s path
Albert Ashong studied Biomedical Engineering at Technische Hochschule Lübeck. Today, he is pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University in Canada, where he works on optical biosensing technologies for the early detection of renal and cardiovascular diseases. Along the way, he has received several recognitions, including the CBSN Excellence in Research and Innovation Award, second place for Best Poster Presentation at the recent National Society of Black Engineers conference, and the Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Programs Outstanding Achievement Award.
However, when Albert reflects on his journey, he does not start with his awards and titles. He traces it back to a summer school.
That was the beginning of most of the interesting things in my life
I am originally from Ghana, and my academic path took a decisive turn during my time at Technische Hochschule Lübeck.
I studied Biomedical Engineering in Lübeck, and looking back, I can say that my time there shaped much more than my technical skills. It shaped how I think, how I solve problems, and how I see the world academically. The hands-on learning environment and the exposure to applied sciences laid the foundation for everything that came later.
During my time in Lübeck, I had the opportunity to travel to Denmark for a summer school, and that was the beginning of most of the interesting things in my life.
It was only two weeks, but the experience stayed with me. I remember coming back to Lübeck and going straight to Silke Venker’s office to tell her everything and how much I wished I could go back. The professors in Denmark were patient, understanding, and very supportive. That summer school opened something in me. It showed me how far one opportunity can reach.
This is your home. Come back whenever you want
After the summer school, I went to Berlin for a research internship. As that internship was coming to an end, I started thinking about where I could do the research for my thesis. I emailed one of the professors I had met in Denmark.
Within five minutes, he replied.
He wrote: This is your home. Come back whenever you want.
I immediately contacted the Erasmus Office in Lübeck to ask whether there might be funding available. Fortunately, there was. It was not much, especially considering how expensive Denmark was, but I was determined to go. So, I returned to Denmark and started my research there.
My supervisor, Roana de Oliveira Hansen, was an angel. She gave me all the support I needed. The whole department was kind to me and ready to help. Near the end of that research stay, I told her I wanted to continue and go to the Czech Republic for another research experience. She helped me plan everything, and once again the Erasmus Office in Lübeck supported me. That is how I arrived at VSB Ostrava for a six-month research internship.
A difficult chapter
After that internship, I returned to Lübeck to defend my thesis. Then I took my first job in Waltershausen in Thuringia.
That experience was not the best, and one day I will tell that story fully. It will be part of a book I am working on. I stayed there for three months and then moved to Erfurt to work for another company.
Even in that difficult period, one person kept encouraging me to continue: Roana. By then, she had become more like a mother to me. Every week, she would call or text and remind me that I needed to go back to school and pursue a PhD. She never stopped believing in me.
One of them is your supervisor
At one point, while I was working in Erfurt, Roana came to Canada as a visiting professor. When she returned, she sent me two email addresses and one short message: One of them is your supervisor.
I wrote to both of them. One replied within ten minutes. We arranged an online meeting, and within the first ten minutes I knew he was the one. He was kind, supportive, and we immediately had that connection.
Today, that person is my supervisor: Niko Hildebrandt. Funny enough, he is German and from Bad Segeberg, very close to Lübeck, so we often joke about Lübeck and Schleswig-Holstein.
That message from Roana opened the next chapter of my life.
Research that aims to improve lives
I am now pursuing my PhD in Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University in Canada. My research focuses on advanced biosensors for the early detection of disease using optical and microfluidic technologies. In practical terms, my work aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and enable earlier clinical interventions, especially in areas such as renal dysfunction and cardiovascular conditions.
What drives me is the idea that scientific discoveries should not remain abstract. I care deeply about translating research into practical healthcare solutions and contributing to the next generation of innovation in biomedical engineering.
Beyond research, I am also actively involved in mentorship, leadership, and collaborative initiatives within the academic community. For me, science is not only about results. It is also about people, support, and creating environments where others can grow too.
Recognition and gratitude
Since graduating from TH Lübeck, I have been fortunate to receive several recognitions, including the CBSN Excellence in Research and Innovation Award, second place for Best Poster Presentation at the recent National Society of Black Engineers conference, and the Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Programs Outstanding Achievement Award.
But I do not see these recognitions as mine alone.
I dedicate all of this to my late mum. She is the reason I am who I am, and I know that wherever she is, she is smiling at me.
I also want to thank Roana, who never stopped pushing me and has been there for me every day. To Silke, who is amazing. To everyone in Lübeck who helped or contributed to this journey, thank you. To the wonderful people in the Erasmus Office: Danke. And to my current supervisor Niko: thank you.
What started as a summer school experience became the turning point of my life
Looking back, I can say this very clearly:
What started as a summer school experience became the turning point of my life, showing me how far curiosity, support, and determination can take me. I am where I am today because of people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself, and that continues to drive everything I do.
For Technische Hochschule Lübeck, Albert Ashong’s story shows how much can grow from a single opportunity and how far curiosity, support, and persistence can carry someone. We are very glad to share his journey and wish him all the best for the path ahead.
