Naya James Mbabila profile photo

Naya James Mbabila

B.Sc. Biomedical Engineering (Graduating in February 2026)

Profile Summary

I am leveraging STEM and leadership to change the African story.

Areas of Interest

Biophotonics
Medical Imaging and Sensing
Biophysics
Bioinstrumentation
Photonics
Engineering Design
Biomaterials
Biomechanics
IoMT
Bioinformatics
Nanotechnology
Sustainable Healthcare
Human-Machine Interfaces
Systems Design
Medical Imaging
Cybersecurity
Quantum Computing
Artificial Intelligence
Web and App Development
Leadership
Management and Governance
STEM Research and Education
Finance

Education

B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering

Department of Biomedical Engineering
School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana

University of Ghana, Legon

2022 - 2025

  • Capstone Project: Design of Novel Aspirator Connector for Fluid Evacuation during Cesarean Sections
  • Relevant Coursework: Bioinstrumentation, Biophotonics, Biomaterials, Biophysics, Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering Systems, Medical Physics, Nanotechnology, Bioinformatics, Medical Imaging, Calculus I & II, Mechanics I & II, Anatomy & Physiology, Thermodynamics, Bioinformatics, Programming, Fluid Mechanics, Law for Engineers
  • Highlights: President, GSBE-UG; OBED Fellow; Speaker, ESUG; Dean’s Honor List
  • Final CGPA: 3.8182

Professional and Academic Experience

Recent Experiences

Fully-Funded Global Delegate, Future Action Summit Malaysia 2025

Echo Change

Nov 27 – 30, 2025

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  • Selected as one of the top ten fully-funded participants from a global pool of thousands of applicants.
  • Led working group on Medical Technology and Policy, contributing to the development of the Post-2030 Youth Charter for Global Development.
  • Engaged in discussions on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with international changemakers and leaders.
  • Participated in workshops, simulations, and cultural exchanges to advance youth-driven solutions for sustainability.

2024 Fellow, Global Health Design Initiative

University of Michigan & University of Ghana

Aug 2024 – Sep 2024

Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra

  • Conducted a comprehensive needs assessment within the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department through ethnographic observation of surgeries and clinician ward rounds, complemented by interviews and stakeholder engagements to identify medical and engineering challenges.
  • Assessed 60 unique problems, developed design specifications, and selected one for a capstone project.
  • Supervised by Ing. Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dr. Claude Fiifi Hayford, Dr. Dhanalakshmi Thiyagarajan (University of Michigan), Prof. Julia Kramer (University of Michigan)

Biomedical Engineering Intern

Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

May 2023 - Aug 2023 & Feb 2024 – Apr 2024

Kumasi, Ghana

  • Participated in calibrating, troubleshooting, servicing, repairing, and maintaining medical equipment including X-ray, MRI, ventilators, dialysis and anesthesia machines.
  • Programmed and deployed a medical equipment inventory software (EquiBase) for the Biomedical Engineering Department to assist in device inventory management.

Medical Laboratory Intern

Powerhouse Hospital

Oct 2022 – Dec 2022

Kumasi, Ghana

  • Performed laboratory analyses on biological samples (hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, serology) and conducted procedures such as blood cross-matching and microscopic examinations using diagnostic equipment to support patient diagnoses.

Paint Technician Apprentice

Lumba Vehicle Spraying Shop

2013 - 2021

Suame Magazine, Kumasi, Ghana

  • Progressed from preparation tasks to independently executing vehicle painting projects and customer engagement.

Recent Leadership Roles

SES Editorial Board | National Service Personnel

University of Ghana · Full-time

Nov 2025 - Present · 2 mos

Legon, Greater Accra Region, Ghana · On-site

  • SES committees

SES Building Expansion Committee Member

University of Ghana · Hybrid

Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr

  • SES committees

Speaker of Parliament

Engineering Students Association of University of Ghana (ESUG)

November 2024 - September 2025

Previously: Electoral Commission Chair (Sep 2023-Oct 2024) Deputy Electoral Commissioner (Jun-Aug 2023)
  • Oversaw student government legislative processes and parliamentary procedures
  • Conducted free and fair elections for student government positions

President

Ghana Society of Biomedical Engineering - University of Ghana (GSBE-UG)

August 2023 - August 2024

  • Launched mentorship program connecting students with industry professionals
  • Organized nationwide biomedical engineering webinar series
  • Conducted technical seminars and coordinated field trips to medical facilities

Scholarships & Recognitions

  • Head of Department Recognition Award for Distinguished Leadership - Department of Biomedical Engineering (July, 2025)
  • Best Project Presentation Award - 4th National GSBE Conference (Oct, 2024) | Topic: "Design of Echolocation Glasses for Visually Impaired Individuals"
  • Dean’s Honor List - School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana (2023/2024 Academic Year, CGPA: 3.80/4.00)
  • Educational Pathways International Scholarship - Full Scholarship at University of Ghana (Awarded January 2022, January 2023, October 2023, November 2024) | approximately GH₵ 40,000.00 ($3,600.00 equivalent)
  • Overall Best Student - Nandom Senior High School (2018/19 and 2019/20 Academic Years)

Skills, Certificates & Interests

Technical Skills

  • Engineering: CAD (SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion), Medical Equipment Maintenance, Engineering Design, Research, Laboratory Equipment Operation
  • Technology: Python (Django, Scikit-learn, OpenCV, Data Science), MATLAB, Arduino, Proteus Design Suite, Machine Learning, SIEM, Cyber Security

Certificates

  • Global SDGs Leadership Certificate - Echo Change (Issued Nov 2025)
  • Google Advanced Data Analytics Certificate Badge - Coursera & Google (2025)
  • Google Project Management Professional Certificate Badge - Coursera & Google (2024)
  • Hospital Planning & Design and Equipment Management - Hospital Engineering Academy (November 2024)
  • Particle Physics: An Introduction - Coursera & Université de Genève (Nov 2023)
  • Quantum Computing - Qubit by Qubit, The Coding School & IBM (Oct 2022 - Apr 2023)
  • Virtual Immersion in Biomedical Engineering - Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Summer Program 2022)

View my complete list of professional certifications in the Skills & Expertise section.

Professional Memberships

  • Ghana Institution of Engineering - Student Member (2024-Present)
  • The Field Engineer - Student Member (2023-Present)
  • Elsie Effah Kaufmann Foundation - Volunteer (2023-Present)
  • Vispad Institute of Technology, Ghana - Member and Teaching Assistant (2022-Present)

Speaking Engagements

UG Open Day

University of Ghana

November 3-4, 2023

  • Presented to prospective engineering students about academic programs and admission requirements at the University of Ghana

KNUST BMESS TRATECH Vacathon

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

September 8, 2023

  • Keynote speaker on "Leveraging Occupational Breaks to Raise Industry Professionals" for biomedical engineering students

Featured in Media Outlets

References: Available upon request