Isaac Kaba, an international honors student from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, conducted drug discovery research to treat cancer in preparation for his future as an academic researcher.
“I aim to delve further into cancer research and drug discovery, actively contributing to addressing the burden of cancer through the development of effective medicines,” Kaba said.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: UToledo recognizes the Class of 2023 with a series of stories featuring students receiving their degrees at fall commencement.
Kaba, who graduates with a bachelor of science degree in pharmaceutical sciences from UToledo on Saturday, credits his passion for drug discovery research to the limited access his home country has to quality healthcare.
“Recognizing widespread healthcare disparities and inequalities, I decided to pursue undergraduate studies in pharmaceutical sciences and engage in drug discovery research to advance new knowledge that can lead to the development of more effective and equitable treatments,” he said.
Kaba began his academic journey studying pharmacy at the University of Kinshasa in Congo. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaba worked with a research team to study the biological activities of medicinal plants commonly used for skin diseases in traditional medicine. The team ultimately published their findings in the Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, listing Kaba as the lead author.
Kaba then transferred to The University of Toledo’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to expand his scientific research and gain hands-on research experience in the design, synthesis and development of new pharmaceutical compounds.
“The UToledo College of Pharmacy has provided me with exceptional opportunities for cutting-edge research that have nurtured my passion for drug discovery,” he said. “These early research exposures have empowered me, sparked my scientific curiosity and fueled my ambitions to contribute to the development of new therapeutics that improve patient care.”
“UToledo has diligently equipped me with the necessary tools and experiences for my success after graduation, particularly in the field of biomedical and pharmaceutical research,” Kaba added.
Isaac Kaba, an Honors student who graduates with a bachelor of science degree in pharmaceutical sciences Saturday, was selected for a highly competitive internship last summer at Novartis Pharma AG, a leading global pharmaceutical corporation at the forefront of drug discovery.
In summer 2023, Kaba was selected for a highly competitive internship at Novartis Pharma AG, a leading global pharmaceutical corporation at the forefront of drug discovery. He said Novartis provided him with practical experiences into the real-world drug development process and strengthened his commitment to advancing drug discovery.
As pharmacy student in the Jesup Scott Honors College, Kaba had the opportunity to work in a variety of faculty labs throughout his academic career, which he said significantly broadened his research perspective on scientific inquiries.
“The honors pharmacy curriculum at UToledo has also helped me develop soft skills in research, critical thinking and problem-solving,” he said.
Most recently, Kaba conducted research at the UToledo Center for Drug Design and Development for his honors thesis, which he said focuses on developing a more effective drug with a new mode of action for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer, a more advanced, drug-resistant form of prostate cancer.
Kaba’s synthesis efforts have led to the identification of three new molecules, one of which is an active and informative compound that provides new insights about the team project, as well as creates a foundation for future research.
Kaba has been recognized for his contributions to drug discovery research through a variety of awards, including the prestigious 2023 Pioneer Award, designed to encourage and reward undergraduate students for developing the research, engagement and leadership skills necessary to become a successful scholar.
Kaba graduates in the top 1% of his class, maintaining a cumulative 4.0 GPA and earning summa cum laude, the highest level of academic achievement.
Alongside his passion for drug discovery research, Kaba discovered his love for teaching while leading group tutoring sessions for medicinal chemistry at UToledo. He said he wants to continue to foster his love of teaching in the future by securing a position as a professor at a research-intensive institution.
“Being a professor means there will be many opportunities for me to advance drug discovery, mentor the next generation of scientists and bring science to society,” Kaba said.
Committed to academic excellence, Kaba is in the top 1% of his class, maintaining a cumulative 4.0 GPA and earning summa cum laude, the highest level of academic achievement.
“Receiving such academic honor recognition is meaningful to me because it recognizes not only all my past and current works but also my future endeavors,” he said.
As he prepares to walk the stage for commencement, Kaba said that he hopes to receive an admission offer for a graduate program where he can pursue a doctorate degree in medicinal chemistry.
“I am very thankful to the Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry for providing me with several opportunities for cutting-edge research alongside great academic mentorship, which is indispensable in my growth as a scientist and in preparing for my journey in graduate school,” he said.
After graduate school, Kaba said he hopes to secure a postdoctoral position that will allow him to expand his scientific expertise, advance his cancer drug discovery research and prepare him for a career as an academic researcher.
“The UToledo College of Pharmacy has offered me the best pathway and unparalleled preparation towards achieving my future endeavors,” Kaba said.
