Yoeku Sam

Major / Minor: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Area of Research: Biomedical Research

Name of Mentor: Kaku So-Armah

How did you get involved in research?

Boston University’s strong emphasis on research opportunities was a major reason I chose to attend. Even before stepping foot on Comm Ave, I was eager to engage in discovery and contribute to new knowledge. That motivation led me to pursue research early on during my first year. Upon scouring through Boston University’s departmental websites, I eventually found a research topic that interested me.

How did you meet your mentor?

I met my mentor through my mother, who introduced us after hearing about my strong interest in research and public health. After our initial conversation, I was impressed by how passionate he was about his work on HIV, TB, and substance use. As we talked more about the research goals and its real-world impact, I realized how much I genuinely loved the project and wanted to be a part of it. His mentorship and the collaborative environment of the lab made me excited to join the team through UROP and contribute to meaningful scientific discovery.

What has your UROP experience taught you?

My UROP experience has taught me that research takes time—and that is perfectly fine. I used to think progress had to be immediate, but I’ve learned that meaningful discoveries come from patience, persistence, and attention to detail. Whether it’s reading dozens of papers, refining a research question, or drafting a manuscript, every step is part of a much longer process. It’s helped me develop a deeper respect for the time and effort behind every published study.

How has this experience helped you with non-research related things at BU?

UROP has significantly improved my time management skills. Reading and synthesizing information from up to 10 papers during a six-hour shift has taught me how to quickly identify key points and summarize complex material efficiently. Beyond research, it has also helped me grow socially and professionally—whether through team meetings, presentations, or casual gatherings like the UROP picnic, I’ve had valuable opportunities to connect with others and build relationships around a shared passion for learning.

What does a day in your research life look like?

A typical day in my research life starts with reading. Since I am conducting a literature review, it’s important for me to stay well-versed in current knowledge surrounding HIV and TB treatment outcomes, interventions, and therapies. I then attend team meetings where we review posters for upcoming presentations, discuss new data, and ask open-ended questions that encourage us to think critically and collaboratively. I usually end the day by continuing to draft our manuscript, integrating findings from the literature and our data analysis to build a strong foundation for possible publication.

What advice would you give to someone interested in UROP?

Just apply! As a first-year student, I initially worried that I didn’t have enough experience to be involved in UROP—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In just a couple of weeks, I’ve learned so much about the research process and found myself genuinely excited about the work I’m doing. UROP is a great opportunity to explore your interests, build meaningful connections with mentors, and grow as both a student and a researcher.