UCAD My Second Howard

This past week I had the opportunity to explore Dakar through my lens as a Howard University student. This perspective has allowed me to think critically about the new world around me and has greatly prepared me to deal with unexpected circumstances. This week I began my research as the prior week my mentor had been away at a research conference. My project was changed to focus on confirming which concentrate of Bissap, a local Senegalese drink contains antibacterial properties. The first aspect of my project involves chemically characterizing 4 concentrate samples through parameters such as pH, sugar concentration (Brix), anthocyanin, drying extract, and polyphenol. Through this experience I’ve gotten a firsthand look at the similarities and differences between Howard’s chemistry lab and an international one such as the Universite Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD). While the setup of the labs appear to be the same, a closer look reveals many differences owing to the differences in respective functionality. The chemistry lab at UCAD primarily analyzes food samples while at Howard there are no labs dedicated to observing food. As a result there were a couple of gadgets that I was unfamiliar with such as a Brix machine which analyzes the sugar content of juices. However, things that are taken for granted in U.S. labs such as paper towels, water, and soap were either scarce or hardly to be found in the UCAD lab. It was interesting having to adjust to these new settings but overall I think it has made me a stronger researcher who is more resourceful and less wasteful.

Apart from my meaningful research experience I had a couple of exciting cultural experiences with visits to Sandaga market and a Safari! Our first trip was to Sandaga which is a short taxi ride from where we are staying. Sandaga was what we expected and tenfold. As soon as we got out of our taxi we were bombarded by a group of 4-5 men trying to sell us various items. Eventually our crowd whittled down to one man who led us to a textile factory that also sold handmade sculptures. While all of the products were of good quality and it was great getting a firsthand look at the bartering process it was a very overwhelming experience. We only stayed in Sandaga for one and a half hours but it felt like an eternity and by the end I had sensory overload. Hopefully, at the end of this trip I will have another opportunity to go to Sandaga but this time with a plan and a budget! The next day we were treated to a safari where we got a chance to see giraffes, antelopes, rhinoceros, monkeys, zebras, and other wildlife up close and personal! The safari was a pleasant 40 minute car ride and that gave us the chance to see other parts of Senegal and see more of the terrain.

The most satisfying aspect of the experience so far for me has been seeing all of the similarities between UCAD and Howard. As I see it, UCAD is my second Howard as it embodies many of the same ideals that I have come to love about my university. UCAD is also a mecca of diverse black diasporans that provides priceless educational opportunities to those that society has deemed unteachable. It has been inspiring to see the students strive for excellence as they seek to make the communities better and more livable. I hope to keep growing and sharing my experiences in the coming weeks but until then, Mangi dem! (Wolof expression for good bye.)