From Cameroon to Alaska: Emmanuel Tobey's inspiring journey

Emmanuel's journey from the tropical landscapes of Cameroon to the snowy expanses of Alaska is a testament to resilience and determination. Born and raised in Cameroon, Emmanuel is the youngest of six siblings. His early years were marked by hard work and the struggle to help support his family. "Life wasn't easy, but we made the best of what we had," Emmanuel recalled.

When his father left for America to seek better opportunities, Emmanuel and his siblings worked in local sand mines to contribute to the household income. Despite the hardships, Emmanuel remained hopeful. His father eventually settled in Alaska, attracted by the promise of better prospects, and the family reunited after several years.

Adjusting to life in Alaska was challenging, but Emmanuel embraced the change. He attended West High School, where he discovered a passion for soccer. His talent on the field earned him a scholarship to play in Washington. However, a severe injury - a broken tibia and fibula - cut his soccer career short. This setback led Emmanuel to a new path: the world of medicine.

Returning to Alaska, Emmanuel enrolled at UAA and found a welcoming and supportive community. He connected with Shannon Uffenbeck, an assistant professor and pre-medical advisor in UAA's WWAMI School of Medical Education, who provided invaluable guidance, and Eric Bortz, associate professor in UAA's Department of Biological Sciences, whose lab he joined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Bortz's mentorship, Emmanuel delved into virology research, learning about medical disparities and the critical role of scientific inquiry.

Emmanuel's journey took him back to Cameroon, where he shared his experiences and knowledge with his village. Showing the villagers photos of UAA's lab inspired hope and curiosity. "It was like giving them a glimpse of something bigger than ourselves," he said.

At UAA, Emmanuel continued to thrive, joining Professor in UAA's Department of Biological Sciences, Khrys Duddleston's microbiology lab. There, he worked with a close-knit team, including lab partner Hailei Nystuen and graduate students Heidi McKee and Travis Jennings. Reflecting on his team, Emmanuel shared, "All of them are phenomenal people." His research experiences, along with his active involvement in the NAACP and as vice president of the Black Student Union, have further fueled his passion for a life of service.

Now, Emmanuel is preparing to take the MCAT and apply to medical school. He dreams of working with Mercy Ships, a floating hospital providing medical care to underserved populations. "Six months out of the year I want to dedicate my time to doing that, and then six months out of the year I want to be in the villages in Alaska," he said.

Emmanuel's story is one of perseverance and hope. His journey from Cameroon to Alaska and his unwavering commitment to making a difference is inspiring. As he looks to the future, Emmanuel aims to be a physician who not only heals but also brings hope to those who need it most.

Emmanuel's journey is just beginning, and we are excited to see the incredible impact he will continue to make.

To learn more about how you can support students like Emmanuel Tobey in achieving their dreams and making a lasting impact in Alaska and beyond, visit UAA'sGeneral Scholarship Fund website.