Graduating Senior Heading to Two Graduate Schools Concurrently

Ality Aghedo is a man on the move. Geology (Earth and Physical Science) major, Aghedo is now enrolled in two graduate programs at two separate universities.

First, Aghedo was accepted into Johns Hopkins University for a Master of Science in Environmental and Policy Studies. As if that weren't enough of a challenge, the hardworking scholar also applied and was accepted an MBA program at Regent University's School of Business and Leadership. The latter program he will attend on an online basis.

A "Christian University" based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent University has both online and on-campus options. It promises that students will grow "as scholars, Christians and people."

Born in Edo State, Nigeria, Ality came to the United States at the age of 26 when he won the green card lottery (officially known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program), which grants permanent residence to randomly-selected applicants from certain countries. He has taken full advantage of them all. Coming to York, he says, has been very beneficial to his goals.

"A lot of people don't know the benefits of [attending] a small college," said Aghedo. "We get opportunities to network and get scholarships; and research opportunities. Right now I'm participating in three research projects."

Aghedo has engaged in meaningful research under the mentorship of Dr. Ratan Dhar in Environmental Science; Dr. Susan Letteney in Public Health, Dr. Nicholas Grosskopf in sex and sexuality; and Dr. Nazrul Khandaker in sediment research, among them. He also values the general mentorship of Dr. Victor Ramsey of the Health and Physical Education and Gerontological Studies.

"Ality comes up with a burst of energy and knowing him for over four years as student and mentee, I haven't noticed any dissipation of enthusiasm when it comes to academic components and student services," said Dr. Khandaker. "Strikingly, he maintained a sustained growth over the years, expanded his professional network through attending annual meetings of the Geological Society of America (GSA) and participated in strategic GSA's campus representatives gatherings."

For his hard work, Aghedo has also been amply rewarded with scholarship and research funding. He has been awarded $14,800 by the U.S. Department of Energy; $7,500 by the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP); $3, 500 International Research Scholarship from the CUNY Research Foundation.

He was also a non-contracted United States Army Cadet Command ROTC membership; and received a certificate of achievement for exceptional performance and dedication to the CUNY Army ROTC program. Upon completion of his double master's degrees, Aghedo plans to apply to a doctoral program at Harvard University's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.

"I want to be a research scientist and a professor," said Aghedo. "My double master's degrees will enhance my career prospects, enable me to be more creative, provide opportunity to be mentored by great research scientists, and increase my opportunities in the future, including getting acceptance at Harvard University."

York has prepared him well for all this. In addition to research in his department, Aghedo has delved into fields outside of his geo science major. His research with Dr. Grosskopf included "Sex Ed in the City: The Self-Perceptions of Primary Care & Disclosure to Health Care Providers among Sexual Minority Women: A Systematic Literature;" and Recommendations for Routine Male Circumcision: A Systematic Content Analysis of State Departments of Health Websites."

He has also published in peer-reviewed journals as a co-author with mentors such as [Dr. Nazrul] Khandaker in the Earth and Physical Education department. A modern-day renaissance man, Aghedo is well on his way to achieving his wildest dreams. published works can be found at the links below.