Global Research Internship Program - 2025
The Center for Learning and Childhood Development-Ghana(CLCD) is a non-profit, research organization that seeks to end neonatal deaths and promote early childhood development. The Center's program areas are newborn and child health, developmental delays and disabilities, and early childhood education.
The Center's Global Research Internship Program provides students with real-life, hands-on experience in research practice and intervention development to benefit mothers and children in a low-income country. The program has four main components: 1) Participation in a research project or community service project, 2) mentoring from leading researchers and service providers, 3) Training to enhance professional development, and 4) Facilitating student engagement in Ghanaian culture through visits to heritage sites.
ELIGIBILITY
This program provides summer research internships for all graduate and undergraduate students aged 18 years and above. To participate in the program, students are required to complete CITI Training online.
Internship in pictures
Interns profile
Hannah Stella Tenkorang
Hannah Stella Tenkorang is a Senior at Michigan State University, studying Global Health Nutritional Science. Originally from South Lyon, Michigan, she graduated from South Lyon East High School in 2022 as a member of the National Honors Society. At Michigan State, Hannah Stella takes pride in her leadership and community involvement. She serves as the secretary of the Black Student Nursing Association (BSNA), is an active member of the African Student Union (ASU), and works with student residence life as both a Resident Assistant (RA) and Receptionist Supervisor. Through these roles, she especially enjoys mentoring her peers and supporting underrepresented students on campus. Beyond her campus involvement, Hannah Stella volunteers at Haven House, a homeless shelter in East Lansing, where she provides support to families and assists with daily operations. After graduating in spring 2026, she plans to work in the pediatric field as a nutritionist and pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing to expand her impact in healthcare
Zari Dixson
Zari Dixson is a junior at Michigan State University majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. Originally from Birmingham, Michigan, she graduated from Detroit Country Day Upper School in 2022. At MSU, Zari is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she currently serves as the community service co-chair, helping to lead initiatives like giving back to the community. She is also involved in the Black Student Nursing Association, a student organization dedicated to creating a supportive environment for minority students pursuing careers in healthcare. In addition, Zari manages the social media presence for Black MSU Connect, a platform that highlights events and organizations serving MSU's minority student population. Passionate about service and healthcare, Zari aspires to become a nurse in the future
Grace Lambert
Grace Lambert is an incoming senior at Michigan State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies on the pre-medical track. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, she graduated Summa cum laude from Northview High School in 2022. At MSU, Grace serves on the executive board of the Pre-Medical Association, where she recently held the role of Volunteer Coordinator. In this role, she organized service opportunities throughout the Greater Lansing area, her favorite being at Habitat for Humanity. She is also a dedicated member of MSU’s medical/dental chapter of Global Brigades and participated in a medical mission to Guatemala, where she helped coordinate hygiene donations and assisted in operating a three-day health clinic in a rural community in Técpan. Grace currently works as a research assistant for the MSU WRITE Project, focusing on early childhood literacy, and teaches dance classes at a local studio in East Lansing. Following graduation, Grace plans to take a gap year while applying to medical school. Driven by her passion for supporting children and families through community-centered care, she aspires to become a pediatrician or family medicine physician
Latrell Massey
Latrell Massey is a junior at Michigan State University studying Human Biology and Neuroscience within the Lyman Briggs College. He is deeply committed to research, advocacy, and scientific advancement. Latrell is the founder and president of The Neurodiversity Network, a student organization at MSU focused on empowering neurodiverse individuals through education, advocacy, and community outreach.
He conducts research in the Veenema Lab, where he investigates how age related changes in vasopressin (AVP) expression contribute to the development of social behaviors. Latrell also contributes to the FamTAM project in MSU’s RADD Lab, coding caregiver-child interactions to improve communication outcomes for children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems.
In addition to his research, Latrell serves as an advisor for MSU’s Pathway to Research Program, mentoring undergraduate students as they navigate the process of securing research positions. He plans to pursue an MD-PhD, aspiring to become a physician-neuroscientist who bridges clinical work and research.
Gabriela Zairi
Gabriela Zairi is a junior at Michigan State University. She is from Mendham Township New Jersey and graduated from Mendham High School. Gabriela is studying both criminal justice and psychology. For three years, she mentored young cheerleaders in a cheer camp. Gabriela is adopted from Guatemala and grew up with a big diverse family. Her family has a charity called growing hearts of Africa that works with children. It sparked her interest in volunteering in Africa. After undergrad, Gabriela plans on attending grad school.
Isabelle Moross
Isabelle Moross is a rising senior at Michigan State University majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Social Work. Isabelle is from West Palm Beach, Florida, and graduated from Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches in 2022. At Michigan State, Isabelle is involved with her sorority Alpha Omicron Pi where she was the Director of Lifetime Engagement with the role of bridging graduating seniors and AOii Alumni to build meaningful professional connections. Through AOii, Isabelle is also involved with philanthropy work supporting the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation. Isabelle has worked with children on the autism spectrum at a preschool in West Palm Beach and at a residential overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-14 in Northern, Michigan where she taught American Sign Language, arts and crafts, and water sports. When not in East Lansing or West Palm Beach, Isabelle spends time in Telluride, Colorado where she is an avid skier, and hiker and enjoys the mountain lifestyle. Upon graduation, Isabelle plans on pursuing a master's degree involving Child Development or Autism Spectrum Disorders
Meryn Vrondran
My name is Meryn Vrondran, and I am currently a participant in the Michigan State University Study Abroad Program to Ghana. I am originally from Northern Michigan, specifically Boyne City. I just finished my freshman year at Michigan State. I am planning to graduate in 2028. I am majoring in elementary education in the 3-6 grade band. I hope to be an advocate for all students, to give them a well-deserved education, and many life lessons through it. I hope to create a home-like space where all students feel safe, welcome and loved. I am very passionate about education. I joined a cohort here at Michigan State called the Urban Educators Cohort Program. Which I have taken a few classes for; this has been a great experience, very eye-opening. The UECP is an urban-focused education program designed to educate students on how to be an abolitionist teacher.
I also joined a sorority, Sigma Kappa. Creating many opportunities for myself, volunteering, networking, and lifelong friends, to name a few. In my free time, I like to read, be outside, hang out with friends, and try something new! I recently have found my love for reading, in which when the free time comes (although it is rare), I love to pick up a book! I also love to hang out with my friends, whether it is going on a walk, watching a movie, or just talking! I have certainly loved the classes and experiences I have had here so far at Michigan State. I am beyond excited for the opportunity in Ghana to expand my education and experiences.
Zuriel Phillips
Zuriel Phillips is a fourth-year student, studying Social Work, at Michigan State University. She is originally from Inkster Michigan in the Metro-Detroit area and graduated from John Glenn High School in 2021. At Michigan State, Zuriel is a part of a Christian organization called Cru and has served on the worship team and had the opportunity to go on a mission’s trip to Portugal with Cru. She has also started and lead a group for black women after God’s own heart, to foster sisterhood and healing amongst young black women here at a predominately white institution. Upon graduation, Zuriel plans to get her Master’s degree in Social Work with a goal of either working in schools with adolescents, as a school Social Worker focused on advocacy and fostering an environment where healing is encouraged and emphasized or work as a counselor with vulnerable adolescents and families as they navigate life and the many struggles that can be encountered both internally and externally
Kiara Kapusansky
Kiara Kapusansky is an upcoming sophomore at Michigan State University, double majoring in psychology and social work in the College of Social Science. Kiara is also in MSU’s honors college. She has worked as an undergraduate research assistant at MSU’s Autism lab since September 2024. Kiara was originally from Dexter, Michigan, graduating from Dexter High School in 2024. She was the president of the SNAP Club (Students Needing Accepting Peers) in high school, where she worked to promote an accepting and inclusive school environment for all students. Kiara has worked as a nanny for the past four years, working with students with higher needs and learning disabilities. Kiara was a member of the SEAB (Sex Education Advisory Board) of Dexter, pushing towards an updated curriculum and an increase in education on interpersonal skills. Kiara’s future goals include being a therapist, specifically working with children and teens. Kiara enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.
Miatta Munda Phipps
My name is Miatta Munda Phipps, a recent graduate of Oakland University with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a pre-concentration in Pharmacy. This fall, I will be pursuing my Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). I am proudly half Sierra Leonean and ethnically Mende, with a love for traditional dishes like peanut butter stew and jollof rice
Makayla Sheffield
My name is Makayla Sheffield, and I’m a second-year Master of Public Health (MPH) student. I have a two bachelor degrees, one in Nursing and another in Wellness and Health Promotion. I’m also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, which has helped shape my passion for service, leadership, and community advocacy. I’ve always cared deeply about supporting people in need, especially those facing homelessness. My goal is to help close the gaps in care and make sure everyone has access to the health support they deserve no matter their situation. With my nursing experience and what I’m learning in public health, I’m excited to look at healthcare in a different way. I want to focus more on prevention, community support, and making sure people feel seen and valued. At the end of the day, I just want to make a real difference in people’s lives and help build stronger, healthier communities
Fahima Matin
Fahima Matin is a first-generation Bengali-American and Master of Public Health student from Oakland University in Auburn Hills, MI, where she also earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. She is a member of the Public Health Professionals Club at her school and actively volunteers for the Neighborhood Services Organization, which implements healthcare programs for the unhoused community in Detroit. Fahima also co-created the "Three Stars Book Club," a vibrant initiative that fosters a love of reading, enhances social skills, and facilitates networking among women of color in her community. Her extensive work experience in health insurance and patient care coordination ignited her resolve to pursue a career in Public Health; she aspires to hold positions in international organizations such as the WHO or UNICEF, advocating for transformative services and education programs to vulnerable populations.
Mackenzie Farrow
Mackenzie Farrow is a current medical student at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Rochester, Michigan, USA. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience in 2022 from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Her clinical and academic interests include pediatric medicine, public health, and global health. She enjoys working with children and is passionate about supporting children’s health and well-being. Before entering medical school, Mackenzie worked as a scribe at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA and volunteered virtually with the Center For Success Network as a literacy mentor, supporting educational outcomes for children in her home community in Michigan. At Ghana CLCD, Mackenzie is deepening her understanding of child advocacy, global community engagement, and public health as they relate to children’s health and development.
Nedi Affas
Nedi Affas is a first-year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB). She completed her undergraduate studies at Oakland University, where she developed a strong passion for community engagement and healthcare advocacy. Deeply committed to serving underserved populations, she is actively involved in several nonprofit organizations, including World Medical Relief and the Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic. As an immigrant from Iraq who has experienced the challenges of a low-income background, she is driven by a personal mission to give back and uplift others facing similar struggles. With a strong interest in women’s health, she hopes to pursue a career as an OB/GYN. She is especially excited about the opportunity to participate in the summer program in Ghana, where she looks forward to expanding her understanding of global health, gaining hands-on experience, and continuing her commitment to compassionate, community-centered care.
Marieme Samb
Marieme Samb is a junior at Oakland University majoring in Health Science with a concentration in Holistic Health. Originally from Senegal, she has also lived in Mali, Tunisia, Guinea, and Ivory Coast before moving to the United States for college. At Oakland, Marieme serves as a Resident Assistant, is a member of the ECLIPSE student organization, and holds executive board roles with both the African Student Union and the French Club. She is passionate about cultural exchange, community engagement, and health equity. After graduating, Marieme plans to pursue a Master of Public Health and a career in global health and health promotion, with a focus on improving access to care and preventive health services in underserved communities.
Fatoumata Samb
Fatoumata Samb is a junior at Oakland University, majoring in Public Health with minors in Nutrition and Health, as well as Wellness and Health Promotion. Originally from Senegal, Fatoumata has had the unique opportunity to live in several countries across North and West Africa before moving to the United States for college. These experiences have given her a rich and unique perspective on diverse cultures, societies, and healthcare systems, feeding her passion for global health and diversity.
At Oakland University, Fatoumata serves as the President of the African Student Union (ASU), where she leads cultural initiatives and encourages community engagement. She is also a mentor for the Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI), a Resident Assistant (RA), a desk attendant in university housing, and works at a daycare, where she has the opportunity to learn more about child development.
Known for her love of discovering new things, engaging in meaningful discussions, and connecting with people from different backgrounds, Fatoumata is currently exploring career paths that align with her passions and seeks a career that would be both stimulating and fulfilling in her daily life. Her long-term goal is to return to Africa after completing her studies to contribute to public health systems and advocate for the well-being of children and communities.
She expects to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in April 2027 and plans to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) afterward.