Neuroscience major researches effects of drug and alcohol use on young brain development

Growing up in Ghana where mental health is a taboo topic, Angel Asamoah ’25 became interested in the effects of early drug and alcohol use on youth brain development. The neuroscience major, who also completed the public health pathway at The College of Wooster was very involved on campus as a health coach, resident advisor, peer mentor, and co-president of the African Students Union. Her passion for helping others, serving in and building community contributed to her selection as an Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service recipient and member of the second cohort of Obama Foundation’s Voyagers and finalized her Independent Study topic on how alcohol consumption influences adolescent brain structure and behavior.

As part of the award, she traveled to Ghana for a summer work-travel experience to help define her public service journey. She designed a three-part internship in Ghana that included a neurological internship at a for-profit hospital, an opportunity to shadow a neurosurgeon at a non-profit military hospital, and a mental health internship at a non-profit hospital. She visited area schools and talked with students about mental health and being more active, limiting screen time, and other paths toward neurological wellness, addressing the growing negative impacts of excessive drinking among youth populations. Her summer experience affirmed her public service journey and helped shape her I.S.

“The real excitement of my topic lies in how my findings could shape treatments and interventions. I’m connecting the dots between neuroscience, behavior, and policy, paving the way for solutions that could make a tangible difference.”

—Angel Asamoah ’25

MY I.S.

Asamoah: My thesis explores how alcohol consumption influences adolescent brain structure and behavior, aiming to address the growing negative impacts of excessive drinking among youth populations. By analyzing data from the NIH Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, my project sought to uncover insights into the relationship between early drinking and negative/impulsive behaviors, which could have significant implications for developing practical treatment and preventative interventions for youth.

EXCITING ASPECTS

Asamoah: I was most excited about the practical translation of my research. My use of data from the NIH ABCD Study adds depth and credibility to my research, but the real excitement lies in how my findings could shape treatments and interventions. I’m connecting the dots between neuroscience, behavior, and policy, paving the way for solutions that could make a tangible difference.

EMPOWERED IN MY FIELD

Asamoah: My I.S. project truly empowered me to take ownership of my research and develop the confidence to lead a complex, I.S. Navigating every phase of the process—from forming my initial questions to analyzing data and drawing conclusions—taught me how to manage and direct my own work effectively. It also deepened my curiosity within my field, encouraging me to ask bigger, more ambitious questions and explore ideas I hadn’t considered before. This experience not only strengthened my skills as a researcher but also inspired me to embrace the excitement of inquiry and discovery in areas I’m passionate about.

As co-president of the African Student Union, Angel Asamoah ’25 frequently worked closely with the College’s events management team, getting to know Darlene Hauenstein and Cassidy Wertman so well that she took a photo with them to celebrate turning in her I.S.

SUPPORTIVE SCOT COMMUNITY

Asamoah: I couldn’t have accomplished this journey without the unwavering support of the incredible people around me: my advisor and extraordinary mentor Dr. Stavnezer; Tessa Hall at the Writing Center for her constant source of encouragement and focus; Learning Center Director Amber Larson’s invaluable advice; and my friends and family, who were my pillars of support.

MY TAKEAWAYS

Asamoah: I learned to be adaptable and patient because, no matter how much you plan, plans have a tendency to change when you least expect it. I learned much about how to efficiently pivot in response to change, ensuring the best outcome from that situation. I.S. also helped me build my confidence in conducting scientific research.

CELEBRATION

Asamoah: On I.S. Monday, after having brunch with friends, I dressed up in my cow print and partook in most of the activities the college had planned, including the march through the arch and food trucks.

WHAT’S NEXT

Asamoah: My aim is to continue in a research lab, exploring the effects of alcohol use on neurological processes and creating realistic prevention programs to help curb these pervasive effects.

Asamoah received the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service recipient and was a member of the second cohort of Obama Foundation’s Voyagers.

Featured image: Angel Asamoah ’25, photo provided by subject.

Posted in Homepage Featured, Independent Study on June 10, 2025.