Donte Johnson’s fascination with the intricacies of the human body has been a driving force in his life. When he arrived at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, this passion inspired him to pursue a degree in biomedical sciences through the School of Health Professions. Here, Johnson found the perfect opportunity to unite his love for science with his aspiration to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Last summer, Johnson’s passion for science reached new heights when he was selected to participate in a summer research program in Nepal. The prospect of traveling over 8,000 miles from home filled him with an exhilarating sense of joy, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

“Being selected for this experience was validation of my hard work and a chance to embark on an incredible journey of learning and growth,” he said.

When Johnson arrived in Nepal, he was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The country’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes instantly captivated him, yet he remained aware of the potential challenges that might come with adjusting to an unfamiliar environment.

“I was excited to learn a new language and expand my education; but I faced several challenges, including language barriers and resource limitations.”

To navigate these challenges, Johnson took proactive steps to bridge cultural gaps. He learned basic phrases in the local language and worked closely with interpreters. Reflecting on his experience, Johnson emphasizes that adapting to cultural differences demanded a mindset of openness and mutual respect. He immersed himself in Nepali customs and traditions, engaging in local festivals and community events. By forging meaningful connections with local colleagues and residents, he gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of their unique perspectives.

In Nepal, his research focused on researching the vaccination protocol of HPV on the global scale. He was responsible for collaborating with the Nepal Fertility Care Center and collaborating with the Nepali federal government. 

“We adapted our research methods to work with the available resources, emphasizing collaboration and creative problem-solving,” Johnson said.

After a long day of work, Johnson found himself enjoying the local scenes. Some of his favorite memories include attending various festivals, concerts and markets throughout the Kathmandu valley.

“The most momentous highlight of my experience in Nepal came from my time in Pokhara,” Johnson said. “The bus ride gave me a breathtaking view into the countryside of Nepal, and I was able to journey into the water wonderland of Lakeview.” 

Johnson describes his time in Nepal as truly transformative. The experience pushed him beyond his comfort zone, expanded his worldview and deepened his dedication to global health. He reflects that the memories and lessons gained during this journey are etched into his life and will continue to shape his future endeavors.

“From this experience, I gained valuable skills in research methodology, data analysis and cross-cultural communication,” Johnson said. “I developed a greater appreciation for the resilience and resourcefulness of communities facing health disparities.”

Another memorable highlight for Johnson was successfully implementing a community-based health interventional testing site that screened for HPV.

“It was a long and hot day, but seeing the positive impact of our work firsthand was incredibly rewarding,” Johnson said.

The next adventure awaiting Johnson is crossing the UAB Commencement stage on Saturday, May 3.

When asked what advice he would give to his fellow Blazers, he said, “Embrace experiences with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Building strong relationships with local communities, and be adaptable in order to make a meaningful contribution. It’s enlightening to know there’s always a world out there that we may not know yet.”