Psychology graduate student Nutifafa Dey is studying how to promote resilience across the lifespan, especially in middle-age and older adults.

Promoting resilience and well-being in Ghana — and across the globe

An international student from Agotime-Kpetoe, Ghana, Nutifafa Dey is set to earn a second master’s degree this December as he pursues a PhD in psychology, specializing in developmental psychology at Arizona State University.

Dey’s journey toward his doctoral degree began in 2019 after completing a clinical psychology program at the University of Ghana. He worked closely with children rescued from labor trafficking, providing essential social, psychological and therapeutic support. The experience raised pressing questions about creating culturally sensitive interventions and policies to combat trafficking and support survivors’ resilience throughout their lives. Collaborating with public health researchers, he developed advanced research skills that solidified his career goals.

Dey shared that a PhD in psychology, focusing on resilience across the lifespan, would allow him to address these and new questions and position him to translate scientific research into interventions that inform local and global policies.

“I feel very grateful to have found the exact PhD profile, the resources, the laboratory and the right people — including my mentor at ASU — to support my training towards achieving my goals,” he said.

Beyond academics, Dey has been a leader within ASU’s African PhD Network, a student organization advocating for the needs of African graduate students, and a recipient of the Graduate College Enrichment Fellowship for his contributions to ASU’s Inclusive Excellence goals.

Read the full story on ASU News to learn more about Dey’s research, his campus experience and vision for the future.

 

 

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