Dr. Jemimah Etornam Kassah was born and raised in Ghana, where she lives and works. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Oceanography and Fisheries from the University of Ghana and a Master of Science in Sustainable Coastal Development from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway. After working for a few years as an aquaculture supervisor on West Africa’s largest fish farm, she enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Cape Coast and obtained her PhD in Fisheries Science.

Dr. Kassah’s research interest is in assessment of small pelagic fish stocks along the coastline of Ghana. Her research focuses on determining the exploitation levels, management approach, reproductive biology, and diet of commercially important small pelagic fish species, as well as fisheries oceanography and sustainable culture of freshwater fish species.

Her work has been published in scientific journals and presented at multiple academic conferences. She has also consulted for various local and international organizations on key issues in Ghana’s aquaculture sector. Currently, she is a lecturer in the Department of Biology Education at the University of Education, Winneba. Dr. Kassah is also an avid historian and writer; who loves to break down key concepts in biology via various social media and secular engagements. In this interview, Dr. Kassah talks about her journey of becoming a fish scientist, mentoring, and plans for the future.

Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Dr. Jemimah Etornam Kassah and I wear many hats. I am a fisheries scientist and aquaculture professional who is very passionate about biodiversity, conservation, and information dissemination to the layman. When not buried in science, I unwind by researching the history and social anthropology of the various Ewe sub-tribes in Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. I love to read, sing, and go for walks. I am married with two children.

How was it like growing up?

I grew up as the child of a journalist and an entrepreneurial mother. We were not rich and my parents taught me to be content with whatever I had. They were strict and made sure they taught me all the values needed to grow up into a well-rounded person, and I am very grateful to them for that. My parents encouraged me to read a lot of books, listen to international news, and also learn the traditional dances and customs of my people. I was an only child for 10 years, so I spent a lot of the lonely years just reading any good book I could come across. I also occasionally hawked fresh fish, iced cream, and snacks to make some money for myself. All in all, growing up was a wonderful experience.

What challenges did you face?

My parents wanted me to become either a doctor or a nurse, and I had to face a lot of opposition from them when I did not sign up for the medical school interview. I rather went ahead and pursued a degree in Oceanography and Fisheries. They were not happy with this at all in the initial stages. There were also various attacks on my person, but God has been faithful.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Fishery Science?

I started out as a child in the 4th grade wanting to become a marine biologist or oceanographer. But as the years wore on, I realized I enjoyed my fisheries courses better the oceanography ones and decided to switch over to Fisheries Science. I deal with oceanography in a discipline known as fisheries oceanography, so I get to learn new things pertaining to the linkage between oceanographic conditions and fish abundance.

You did your Masters Degree studies at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. How was it like going to school in foreign country?

It was a great experience and I still miss the place. Academics wise, I did not suffer much as most of the concepts had been taught in Ghana already at my former university. Things generally worked like clockwork and everything was checked and double checked. I learned how to be dedicated to work, how to work within a schedule, and how to work with a team of people from diverse backgrounds. It gave me international exposure and I am grateful. There was a wonderful group of Ghanaian students at my school and we had a lot of programs together. My course mates were also fun to be with. I also found family at the local branch of my Christian denomination.

What is your greatest achievement?

I would say my greatest achievement has been pressing on despite discouraging times; and being able to combine motherhood, being a wife, and work. It is not an easy road at all. It is very taxing and requires a good balance.

What is your greatest failure, and how did you overcome it?

I would say struggling with organic chemistry during my undergraduate days. It cost me a lot, but I decided to learn concepts and theories instead of trying to do rote learning of abstract reactions and structures. I sought to study and understand, not just try to pass the examinations as I had before. Learning from that enabled me to get more out of subsequent academic exercise. As a result, I teach my students to understand key concepts and theories together with their practical/industrial applications. I believe that helps make better people who can function well both in society and research/academia.

What do you like most about teaching?

What I like about teaching most is the opportunity to break down theories and concepts for students to know the relevance of them in modern-day society, as well as help them develop a desire for further learning/research and making the world a better place.

What impact has your research/teaching career have on your personal life?

That’s a good one! I spend a lot of time offering free “adult education” sessions in fisheries and aquaculture to the general public. It has also made me very methodological in my approach to solving everyday situations at home. I am also a checklist kind of person, and prefer to be systematic in my daily activities.

What motivates you?

The desire to leave the earth better than I met it; in my own small way.

Mentoring is a way of giving back to the community. Do you plan to mentor children on how they can achieve their dreams?

Oh yes! I currently am involved in about four different mentoring programs where I mentor girls in Senior High Schools, Junior High Schools and undergraduates to live their dreams and encourage them as they also wish to become scientists or great societal assists. A lot of students also come to me to discuss issues with their private lives and decisions to be taken. So yes, the mentorship is in place and I keep reaching out to young children whenever I get the opportunity to do so.

What advice do you have for young children who want to be like you when they grow up?

My advice is “Yes, you can, if it is a realistic dream.” Don’t get discouraged if things don’t work out the way you wanted them to. There are always second chances.

What’s next for you?

More research into fisheries and the dynamics between coastal communities and fisheries, invasive species, and sustainable aquaculture. I also want to build up on the consultancy services I offer so that one day I can become a worldwide and household name for providing excellent consultancy services to key players and investors in sustainable aquaculture.

Thank you.