Accra:Dr Fred McBagonluri, a Ghanaian engineer, has had a remarkable career that includes being a finalist in NASA's 2009 astronaut selection process. His career spans engineering, medical innovation, and education, drawing from his extensive experience in the international technology industry.
According to Ghana Web, Dr McBagonluri currently serves as the President and Provost of the Academic City University in Ghana. His academic journey began in Ghana, where he attended school in Accra, followed by Nandom Secondary School and St Augustine's College. He later moved to the United States to study Manufacturing Engineering at Central State University, graduating summa cum laude, and went on to earn advanced degrees from Virginia Tech, the University of Dayton, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Dr McBagonluri has been a prolific inventor, holding more than 20 issued United States patents, many related to hearing instruments. His work in the United States with companies like Siemens Healthcare and Becton, Dickinson and Company focused on developing medical devices and improving hearing aid technology.
Despite not being selected as an astronaut, reaching the finalist stage at NASA was a significant achievement. After his career in the United States, he returned to Ghana to focus on education and innovation. He was the founding Dean of Engineering at Ashesi University, promoting practical learning and entrepreneurship, and served as the founding Executive Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre.
Dr McBagonluri's contributions have earned him several accolades, including the United States Black Engineer of the Year Most Promising Scientist award in 2008 and the New Jersey State Healthcare Business Innovator Hero Award. His achievements have also been recognized by Central State University, Virginia Tech, and Ashesi University.