HawkStrong: HFC alumna transfers to U-M, aspires to a career in cancer research
Daisha Griffin found inspiration at HFC to transfer and continue her education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
“My study habits improved at HFC. I’m much more disciplined,” said Griffin, of Detroit. “I worked closely with my instructors; they were personable and passionate about their fields. You actually learn the material.”
HFC biotechnology instructor Dr. Jolie Stepaniak had Griffin in her Cellular and Molecular Biology lab in the Winter 2023 semester and called her “simply delightful.”
"Daisha's passion for biology is undeniable,” said Stepaniak. “Her excellent critical thinking skills and attention to detail show the makings of a professional scientist. Daisha's patience and interest in helping others make her a natural leader in the lab. She is definitely going places!"
Attending HFC on a Futures for Frontliners scholarship
Born in Southfield, Griffin is the youngest of three and the only daughter. She graduated from Churchill High School and attended Wayne State University. After completing a semester, a death in the family led her to postpone further studies.
She took some time away from academics and then resumed her education. She attended HFC on a Futures for Frontliners (F4F) scholarship. F4F is a program funded by the Governor’s Emergency Fund, a part of the CARES Act, to allow those who worked on the front lines during the pandemic to earn a college degree. In Griffin’s case, she worked at Food Giant in Detroit.
“HFC was a good fit for me,” said Griffin. “I really liked the biology program.”
“The personification of brilliance”
Griffin graduated from HFC in May, earning her associate degree in biology. During her time at HFC, she was involved with the Black Male and QUEENS Focus Group, the American Sign Language Club, and the Gaming Club.
HFC sociology instructor and BMQFG faculty advisor Dr. Kalvin DaRonne Harvell is impressed by Griffin’s accomplishments.
“Daisha is committed to excellence,” said Harvell. “She shows and proves this commitment through her critical analysis of materials, persistence for perfection, and quest to master information that goes beyond basic course requirements. Daisha possesses the intellectual prowess, critical awareness, and social capital to make the most of all resources afforded to her. I am proud of Daisha! She is the personification of brilliance!”
An example of the “tremendous talent” producing amazing academic work at HFC
This fall, Griffin will enroll at U-M and pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology. After graduating in 2025, she plans to attend medical school. Her career goal is to become an innovator in cancer research, particularly Lynch Syndrome, a type of inherited cancer syndrome associated with a genetic predisposition for different types of cancer.
“My grandfather had Lynch Syndrome,” said Griffin. “That inspired me to go into cancer research.”
HFC alumnus Justin Villanueva, the Transfer Recruiting Coordinator for the U-M College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, has worked with Griffin on several occasions.
"Daisha Griffin is an example of the tremendous talent attending and producing amazing academic work at HFC,” said Villanueva. “Being a liaison for the Transfer Bridges to the Humanities (TB2H) program, I was introduced to Daisha by Dr. Harvell, who told me about Daisha's interest in transferring to U-M.”
He continued: “Every opportunity that I had to communicate with Daisha, she was well prepared with questions regarding the transfer process. She offered a stellar holistic example of the type of student U-M is looking for. Daisha leveraged her opportunity at HFC to continue her education at U-M to focus on how she wants to continue contributing academically at the next level, as well as engaging in the world after graduation. As an HFC alumnus, I cannot be any prouder of Daisha for her efforts and contributions at HFC, through the transfer process to U-M, and for the example that she has left for other HFC students to follow in her footsteps."
Making biofuels from algae to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
On Aug. 2, Griffin presented at U-M’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program Summer Symposium. Her UROP project was called “Sustainable Algal Biofuel Production for Net Zero Emissions.” She worked with U-M research fellow Dr. Taehoon Han, who served as her project mentor.
“In short, our project is making biofuels (diesel and jet fuel) from algae to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Han.
“I want more sustainable energy options, more green alternatives. When I interviewed with Dr. Han for my UROP project, we connected. He has been a great mentor. I learned a lot from him,” said Griffin. “Running experiments has been so much fun. Seeing the algae convert to biofuel is incredibly rewarding. It has also been rewarding to do individual research and learn more about everything that goes into the process of making algal biofuel.”
The project comprises three main stages:
- Algae cultivation by algae types
- Algae to fuel conversion via hydrothermal liquification and catalytic upgrading
- Fuel quality testing in the powertrain systems
“Daisha is a member of the second stage team and has conducted catalytic upgrades with hydrogen using a scale-up reactor. She is conducting her own research theme, developing a new pathway of algal biofuel production through lipid extraction,” said Tan. “She has been doing a great job at U-M, both intellectually and socially. She has a great attitude.”
