Bridging worlds

In the remote village of Nkambe, nestled in the Northwest region of Cameroon, Gabrial Zencha embarked on an academic journey that would find him in Europe and eventually at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. Raised in a working-class family, he skipped kindergarten and began his formal education at the primary school level. After obtaining his first school leaving certificate, Zencha progressed to secondary school, where he spent five years at a Government Bilingual High School (G.B.H.S) Nkambe. It was in his third year of secondary school that he was required to make a pivotal career shaping decision. He had to make a choice between natural sciences or arts.

"I initially aspired to become a doctor, so I chose the natural science path. However, my interest shifted towards computers, leading me to computer engineering," he reminisces.

After completing high school at GBHS Down-Town Bamenda, undeterred by parental skepticism and navigating challenges during a political crisis in Cameroon, Zencha pressed on. He secured admission at TED University in Turkey on a scholarship. Four years later, he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering.

Upon his return to Cameroon, Zencha not only established a career but also actively participated in intentional mentorship with Nervtek, an organization which aims to inspire young minds in STEM fields.

Through interactions with CMU-Africa alumnus Fonyuy Boris Lamin (MSIT '22) about his interest in AI, Zencha learned about the Master of Science in Engineering Artificial Intelligence (MS EAI) program at CMU-Africa and applied for it. As a graduate student at CMU-Africa, Zencha was elected as the Minister of Sports and Wellness in the Student Guild.

"When I first joined CMU-Africa, I immediately noticed the absence of a sports culture on campus. This realization led me to run for the position of Sports and Wellness Minister in the Student Guild. As the Sports and Wellness Minister, my top priority was to encourage students to participate in more sporting activities. Group exercises and team sports both have a positive impact on overall well-being and are a great way to make new friends," he advises.

Zencha’s capstone project focused on cervical precancer lesion detection in remote areas using artificial intelligence. Zencha demonstrates his dedication to applying AI knowledge to real-world problems.

"At CMU-Africa, my favorite course unit so far has been 'Principles and Applications of Engineering.' It has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence, helping me identify which areas to explore further," he says.

Contemplating the future, he envisions completing a Ph.D., working as a research engineer, and contributing to education in Cameroon as a university lecturer. His clear desire is to bridge the education gap, inspire African students, and make a lasting impact on STEM education in Africa.

"If there was no technology, then I would not even be an engineer. Access to information, exposure to diverse fields, and the ability to dream beyond immediate surroundings have been made possible by technology."

To prospective students contemplating graduate studies in computer engineering, Zencha advises, "CMU-Africa provides a platform to bridge the gap between education and real-world impact.”