Word to the Wise | Miriam Hagan

by India Crowe

Miriam Hagan’s first taste of laboratory work began in her mother’s kitchen. Meticulously peeling onions, unwrapping bouillon cubes, and handing over pots were her main assignments, all while watching her mother’s precise movements. As Hagan increased in skill, her mother increased the difficulty of her tasks until she had to prepare a meal for the toughest critic yet: her father. Hagan recognized this as an opportunity to experiment, fusing her fresh creativity with the nostalgic Nigerian traditions of her grandmother’s recipes. From plating to flavor, the meal met her father’s high standards and established Hagan’s standards for excellence, creativity, and nutrition.

Hagan, now a Nutritional Sciences PhD student and 2024-2025 Just Julian Scholar, is researching the epigenetic effects of seaweed on the gut microbiome and obesity. She is passionate about exploring novel strategies to address the global obesity epidemic and contributing to transformative solutions in the nutrition, food, and health industry. 

The Sway (TS): Can you tell us about your background in Nigeria?  Your journey?

Miriam Hagan (MH): I’m a Christian and the youngest of four children from Cross River State, Nigeria but grew up in Lagos State. I completed my primary education in Lagos and my secondary education in Abuja. Like many parents, mine envisioned a career in medicine for me. Being naturally inquisitive and drawn to science, I embraced the idea. Growing up, I often studied ahead of my peers, with the help of my siblings, being that all but one were science students, which made me more prepared than most of my peers, even though there were the usual distractions of childhood. I indeed gained admission to study medicine/surgery at the pre-degree level at a university. It went well until I got to the second semester of my first year, and I was informed that beginning from the second year (sophomore) I would be working with cadavers which wasn’t the path I wanted.

My love for creative cooking and curiosity about what happens to food inside the body inspired me to explore another avenue in health. I had always taken food-related courses during secondary school, laying a foundation for my interest, but I knew there was more. Meanwhile, my elder brother, studying in Ghana, brought an application form for me from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi. He mentioned representatives from the university will be visiting Nigeria for interviews and recruitment. At the interview, when my preferred programs were full, my dad suggested food science and technology. Here marked the beginning of my journey into this field, merging my love for health, science, and creative cooking.

TS: What was about the HBCU grad school experience that drew you to HU?

MH: What drew me to Howard University (HU) was a combination of my prior HBCU experience at Morgan State University, where I earned my master’s in project management and became PMP certified, and my desire for a deeper connection to the HBCU legacy. Preparing for my visa interview introduced me to what HBCUs represent—a space that would help ease the cultural transition as I moved to a new country, surrounded by people who share a common history. Being in an HBCU gave me a deeper understanding of Blackness, all while pushing academic rigor to new heights. 

When deciding on a school for my doctorate, Howard stood out amongst others—not just for offering Nutritional Sciences, “my calling”, but for its prestige, the name, the legacy of truth and service, the voice within me, and the opportunity to find and unveil my full potential. Howard helped me transform my aspirations into my current identity and reality.

TS: Why did you choose your field of study? Were there any influential mentors or models along the way?

MH: The science of food captivated me for its profound role in human existence and health. I wanted to be part of a field with lasting impact. The moment I discovered the potential of one in such a field during my undergrad orientation at KNUST, I knew I had found my academic and career path. Influential mentors like Prof. William O. Ellis, my Food Analysis instructor at KNUST, was one I admired for the impact he made as an instructor, researcher, and consultant to organizations. Dr. Ibok Oduro, with her driven and passionate nature, exemplified discipline as she taught us Post-Harvest Technology and led scientific student meetings, ensuring every detail of our education was delivered to perfection. Additionally, the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, with her fierce and undaunted spirit, stood as a beacon of resilience despite operating within challenging systemic conditions. My father, a just and devout man, an embodiment of wisdom—knowledgeable in nearly every subject—while remaining poised with grace, humility, and character. These remarkable personalities have profoundly shaped the personhood of the Miriam of today. 

TS: What is the focus of your research?

MH: My current research focuses on the Epigenetic Effect of Seaweed on Obesity and the Microbiota, under the guidance of an amazing PI, Dr. Thomas Fungwe, alongside other esteemed scholars at Howard. This work has led to three peer-reviewed publications, two on seaweed’s effects on human health and one book chapter on the use of bioactive phytochemicals in human trials. Additionally, three of these studies, including two related to seaweed, are currently under peer review.

Another project I take great pride in was conducted under Dr. Loren Coleman during her Critical Studies Research Methods course. This research, now under peer review, explored food inaccessibility in Black-dominated communities, using methods unfamiliar to me at the time, in fact. It expanded my understanding of the “meaning” behind societal structures, and the outcome of that research has been presented at professional meetings. During my undergraduate studies, I collaborated with my team to develop a food product from varying concentrations of tamarind. During summer internships, I developed a tool that automates the quantification of total in-process extractables from end-to-end Single Use System (SUS) processes at Amgen Inc. Additionally, as an ORISE fellow at the FDA, we created a comprehensive database that catalogs leachables and their analytical methods. At Nestlé, we executed over 60 community projects focused on improving nutritional behavior, attitudes, and knowledge, significantly enhancing health indices in the associated communities.

TS: What do you think is the impact of your work here at Howard? And beyond? 

MH: The impact of my work stems from the incredible people God has placed in my life. It’s a testament to His love. My determination, drive, and zeal have also played a crucial role in shaping my journey. The recognition my work at Howard and beyond has received, and is still receiving is humbling, and I am deeply grateful to God for the opportunities I’ve had. My family, despite some being in a different time zone, has provided unwavering support, just to see me grow into the woman scholar I have become. Not to forget the solid educational foundation laid in my early years has been pivotal. The rigor of my program, the belief my instructors had in me, and the opportunities provided by the Grad School have all significantly shaped my path. My work will continue to make an impact globally as I strive to serve humanity with the skills God has given me, including those acquired at Howard, starting here in the United States and beyond, as the Father (God) leads.

TS: Have you done any internships that perhaps shaped your career?

MH: Yes, top of mind is interning with Nigerian Brewery Plc (Aba, Nigeria), Food Research Institute (Accra, Ghana), Amgen Inc. (CA), and the FDA (USA). Alongside my years at Nestlé, these experiences, though with diverse products, shared a common goal: improving population health. They’ve shaped my approach to meaningful work and solidified my aspiration to become a nutrition, food, and health specialist.

TS: What do you hope to do once your PhD is completed?

MH: Once I complete my PhD, my path is flexible yet focused, leveraging my diverse work and educational background. I am open to academia, as I excel in simplifying complex concepts and transferring knowledge—an ability my supervisors, Dr. B. Muhammad and Dr. O. Adeola, have praised when I was a Teaching Fellow and Graduate Assistant. Mr. B. Nightingale my supervisor at the Black Press MSRC often referred to me as a "born teacher" and “leader." I am also open to working in government and industry. I desire to remain in the United States of America to grow alongside its progress while contributing to her great name. At the same time, I aim to establish connections and collaborations that positively impact global health, starting with my home country.

TS: Have there been any particular challenges for you as an intl student? Any advice for others?

MH: Funding has been a significant concern for me, as I believe it is for many international students. The uncertainties, the hopes I nurtured, the long waits for a miracle email approving my applications, or responses to my pleas for help from faculty and staff—all of these challenges surely shaped my journey. I came to HU without knowing anyone, armed only with my faith, confidence, and boldness. Now, a Just Julian Scholar, knowing people and people knowing me. I see my dad’s words coming true: “Let your work speak for you.” Indeed, my work is speaking. To others, I advise staying true to yourself and others. Ask for help when needed, and don’t ignore those “push” emails—they may carry the answers you seek. Attend both departmental and non-departmental activities/meetings, connect with people regardless of their titles, and speak with grace. Embrace constructive feedback, and most importantly, allow yourself to grow.

TS: Any general career advice for others?

MH: Be open-minded. Keep your values and expectations written within the tables of your heart and align them with opportunities that resonate with them. Despite my educational background, I’ve worked in different industries that at a glance may not scream food or nutrition, yet they all aligned with my values. I got past the door, served diligently and excellently, and you too can- your expertise can be utilized in different industries. Look deeper into the opportunities stemming from your background, but much more, explore the potential that lies within you.