From Ghana to global stage: Hajara's journey in science

Hajara Abdul-Karim, a young scientist from Ghana, has made a remarkable transition from a hospital internship to a forensic drug examiner in the United States.

Her story showcases the power of cross-disciplinary innovation and dedication to public safety and health.

Abdul-Karim's journey began in 2019 when she interned at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana. During her internship, she worked on improving the oral formulation of hydroxyurea, a life-saving drug used in the treatment of sickle cell anaemia. 

Her assignment involved formulating a more soluble and palatable version of the drug to enhance pediatric adherence. She also operated key infrastructure, including reverse osmosis water purification and instrument sterilisation, and participated in the extemporaneous preparation of injections, syrups and electrolyte solutions for dialysis.

Abdul-Karim's contributions to the hospital pharmacy practice were significant, and she was recognised with a formal certificate for her impactful work. The head of the Drug Manufacturing Unit at KATH, Dr Yaa Gyamfua Osei praised her efforts, saying, "Ms Abdul-Karim played a vital role in the successful reformulation of hydroxyurea, which is now the standard oral formulation used at our hospital."

Today, Abdul-Karim is a forensic drug examiner with the Philadelphia Police Department's Office of Forensic Science. She leverages her expertise in drug studies and analysis to help solve crimes. Her responsibilities include isolating, identifying and quantifying illicit substances, including synthetic opioids and new psychoactive substances. She also develops and validates analytical methods to detect trace compounds in forensic samples and examines seized drug materials with precision.

Abdul-Karim's transition from clinical formulation to forensic toxicology may seem like a leap, but she believes the core mission remains the same: public safety and health through chemical science. 
Her experience in clinical formulation has helped her understand how drug solubility, delivery systems and excipients impact therapeutic outcomes. Now, she uses these principles to detect and dismantle drug formulations used in illegal trafficking.

Abdul-Karim's journey has been highlighted in internal newsletters and scientific circles as a model of cross-disciplinary innovation. Her story demonstrates how early research contributions can have a lasting impact on national security and public health. 
 "I've gone from improving drug safety in hospitals to identifying illicit drug threats in forensic labs—but the core mission is the same: public safety and public health through chemical science," she said.