Dr. Samuel Achilefu, a professor of Radiology at Washington University Medical School, will receive the inaugural African Diaspora Council Distinguished African Leader award by the African Diaspora Council on May 11.
Dr. Achilefu will be recognized for his groundbreaking research on treatment for cancer. He and his team figured out a way to use ultraviolet light and an illuminating agent to identify cancer cells from normal, healthy cells by using his invention, “cancer goggles.” In the latest prototype, the goggles have slimmed down to become eyeglasses, with transparent data screens in the lenses.
He the first recipient of the Breast Cancer Research Program Distinguished Investigator Award, a $4.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense. The St. Louis American Foundation also recognized him at its 2017 Salute to Excellence in Healthcare.
Achilefu earned a PhD in molecular physical and materials chemistry at the University of Nancy, France. His postdoctoral training is in oxygen transport mechanisms at Oxford University, UK. The Nigeria native came to St. Louis to work for Mallinckrodt Medical and joined the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University in 2001.
The globally celebrated professor from Nigeria will give a presentation on his body of work after receiving his award at the home of the African Diaspora Council at 1425 Ferguson St.
The African Diaspora Council is an organization of African professionals living in the greater St. Louis area. For additional information, contact Michael Kodjo AnaniZoglo, CEO of the African Diaspora Council, at anani@africandiasporacouncil.org or 347-932-2418.
