Pingdewinde Sam’s story is one of remarkable resilience, unwavering dedication, and a profound commitment to giving back. Growing up in Burkina Faso, a small, underdeveloped nation, Sam faced significant challenges, yet he transformed these experiences into a powerful drive to make a difference. Now a Ph.D. candidate at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, his journey, featured in ASBMB Today, exemplifies the spirit and potential of early career researchers in science, particularly those driven by a desire to impact global communities. Sam’s narrative resonates deeply with the values championed by organizations like ASBMB Today, which aims to support and highlight the achievements of early career researchers and foster a culture of scientific contribution to society.
Born in a country where education was a scarce resource, Sam’s parents, despite limited formal schooling, instilled in him the invaluable principles of love, generosity, and the importance of education. He vividly recalls their humble home in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital, often overflowing with guests and those in need. This constant exposure to selfless hospitality, even amidst poverty, shaped Sam’s worldview and ignited a desire within him to uplift others. His parents’ sacrifices to ensure education for him and his siblings underscored the transformative power of knowledge, a lesson that would later become the cornerstone of his philanthropic endeavors.
Image alt text: Portrait of Pingdewinde Sam, a driven early career researcher and founder of Teêbo, highlighting his dedication to both scientific advancement and global community service.
Sam’s path to scientific research began with a life-changing opportunity – the U.S. Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. His brother, with foresight and determination, registered Sam for the lottery, investing a precious dollar – a significant sum in Burkina Faso – for internet access and application processing. This act, initially met with teenage frustration, proved to be a pivotal moment, opening doors to a world of possibilities Sam had only dreamed of. At 19, he immigrated to San Francisco, facing the challenges of a new language and culture, but with the steadfast support of his uncle, Beniwendé George Kabré.
Embracing the “land of opportunity,” Sam excelled in his studies. His chemistry teacher at junior college recognized his potential and encouraged him to apply for the National Institutes of Health Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program. Acceptance into this program in 2011 marked a turning point, providing him with invaluable mentorship and research experience across prestigious institutions like City College of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, UCSF, and ultimately, Johns Hopkins University. His journey mirrors the aspirations of many early career researchers who seek guidance and opportunities to thrive in the competitive landscape of scientific research, programs like the Asbmb Today Early Career Researcher Program playing a vital role in nurturing such talent.
A defining moment in Sam’s life, reinforcing the spirit of giving instilled by his parents, occurred on Christmas Day 2005. Despite financial hardship, his father shared a powerful lesson in generosity. Instead of the expected Christmas gifts, Sam’s father gave him two small envelopes to deliver to families in need. This act of giving, even when resources were scarce, transformed Sam’s initial disappointment into profound joy and solidified his understanding of the impact of even small acts of kindness.
This formative experience, coupled with his awareness of the struggles in Burkina Faso – lack of access to education, food, clean water, and sanitation – fueled Sam’s desire to create tangible change. Starting with personal savings sent to support his family and community, Sam’s efforts evolved into the establishment of Teêbo in 2011. “Teêbo,” meaning “hope” in Mooré, Burkina Faso’s national language, became the embodiment of his vision to empower his homeland. Formally incorporated as a U.S.-based non-profit in 2012, Teêbo focuses on alleviating poverty and hunger, improving literacy rates, combating waterborne diseases through well drilling, and enhancing overall health in Burkina Faso.
Image alt text: A vibrant sixth-grade student in Burkina Faso proudly displays school supplies provided by the Teêbo Exam Prep Program, showcasing the tangible impact of initiatives supporting education for young learners.
Teêbo’s success is driven by a dedicated team of volunteers in both the U.S. and Burkina Faso. A U.S.-based board focuses on resource mobilization, while a local team in Burkina Faso manages daily operations, supported by village ambassadors who act as community liaisons. Teêbo’s programs are designed to engage, equip, and empower communities. The “End Starving Season” program, for example, provides farmers with tools, fertilizers, and training in modern agricultural techniques to significantly increase crop yields and combat food insecurity.
Recognizing the critical need for improved education, Teêbo launched the Exam Prep Program. In Burkina Faso, passing a national exam is essential for progressing to seventh grade, yet many students struggle and drop out. With a national adult literacy rate of only 29% and a secondary education attainment of just 2%, the need for educational support is immense. Teêbo’s six-month program provides tutoring, school supplies, meals, and mentorship to sixth-grade students. The results have been transformative, with pilot programs more than tripling school success rates, demonstrating the profound impact of targeted educational interventions. Furthering his commitment to education, Sam co-founded EDEN School in 2016 with his wife, Wendpagnanda Christiane. EDEN School utilizes innovative teaching models like the 5E model (Engage, Elaborate, Explain, Evaluate, and Examine) to foster teamwork and critical thinking, with plans to integrate STEM education through collaborations with scientists and educators, including those at Johns Hopkins.
Image alt text: Farmers in Goennega village, Burkina Faso, proudly present their corn harvest, demonstrating the positive outcomes of Teêbo’s agricultural program in enhancing food security and local livelihoods.
Sam’s dedication to service is seamlessly integrated with his scientific pursuits. His research at Johns Hopkins is constantly informed by a desire for social impact, reflecting a holistic approach to improving human health through both biomedical advancements and enhanced quality of life. He views his roles as a scientist and a social entrepreneur as intertwined, applying the scientific method to both his research and Teêbo’s initiatives. This involves rigorous data collection, pilot program implementation, close monitoring, and data-driven program evaluation – a process mirroring the scientific publication cycle, allowing Teêbo to effectively report impact to partners and donors.
Image alt text: Enthusiastic sixth-grade students participating in the Teêbo Exam Prep Program in Goumsin village, holding French reading books, illustrating the program’s focus on equipping students for academic success.
Pingdewinde Sam’s journey from a small village in Burkina Faso to a leading research institution like Johns Hopkins is a testament to the power of resilience, education, and a heart dedicated to service. His story, highlighted by ASBMB Today, serves as an inspiration for early career researchers, demonstrating how scientific skills and passion can be leveraged to address global challenges and create lasting positive change. As he looks to the future, Sam envisions expanding his contributions to enrich lives not only in the U.S. and Burkina Faso but across the globe, embodying the true potential of scientists as agents of progress and hope, qualities deeply valued and promoted by organizations like ASBMB Today and its early career researcher programs.
