About Me

Akwaaba — which, in my mother tongue, means “Welcome.” Of all the places in the world, you chose to be here, and for that, I’d like to extend the warmest welcome to my little corner of the internet. My name is Priscilla, and I think that should suffice for now.

I consider this blog an extension of my personal journal. When it comes to personal content, I share what I feel comfortable letting my audience in on — no more, no less.

A little about me

I was born and raised in Ghana. I earned my undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering from KNUST, before going on to work with some great organisations in different capacities — including the United Nations World Food Programme as a Data Analyst. That chapter eventually led me to pursue graduate studies in Computer Science at the University of New Brunswick in Canada.

After completing my Master’s in May 2023, I realised just how much I genuinely enjoyed research. That realisation pushed me toward what I’ve told myself is the final step in the academic hierarchy: a PhD. In August 2023, I packed what was left of my life in Canada into my 2011 Nissan Rogue and drove from Fredericton, New Brunswick, all the way to Stony Brook, New York — which has since become home

You can check out my portfolio here…if that’s something you are interested in 🤩

My academic journey

PhD is hard.

I don’t mean to blow my own horn, but I do think I’ve managed to build a somewhat well-rounded life alongside the academic life, and here’s what that looks like.

A huge chunk of my time is, of course, focused on research and coursework. But getting caught up in that without time for myself can be draining, infuriating, and altogether depressing. Two things outside of schoolwork keep me sane: working out and crocheting.

I try to work out at least five days a week. Beyond the obvious health benefits, it’s time for myself — a break from being in front of a computer screen, battling code, or talking to my monitor about why Overleaf refuses to compile the changes I just made. Working out gives me the space to clear my head and step away from it all.

Crocheting, though I still consider myself a novice, is something I absolutely enjoy. I used to crochet back in Ghana, stopped for a while, and picked it up again in Spring 2025. Since then, I’ve made more than 15 pieces — mostly for myself, a few as gifts for friends. The bonus: it naturally cuts down on screen time. It requires real focus, especially when you’re trying to get your stitches and patterns right.

What else?

I love to read and write — and to be clear, I mean not academic writing. Spontaneous, fun writing. The kind that has nothing to do with Overleaf.

I’ve grown to love philosophy, poetry, and history, and I’ve been reading quite a bit this year. Currently I’m working through Broken Wings by Kahlil Gibran and poems by Anne Brontë. I recently finished Notes from Underground by Dostoevsky and The Metamorphosis by Kafka. I hope to write about these eventually, because I’m truly enjoying each one — every page highlighted like the sky.

I love to travel. My current financial situation doesn’t allow for as much of it as I’d like, but I still try to take at least two trips a year — one in the summer for a proper vacation, one in the winter to visit family. The ultimate goal is to travel every season. The universe is far too expansive and beautiful not to explore.

When I’m not in front of a screen,

• researching or reading,
• window shopping at the mall or thrifting
• exploring any of the budget-friendly places on my bucket list,
• writing or journaling,
• (DIY)ing anything that fascinates me but haven’t done in while 😟,
• crocheting which I love,
• exploring some good eatery (because I ❤️ food),
• watching a TV show,
• finding the most convenient song to add to my “songs to scream while driving” playlist,
• having an intimate time with my bed and duvet.

Welcome, again. I’m glad you’re here. 🌿