Judith Serwaa Marfo, a graduate student at Seton Hall University, is conducting research on how atmospheric cold plasmas can improve crop yields. Her interest in the relationship between nutrition and health began during her service as a pharmacy and research assistant at the Ghana Armed Forces Military Hospital. There, she was reminded by her supervising pharmacist that “drugs are not what can cure diseases.” Marfo explained, “The proper cure is what we eat: the sauce, the food processes, production, agriculture. This interest sparked what I wanted to study next.”
Marfo’s academic journey led her to Seton Hall University, where she is pursuing an M.S. in Chemistry and preparing for Ph.D. candidacy. She recently earned second place at the Maiden Research Expo during the Graduate Students Association of Ghanaian Students (GRASAG-USA) Conference at Ohio University for her work on cold plasma applications.
Her research focuses on using controlled oxidative stress from cold plasma to stimulate higher plant yields. In laboratory experiments with basil plants grown hydroponically under controlled light conditions, Marfo found that those treated with cold plasma grew larger and produced higher essential-oil yields compared to untreated plants. She stated, “This is exciting because it opens the door to naturally grown, more potent sources of plant-based medicines and natural preservatives. A step toward solutions that could benefit both human health and agricultural sustainability.”
In addition to her research responsibilities, Marfo serves as a graduate teaching fellow at Seton Hall University. She leads undergraduate general chemistry labs and provides weekly tutorials for students needing extra support. Reflecting on her teaching experience in the United States after growing up speaking British English in Ghana, Marfo said: “When I spoke that the first day, I could see the confusion,” adding, “So I told them, ‘If you can excuse my accent, I promise you will enjoy this course and chemistry.’ And they did.”
Marfo credits mentors from both Ghana and Seton Hall for supporting her progress as a researcher and teacher. She works closely with Father Gerald Buonopane, Ph.D., and Jose Lopez, Ph.D., who supervise her research projects.
Outside of academics, Marfo has been active in supporting other Ghanaian students across the United States through roles such as director of social media and communications for GRASAG-USA.
Looking ahead, she plans to gain industry experience in pharmaceuticals or food science in the U.S., with hopes of applying this knowledge back home in Ghana: “My hope is to learn how industry works here… and then apply it back home.”
For further details about graduate programs at Seton Hall University’s College of Arts and Sciences or information about its M.S. in Chemistry program, visit the Office of Graduate Affairs website.
