Ayo Nelson Fury ?22

Ayo Nelson Fury

Class Year

’22

Current home

Copenhagen, Denmark

Major(s)

Chemistry

Current Position

Graduate Student at the Technical University of Denmark

Having had difficulties with chemistry in high school, Ayo Fury ’22 was surprised when he decided to make it his major in college. Attending Carthage enabled him to explore the sciences along with his other subject of interest, German. Now, Mr. Fury is continuing his studies and using his language skills as a student at the Technical University of Denmark, where he is working toward a master’s degree in applied chemistry with a specialization in catalysis and nanotechnology.

“Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and major in something totally unexpected. In high school, I struggled with chemistry. However, at Carthage, I loved it. If I didn’t major in chemistry, I don’t think I would have experienced so many amazing opportunities.”

Ayo Nelson Fury, ’22

What have you enjoyed most about your career?

“Having previous ties to Denmark through family and an exchange year in high school always had me wanting to go back to Denmark to live permanently. I was lucky enough to be accepted into my one and only school I applied to, and I was awarded a full tuition scholarship on top of that. I was also awarded a second scholarship granting me a monthly stipend to cover my rent as well as leave me with money left over to pay for other expenses.”

How did Carthage prepare you?

“Carthage took me down a path I did not expect at all. In high school, I struggled with chemistry. When I started at Carthage, I was taking a chemistry class as a part of a general education requirement, and I really found it fascinating. I decided to switch my major from biology to chemistry and never looked back. While I still found it difficult at times, I persevered, and some of my favorite classes were Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry, as well as my upper level lab classes.”

How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?

“Both the chemistry and German programs have taught me how to think deeply about a topic and find its relevancy in the world around us, which is extremely useful and needed in an ever-globalizing society.”

Why did you choose Carthage?

“One of the main reasons I chose Carthage was because the College allowed me to combine natural sciences together with German. I find the German language very fascinating, but I also knew I wanted to do something in science.”

What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?

“I was able to meet so many amazing people at Carthage. I could not be more thankful for my peers and professors. If it were not for them, I’d have no clue where I would be today.”

What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?

“I will always remember Professor Christine Blaine. She is known among the chemistry students as “the mom” of the Chemistry Department. She is always there for students and ready to help. She tells you what you need to hear and keeps you on track.

“Another professor I am equally thankful for is Professor Greg Baer. I had Prof. Baer for several of my German classes, and I always looked forward to them. Whether it was learning German grammar or reading German fairytales and articles, he always kept the class engaged and interested.”

Were you an award recipient? If so, tell us about the awards you received and what they meant to you.

“I was awarded the Lincoln Scholarship in 2018, which covered my tuition, room, and board for all four years at Carthage.”


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