by Cedarville University Public Relations
Walking through his village in Nigeria, Dr. Samson Amos, chair and associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Cedarville University, heard the unmistakable sound of a woman weeping. He couldn’t turn away.
Approaching the woman, he discovered she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. With tears streaming down her face, she recognized his voice and pleaded, "Samson, please help women like me." This moment of profound need would shape Amos' future in cancer research, rooted in compassion and his desire to make a difference.
Moved deeply, Amos embraced the call to use his skills to combat cancer. He went on to earn a doctoral degree in pharmacology from the University of Nigeria and has dedicated his professional career to seeking answers to, arguably, the most feared cause of death in America—cancer.
Watch Dr. Amos share his story on the Cedarville Stories Podcast.
“I may not have all the answers," Amos reflected, "but I can depend upon the knowledge God has given me to find solutions to human disease.”
This pivotal encounter marked his first step toward a lifetime of research aimed at understanding cancer and how it affects humanity. Amos began his career at the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research in Nigeria, studying the effects of natural products on diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and malaria. His journey later brought him to the United States, where he focused on the molecular basis of cancer growth, especially in brain and prostate cancers.
Since joining Cedarville University’s faculty, Amos has continued his vital research into natural compounds’ potential to treat brain tumors, engaging Cedarville’s Doctor of Pharmacy students in this meaningful work.
His commitment to training the next generation of healthcare professionals is rooted in a mission that is not only academic but also deeply spiritual.
"I want students to be successful clinicians," Amos said, "but more importantly, I want them to carry Christ into their hospitals, showing patients the genuine, compassionate care that reflects Christ’s love for humanity."
The memory of the woman who first called out to him in Nigeria continues to drive his determination to make a lasting impact, and Amos believes one day a cure for cancer will be discovered.
And perhaps the research that he’s done for decades will be part of the solution.