Kafayat Kareem, a fourth-year medical student (MS4) at Meharry Medical College, is passionate about dermatology, technology, and global health. She recently presented her research at the 2025 IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society International Conference on Body Sensor Networks in Los Angeles.
The global conference brought together researchers and clinicians to explore innovations in digital health, wearable sensors, and artificial intelligence. Her research, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Bolanle Asiyanbola in Meharry’s Department of Surgery, examined a newly identified anatomical structure in the nail called the angulodiginychium.
“We identified the role the angulodiginychium plays in the transmission of force in the nail bed,” Kareem said. “Although it’s a small structure, it’s important to consider in applications involving haptic feedback, such as robotic surgery and body sensor networks.” Kareem said presenting her work on an international stage was both exciting and affirming.
“Presenting my research was an amazing experience, and I was proud to represent Meharry in the technology space as it relates to medicine,” she said. “As a Georgia Tech alumna, it was inspiring to see the intersection of engineering and medicine, and it motivates me to explore how technology can advance the field of dermatology.”
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and proud of her Nigerian-American heritage, Kareem is applying into Dermatology with plans to pursue a career in academic medicine. Her interests include global health, health disparities, and biotechnology, fields she believes are critical to expanding access and equity in patient care.
