Opportunities at WSU ignite small-town student’s desire to make big changes
OGDEN, Utah — Akir Rowe originally came to Weber State University to study microbiology, but after life-changing experiences here, he’s decided to take his skills to the courtroom instead.
Rowe grew up in Aurora, Utah, a small town of around 1,000 people, where he was one of just a few Black students in his school’s district. Rowe said he’s since come to realize the systemic problems Black people faced there, and that stepping out of that environment allowed him to be himself and inspired him to inform change.
“I’ve enjoyed understanding my experience living in Aurora in the wider context of things,” Rowe said. “It was hard and I was never able to come out during high school but that’s why I like Weber State, because I don’t have to hold back who I am anymore.”
At 19, Rowe moved to American Fork, Utah, where he met his partner, but the couple wanted to find a place where they felt more comfortable and safe.
“Weber State wasn’t ever really on my radar before,” said Rowe. “My mom was an alum from the nursing school so she suggested I come here.”
His mother graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice just as Rowe started at Weber State. Now, she is a leading expert on intimate partner violence prevention. “Throughout my whole life, my mom was a student, so Weber State’s now like a home base for our family,” Rowe said.
In 2019, he enrolled at Weber State to study microbiology, where he’s also minoring in chemistry and legal studies. “I didn’t know it then, but the microbiology program would lead me into research, finding mentors, and I’m close to being a published author on a research paper,” said Rowe.
Katrina Twing, assistant professor of microbiology, became Rowe's mentor and research leader. They are currently researching the bioremediation of “forever chemicals,” known as PCBs. They also won third place at the Intermountain American Society for Microbiologists conference for their research on antibiotic resistance.
Apart from his studies, Rowe found many opportunities for involvement on campus. He is a member of WSU’s award-winning speech team, associate justice for WSU's Student Association, and vice president for the Presidential Leadership Fellows. He’s also starting a podcast for the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service called “Just Ask.”
Obtaining these leadership positions was not easy for Rowe at first.
“I was severely humbled when I got to Weber, I tried diving into a leadership position and failed horribly,” Rowe said. “But it allowed me to reexamine and recognize that I am a leader, and to try again, so I found opportunities to do that, and Weber State nurtures and supports me.”
Rowe’s passion for law and his desire to attend law school were inspired in part by his involvement with the speech team, the American Democracy Project and a Life in Medicine class.
“I always knew there was some injustice in health care, but the Life in Medicine class I took removed any doubt,” Rowe said. “I want to take my skills to the courtroom, because decisions in the courtroom can have a profound impact in the operating room.”
Rowe said he’s grateful for his time at Weber State because it’s been a season of “self-discovery, insurmountable growth and character development.”
Erika Gonzalez Lara, Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948, erikagonzalezlara@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu