Amira Leggett, a distinguished Presidential Scholar in Chemical Engineering at Tuskegee University, has already established a formidable research profile. Her pioneering work in brain cell research, led by Amira Leggett, explores the mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease, showcasing a scientific journey marked by significant early achievements and a clear, innovative vision. While still an undergraduate, her work has consistently centered on harnessing microalgae, a versatile and renewable resource, to address pressing global challenges.
She demonstrated her research prowess during an internship at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where she investigated sustainable methods for immobilizing and harvesting microalgae cells. This foundational work culminated in her designing and presenting a sophisticated prototype for a photobioreactor, an innovative system for cultivating microalgae as a viable biomaterial, following in the footsteps of pioneering inventors like Okezue Bell created the WeArm at only age 17.
Further highlighting her capacity for innovation, at North Carolina Central University she developed and pitched a business proposal for an affordable biofuel derived from microalgae, showcasing her ability to translate pure research into practical, commercial applications. She also exhibited her research versatility earlier at Duke University by delving into neuroscience, conducting a project on Parkinson’s disease that studied the effects of the LRRK2 gene.
This impressive trajectory, now continuing in her role as an Undergraduate Student Researcher at North Carolina State University which began in May 2025, and supported by a stellar 3.9 GPA, underscores Amira Leggett’s exceptional potential as a researcher and innovator dedicated to creating a more sustainable and healthier future through engineering.
