David A. Dankwah

David A. Dankwah is a PhD student at the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, where his research centers on the intersection of church-based organizations, public health, and health policy. He currently serves as the lead research assistant on a Health Needs Assessment project in collaboration with his academic advisors, Professor Kathryn Derose and Professor Linnea Evans. This initiative is a partnership between the University of Massachusetts Center for Community Health Equity Research and the Faith-Based Health Alliance, working alongside African American churches in the Springfield, Massachusetts area to establish and sustain health ministries.

In addition to his academic work, David serves as the Lead Pastor of the International Central Gospel Church, The Builder’s Temple, in Springfield, Massachusetts. His unique integration of scholarship, leadership, and ministry reflects his commitment to advancing community health through church-based engagement. David holds an MS degree from the University of Massachusetts, an MBA from Clark University, and a BA in Economics from the University of Ghana. Outside of his professional and ministerial responsibilities, he enjoys sports, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.