Daniel Appiah Gyekye - affectionately known as "Ban Ki"
Educator | Leader
Researcher | Dreamer
Education · Culture · Digital Media · Community Development · Emerging Diplomacy
My Impact
Turning Research, Education & Advocacy Into Action
Funding Secured
Emergency funding secured for international students facing financial and legal emergencies at the University of Oregon.
Teachers Trained
Educators supported through STEAM, AI, AR, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems training.
Students & Community Members Reached
Learners, educators, volunteers, and young people engaged through community development and technology-enhanced education.
Community Building Initiatives
Programs supporting student leadership, cultural connection, education, and civic engagement.
About Daniel
Education, Culture, Digital Media & Emerging Diplomacy
I am a PhD candidate in Communication and Media Studies at the University of Oregon (expected 2027), with research interests in immersive media, African folklore, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, STEAM education, educational equity, cultural exchange, and global collaboration.
I am passionate about using education, media, and innovation to create opportunities, build community, and advance meaningful social change.
Daniel in Action
Academic. Community. Global Impact.
Research & Scholarship
Exploring technology, culture, communication
and education through interdisciplinary research.
Immersive Media Technology
African Folklore & Indigenous Knowledge
STEM, STEAM & STREAM Education
Digital Storytelling
Community-Based Learning
Strategic Communication
Media & Cultural Studies
Personal Skills
Creative. Technical. Versatile.
Digital Media & Creative Skills
Digital storytelling, content creation, multimedia production, and strategic visual communication for educational, advocacy, and community-based projects.
Research, Education & Training Skills
Qualitative and mixed-methods research, academic writing, curriculum design, mentorship, teacher training, debate coaching, and student leadership development.
Technology & Innovative Skills
Immersive media prototyping, AR/VR-informed pedagogy, AI-supported learning design, and STEAM program development grounded in African Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
Media & Public Engagement
Using My Voice for Safer, Stronger Communities
I engage with media, policymakers, and community leaders to advocate for safer communities, equitable education, and youth empowerment.
Safe Transportation for All
Press conference on community safety and transportation advocacy in Eugene, Oregon.
Featured Coverage
The Register-Guard
Safe Transportation for All press conference and community advocacy.
Daily Emerald
Eugene leaders, including the mayor and police chief, discussing transportation and bicycle safety.
KLCC
Community discussions following bicycle-related fatalities and efforts to improve street safety.
Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Local street safety initiatives and public discussions on transportation improvements.
Initiatives
Programs and projects creating real-world impact.
Young at Heart Ghana
Content Creator · Content Development Team
Supporting STEM education, community outreach and innovative learning, engaging 250+ learners, educators and young people.
Rural STEAM Education
Krutiase, Ghana · AI · AR · STEAM · African Indigenous Knowledge
Teacher training and technology-enhanced education in rural communities.
Pan-African Students Athletes Initiative
Co-Founder · Yale Sports Africa · Appiah Sports Impact
Using sport as a tool for education, leadership and community development.
Documentary Project
African Indigenous Knowledge & Rural STEAM Research
Following teachers in Krutiase as they co-design and test AI and AR learning activities.
Awards & Scholarships
Recognition for Leadership, Service and Academic Excellence.
2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Leadership Award
Received from University of Oregon President Karl Scholz in recognition of leadership, service, advocacy, and commitment to building an inclusive campus community.
Testimonials
What Others Say
Daniel is an exceptional scholar-practitioner whose work demonstrates intellectual rigor and a strong commitment to meaningful impact. I have had the privilege of working closely with him during his doctoral studies, during which he has consistently shown creativity, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose. His ability to connect researc…
Daniel consistently demonstrates leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to advancing opportunities for underserved communities, ensuring that educational content reflects local cultures, languages, and knowledge systems. His role as an immersive media, STEAM, and African folklore specialist helps create innovative, culturally…
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Daniel Appiah Gyekye during his master's degree program in Communication at Purdue University Northwest. There was never a task or assignment that Daniel was given that he did not dedicate himself 100% to successfully completing. He became a champion of our university and program working thro…
Daniel Gyekye, scholar, educator, and community advocate, consistently connects academic research with meaningful public impact. His work in STEAM education, cultural heritage, and community development reflects a deep commitment to expanding opportunities for diverse learners and strengthening civic engagement. I have been especially imp…
Let’s Connect
I am always open to opportunities for collaboration, research, speaking engagements, and community partnerships.