Fatoumatta Ceesay, MPH
Fatoumatta Nanding J. Ceesay, MPH is a healthcare and research professional with over a decade of experience advancing clinical research, laboratory science, and public health initiatives. She currently coordinates and manages a multicenter interventional trial at Flushing Hospital and Jamaica Hospital, evaluating the effectiveness and safety of Grail’s multi-cancer early detection test.
Her career began at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and includes pivotal roles at Bergen Dermatology, BioReference Laboratories, Juva Skin and Laser Center, and Cerba Research, where she honed expertise in clinical trial management, molecular biology, and regulatory compliance. Fatoumatta excels at optimizing research operations, leading diverse teams, and translating data-driven insights into strategies that improve healthcare delivery.
A graduate of New York University with a Master of Public Health in Nutrition and Global Public Health, she also holds graduate certificates in Clinical Investigation from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Population Health from the University of Memphis. An active member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), she is passionate about mentorship, leadership development, and fostering innovation in healthcare research.
In addition to her professional work, Fatoumatta volunteers as a consultant with the National Nutrition Agency in The Gambia, supporting the certification of BFHI hospitals, and with the West African Health Foundation in New York, assisting with grant writing for their hospital and eye institute projects in Ghana.
• MPH
• Rust College - BS
• University of Memphis
• University of Tennessee Health Science Center
• New York University
• Association of Clinical Research Professionals
• SOCRA
What do you attribute your success to?
I succeed through relentless hard work and unwavering dedication. Challenges don’t stop me—I see them as opportunities, and I never take “no” for an answer, always finding a way to make an impact and achieve my goals.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “Don’t be predictable.” It taught me to think creatively, take calculated risks, and approach every opportunity with innovation—while also learning to control my emotions, stay composed, and respond thoughtfully in every situation.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay persistent and curious and never underestimate the power of dedication. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, seek mentorship, and always believe in your ability to make an impact. Hard work, resilience, and a commitment to excellence will open doors and create meaningful change.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in healthcare and research right now are budget cuts and limited government grants, which can constrain critical programs and slow progress on important initiatives. At the same time, these challenges create opportunities for innovation, resource optimization, and strategic partnerships to maximize impact and advance patient care and public health despite limited funding.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Balance is key—for my work, my health, and my personal life. It allows me to give my best, stay focused, and grow both professionally and personally.