Ruthfirst Ayande (35), from Ghana, is completing a doctorate in public health at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Her research examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and child health, and explores strategies to deliver remote nutrition education interventions to improve infant and young child feeding practices in Ghana.

Ruthfirst practices an interdisciplinary approach to the field of nutrition. She is completing a certificate in feminist studies alongside her doctoral studies to better understand women’s unique challenges in accessing healthcare, including reproductive services. She has also led seminars on food and identity, exploring the foodways and specific dietary needs of various populations to inform sustainable feeding practices.

In the future, Ruthfirst hopes to implement nutrition training interventions, collaborating with women in rural settings to utilize their native foods to achieve maximal nutritional benefit. Ruthfirst’s long-term goals are to create community kitchens and learning centers in low-income communities to offer nutrition and health services. Furthermore, Ruthfirst aspires to contribute to STEM education for girls in Ghana through fundraising and mentoring.

“My goal for research is to be able to inform policy shifts in maternal and child health because data helps with advocacy.”