Dr. Ruthfirst Ayande

Emeritus Professor

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Biography

Ruthfirst E. Ayande holds a PhD in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she also completed a graduate certificate in Feminist Studies. She earned her MSc in Dietetics and a BSc in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Ghana. Additionally, she has a certificate in Nutritional Epidemiology from the German Institute of Human Nutrition. Ruthfirst conducts interdisciplinary research in maternal and child health, focusing on nutrition interventions that aim to improve maternal health, health literacy, neonatal outcomes, and infant feeding practices. She examines the structural, economic, and sociocultural determinants of health. As a Registered Dietitian, she has expertise in community nutrition and nutrition support therapy, particularly in acute care settings. Ruthfirst also continues to work clinically in the neonatal intensive care unit at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Research Interests

Experience

Dietetic Intern

— Present

Yale-New Haven Hospital • New Haven, CT

Completed clinical rotations as a dietetic intern.

Dietetic Intern

— Present

Greater Accra Regional (formerly Ridge) Hospital • Accra, Ghana

Engaged in community nutrition and clinical dietetics.

Awards

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ASPEN Neonatal Dietitian Travel Award

2025-01-01
#

Excellence Award for Outstanding Poster Abstract

2024-12-05
#

SOAR Fund Award

2023-10-01
#

Duke Feminist Theory Workshop Travel Award

2023-03-01

Requirements for Yale University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Speaking
Required:7.5
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or Mathematics
Application Checklist
  • Statement of academic purpose
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Application fee ($105)
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Administered via the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). GRE General is optional for PhD.