From the classrooms of Saint Mary’s Secondary School in Accra, Ghana, to the laboratories and lecture halls of America’s leading institutions, Dr. Faustina Aryee carved a path defined by academic excellence, scientific innovation, and a deep commitment to public health.
After earning a high school diploma in Ghana, she was awarded a prestigious scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology at Chicago’s Rush University at Presbyterian-St. Luke’s. Her early career was rooted in clinical practice, working in the Critical Intensive Care Unit Laboratory at Cook County Hospital and as a blood bank technologist at Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago.
Dr. Aryee’s academic journey continued with distinction at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, where she earned both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Nutrition Biochemistry. Her graduate work focused on the relationship between high-protein diets and chronic kidney failure, and her doctoral dissertation explored the comparative effects of plant versus animal proteins on hypertension.
As a professor of nutrition, she brought science to life at South Dakota State University (SDSU) and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Medical Campus. At SDSU, she played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the alarming rates of diabetes among Sioux Indian schoolchildren on the Rosebud Reservation. At UIC, she led groundbreaking research on pre-eclampsia and contributed to the development of widely used nutritional products such as Ensure (Regular and High Protein Liquid) and Kyolic garlic supplements.
Her influence extended beyond academia. As President of the Nutrition Division of the American Cereal Association, she championed the inclusion of folate (a B vitamin) in breakfast cereals to prevent neural tube defects in unborn children. Thanks to Dr. Aryee’s advocacy, folate fortification is now a standard in all U.S. cereal products.
She also served as a consultant to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she reviewed and recommended funding for research focused on hypertension in Black communities. Later, at the Chicago Department of Public Health, she led initiatives to promote nutrition and wellness in underserved neighborhoods on the city’s South Side.
Her career is a testament to the power of science in service of humanity. She is not only a scholar and researcher but also a tireless advocate for health equity and community empowerment. Truly,Dr. Faustina Aryee is someone you should know.
That’s my GMaa! The World needs passionate individuals like you!
Love you!
Thanks so much.
My name, Dr. Faustina Aryee is not written anywhere in the script.
Thanks, again.
Continue your great work …We really appreciate
I truly enjoyed reading your this article, “Someone You Should Know: A Life Devoted to Science, Service, and Social Impact.” It is exceptionally informative and inspiring — it beautifully highlights the subject’s remarkable contributions to science, public health, and community service.
However, I noticed that the individual’s name was not mentioned in the article. Including her name would not only give proper recognition to her outstanding achievements but also allow readers to learn more about her impactful work.
Thank you for sharing such an uplifting story, and I hope you consider adding this important detail.
Dr Aryee has indeed served the community well over many years and continues to serve in various capacities including Ghana National Council. Thank you Dr Aryee for your service.
Thank you Dr. Faustino Aryee for your tremendous contributions to humanity. We are grateful for your life.
Really, a great service to humanity is legendary. Congratulations Dr. Faustina Naa Okailey Aryee, daughter of the great Gabriel Charles Okai Kofi of Aneje We, Gbese, Accra-Ghana. Ayekoo!!!
Congratulations Dr Faustina Aryee for your great service to the community. Love you