Meet the Alumni: Anna Lartey, PhD
Class of 1998
Anna Lartey, PhD
Year of graduation from UC Davis: 1998
Current position: Professor of Nutrition, University of Ghana
Former Position: Director of Nutrition at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
ORCID profile: 0000-0002-7870-2606
The UCD PIN program (now IGN) had a name in International Nutrition; just being associated with UCD as a graduate was enough to open doors. I got to attend my first international nutrition congress, IUNS 1997 in Montreal, Canada. Little did I know that I would become IUNS President 16 years later.
Describe your focus area in the field of Global Nutrition or Global Health.
Maternal and child nutrition, making food systems work for children's nutrition.
How did you become interested in your field?
Having grown and lived in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the issues of child malnutrition were quite obvious to me. I wanted to contribute to addressing this menace of child malnutrition in SSA. My training in the PIN program of UCD was a catalyst.
What advancements in your field are you most excited about?
Setting the breast-fed baby as the standard against which optimal child growth can be assessed. This has been made possible through the WHO Child Growth Standards.
What are the main gaps/needs for the future in your field?
AI is now the in-thing. How can AI technology be applied in solving nutrition problems?
Create more starter funding for graduate students; Jastro Shields funding is great, more such opportunities will be needed for new students, especially international students.
How did you get to your position?
My last position was Director of Nutrition at FAO in Rome. After my PhD degree in UCD, I worked as a nutrition professor in Ghana. During this time, I collaborated with colleagues in various universities executing nutrition research projects. My years of research and experience in developing countries were considered significant in landing me a position at FAO.
How did UCD prepare you for your current position?
I was technically equipped to work on any nutrition topic. I expanded my international networks through attending nutrition meetings and conferences.
What advice do you have for students who are considering joining the Designated Emphasis in Global Nutrition at UC Davis?
This is an opportunity you must grab. The Professors have high international standing; you can stand on their shoulders to reach where you want. Take advantage of the diverse student population in your class. They are going to be your future professional colleagues. Building your professional network starts with your mates.