School of Nutrition alumna supports national and local clients

Recently I was able to speak to Aja Gyimah about her experience in the world of dietary science and communication and her exciting career as a Registered Dietitian (RD) since completing her master of nutrition communication (MHSc) at the School of Nutrition (NUT) at the Faculty of Community Services (FCS).  In her own words:

Where are you in your career? Did your graduate degree play a role? 

Currently, I work full-time at a life sciences startup called Enhanced Medical Nutrition (external link) , (EMN).  We develop clinical nutrition products for patients undergoing surgery or recovering from illness. I also own a private practice called Compete Nutrition (external link)  where I work with a wide range of individuals and organizations. A lot of the skills developed throughout the MHSc, such as our media training and communication principles, have helped me be successful in both roles as a product specialist and founder. I am also a member of the Canadian Black RD Association (external link) . We formed about one year ago and it's really interesting to be part of something like this in the early stages.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your work?

Pre-COVID-19, my work at EMN would have involved travelling to hospitals across the country to help facilities implement protocols to help patients meet their protein needs. Now, I am required to do a lot of this work from home or the office, which is less exciting and a little bit harder because I can't see what resources are available in each facility. In my private practice, I will say it is much easier to complete individual sessions and seminars online. Also, a lot of my most recent projects in private practice have been related to nutrition and mental health, which I find very interesting. 

What do you see as the future for yourself? What impact do you hope to have in your field?

To be honest, I'm not really sure. I'm keeping my opportunities open by working in many fields such as industry, primary care, advocacy, media and the corporate world. The key impact I hope to have is to inspire the next generation of RDs by showing them that there is room for RDs in different settings that you wouldn't expect.

Graduate-level work can be all-consuming. What is something you enjoyed doing outside of your graduate work, for school/life balance?

Running my social media for Compete Nutrition (called "Aja Made Ya") at the time. This was an outlet for me, but also helped me transition from school to private practice.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for their support on your academic and/or career journey? Perhaps a professor, friend or colleague?

I'd like to thank Sue Mah, MHSc, RD, PHEc, FDC, Beth Mansfield, PhD, MSc, RD, and Megan Omstead, RD, MPH, CDE for helping guide me through the first stages of my career and providing valuable insight. 

Graduate Research Series

This past summer graduates and students at the Faculty of Community Services (FCS) were invited to tell us about their research projects and graduate studies experience. This is part of a series of introductory profiles about alumni and graduate students featuring their research and their advice for prospective graduate students. It is our hope you are as inspired by their research efforts and success as we are.  If you would like to submit a story idea for consideration please contact Bonte Minnema at bminnema@ryerson.ca.