SHer Yeboah Akoto is an Agricultural and Biological Systems (ABE) Engineering graduate student, business owner, researcher, and campus leader.
her trip to iowa
After earning a master’s degree in food science and technology from Georgia State, she intended to pursue a Ph.D., but instead had to return home to Ghana. Yeboah Akoto was interested in entrepreneurship from an early age, but there was no clear path to his business. Faced with her unexpected change of plans, she focused on her home-cooked meals. Pinesod Foods is her startup that manufactures, rebrands, and sells traditional Ghanaian food products.
“I was disappointed because I had to quit. But I realized that I had gotten my education. I had a headache. I had the experience, so I had to make it happen. We can do that,” Yeboah Akoto said.
Initially, the business was small, processing and distributing in a corner of her brother’s house. Yeboah Akoto, her mother and brother registered her Pinesod with the FDA and has continued to grow over the past three years. She has big goals for her Pinesod future. We want our business to grow and provide more people with jobs that will help them support their families,” said Yeboah Akoto.
as a cyclone
Still eager to continue her education, she was drawn to Iowa State’s reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship in food science. At Iowa State University, Yeboah Akoto’s research identified and established food safety standards for the ISU Kent Feed Mill. Her recently published research can be applied to improve efficiency, quality and safety in feed mills across the country.
In addition to pursuing his PhD, Yeboah Akoto is also a member of the Prepping Future undergraduate program. ABE Department Chair Amy Karieta is her faculty mentor.
“At each conference, I learn from Dr. Karieta about how to be a proud woman in industry, higher education, and engineering. She is a great resource for becoming an effective leader.” Akoto said.
Already a successful entrepreneur and an accomplished scholar, Iboah Akoto continues to experience cyclone engineering to the fullest. “Iowa State has nourished me and given me the ground to do my best,” Yeboah Akoto said.
Yeboah Akoto believes he has had a great experience so far at Iowa State University and feels he is learning beyond his Ph.D. She developed many relationships with other students, faculty, and staff on campus and learned something from each student.
