Awards
- John W. Ryan Award for Distinguished Contributions to International Programs and Studies - 2025
About Cecilia Sem Obeng
Dr. Cecilia Sem Obeng is a professor in the Department of Applied Health Science in the School of Public Health. She has made transformative contributions to international health education and research. Her leadership in founding IU’s Maternal and Child Health Program, alongside her extensive research on women and children’s health in both the U.S. and Africa, have had a far-reaching impact on health practices globally. Dr. Obeng has authored over eighty peer-reviewed journal articles and eight books, many of which focus on international health issues, such as infant mortality, breastfeeding practices, and cultural health behaviors. Her efforts have not only enriched the academic discourse but have also influenced public health interventions in communities worldwide.
A key illustration of Dr. Obeng’s contributions to international programs is her groundbreaking research on human milk banking in Ghana. Through her leadership, she led the first peer-reviewed research demonstrating the feasibility of establishing a human milk bank in Ghana—a critical intervention aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving neonatal health. This initiative, a collaboration between IU and the University of Ghana Medical Center, highlights her ability to merge high-impact research with practical solutions for global health challenges. Furthermore, she is the first to initiate the first human milk bank in Ghana.
Moreover, Dr. Obeng’s commitment to internationalizing Indiana University is substantial, she has taken 80 IU undergraduate students to Africa, where they have engaged in cross-cultural learning and research through her course on “Culture and Health in Africa.” Additionally, her work on the U.S. Department of State’s Capacity Building Grant enables her to take 100 IU students and six faculty members to participate in study-abroad programs in Ghana, further expanding IU’s global engagement. This initiative not only enhanced the cultural competencies of participating students but also solidified IU’s reputation as a leader in international education.
Dr. Obeng has consistently exceeded the standard for distinguished teaching, research, and service with an international focus. Her innovative teaching methods, such as involving students in international research collaborations, have led to numerous co-authored, peer-reviewed publications with undergraduate students as lead authors. This unique mentorship model underscores her dedication to student development and her commitment to producing globally minded health professionals.
In addition to her exemplary academic work, Dr. Obeng’s service to the global community is equally impressive. Her involvement in the YES-Ghana project, funded by USAID, and her various other international health education initiatives have empowered countless individuals, both in Ghana and the U.S., to adopt healthier lifestyles. By training over five hundred Ghanaian schoolchildren and teachers in alcohol and drug abuse prevention, she has directly impacted the lives of some of the most vulnerable populations.
Dr. Obeng’s scholarly achievements, combined with her tireless commitment to global health, have truly enhanced the internationalization of Indiana University. Her work continues to elevate the university’s profile as a hub for global health innovation and education.