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Research interests: Dietary assessment, determinants of health, motivators and barriers to adequate nutrient intake, relationships between diet and health, nutrition education, knowledge dissemination, mixed methods
Education:
PhD, Applied Human Nutrition, University of Guelph (2011- 2015) (PhD Thesis Summary) MSc, Medical Science (Nutrition and Metabolism), McMaster University (2007-2009) BSc, Honours Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, Brock University (2003-2007) Publications:
Presentations:
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Recognitions:
- 2015: Marion Penhale Graduate Travel Grant, University of Guelph
- 2015: Board of Graduate Studies Research Scholarship, University of Guelph
- 2015: Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- 2011-2013: Dean's Scholarship, University of Guelph
- 2012: Board of Graduate Studies Research Scholarship, University of Guelph
- 2011-2013: Doctoral Research Assistantship, Dairy Farmers of Ontario
- 2011: FRAN Graduate Research Assistantship, University of Guelph
- 2011: Dean's Graduate Research Assistantship, University of Guelph
- 2008-2009: CIHR Strategic Training Program in Skeletal Health Research, CIHR
- 2007: Graduate Entry Scholarship, McMaster University
Research Funding:
- Title: Attitudes and Beliefs of Young Adults Towards Dietary Calcium: Mobilizing Knowledge for Consumers and the Dietetics Community (2014)
- Role: PhD Graduate Student Investigator
- Funding Source: Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research Funds
- Awarded: $19,725
- Title: Let’s Talk Calcium! Mobilizing Young Adults to Increase Their Intake of Dietary Calcium (2014)
- Role: PhD Graduate Student Investigator
- Funding Source: Canadian Home Economics Foundation
- Awarded: $1,885
Teaching:
- Department of Health Studies, Laurier University (Spring 2016 and 2017)
- Health and Nutrition (Instructor)
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph (Jan 2014-Apr 2016)
- Clinical Nutrition (Sessional Aid)
- Nutritional Assessment (Instructor)
- Introduction to Nutrition (Instructor)
Professional Activities and Networks:
- Journal Review
- International Journal of Food and Safety
- Nutrition and Public Health
- Philippine Journal of Science
- AHN Faculty Search Committee Member, Student Representative, University of Guelph (2014-2015)
- Canadian Nutrition Society Student Representative, University of Guelph (2014-2015)
- Departmental Steward for the Dept. Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph (2013-2015)
- PhD Graduate Student Representative for the Dept. Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph (2012-2015)
- Volunteer, Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton, ON (2004-2009)
- Health Science Graduate Student Federation, McMaster University (2007-2009)
Summary of PhD Thesis: Determinants of Dietary Calcium Intake in a Young Adult Population
- Many young Canadian adults are not meeting dietary calcium recommendations. This is concerning as adequate calcium is important throughout young adulthood to maximize peak bone mass for osteoporosis prevention.
- Determinants of dietary calcium intake have been examined mainly in older adults; the young adult population has not been extensively explored.
- The purpose of my research was to examine potential influences on dietary calcium intake in a young adult population (18–34 years), using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
- The quantitative study assessed young adults' dietary calcium and milk and alternatives intake and milk product health beliefs.
- One-third of participants were not meeting dietary calcium recommendations, with 52% of participants below recommendations of milk and alternatives. Participants expressed uncertainty about whether organic versus traditional milk products are healthier, whether milk products are important for weight control, and concerns regarding adulteration of milk products. More females than males valued milk products’ contribution to bone health and were concerned with the humane treatment of dairy cows.
- One-third of participants were not meeting dietary calcium recommendations, with 52% of participants below recommendations of milk and alternatives. Participants expressed uncertainty about whether organic versus traditional milk products are healthier, whether milk products are important for weight control, and concerns regarding adulteration of milk products. More females than males valued milk products’ contribution to bone health and were concerned with the humane treatment of dairy cows.
- The qualitative study (n=53) explored young adults’ knowledge calcium and health-related outcomes, and asked young adult participants to suggest recommendations for strategies to increase dietary calcium intake and ways to convey calcium-related messaging to the young adult population.
- Participants were unaware of the importance of adequate calcium intake in relation to bone health, specifically for their age group. Participants expressed a desire to be better educated about calcium and its relation to health, and suggested that nutrition education should begin at an earlier age. Participants also wanted to be provided with unbiased nutrition information (e.g., advice from health professionals, research studies). Participants recommended planning healthy, well-balanced meals and consuming calcium-rich foods habitually as strategies to ensure adequate dietary calcium intake.
- Participants were unaware of the importance of adequate calcium intake in relation to bone health, specifically for their age group. Participants expressed a desire to be better educated about calcium and its relation to health, and suggested that nutrition education should begin at an earlier age. Participants also wanted to be provided with unbiased nutrition information (e.g., advice from health professionals, research studies). Participants recommended planning healthy, well-balanced meals and consuming calcium-rich foods habitually as strategies to ensure adequate dietary calcium intake.
- My findings identified that deterrents to adequate dietary calcium intake cited by participants were mainly based on negative perceptions relating to various aspects of milk products, and a lack of knowledge of the importance of dietary calcium intake for the young adults.