Welcome
Welcome to my scholarly ePortfolio. This portfolio documents my development as a clinician, researcher, educator, and lifelong learner. My work sits at the intersection of nutrition, neuroscience, microbiology, metabolism, and maternal-child health. Through this portfolio, I reflect on the experiences that have shaped my scholarly identity and demonstrate how my clinical practice and research activities contribute to improving health outcomes across the lifespan.
My overarching goal is to generate and translate evidence that supports the health and wellbeing of children and families. I am particularly interested in how early-life nutrition and environmental exposures influence long-term metabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes through mechanisms involving the microbiome and the developmental origins of health and disease.
Scholarly Identity
Who Am I as a Scholar?
My scholarly identity has been shaped by an interdisciplinary educational and professional journey spanning neuroscience, nutrition, metabolism, psychology, and nursing. While these disciplines are often considered separately, my experiences have demonstrated that meaningful health outcomes arise from the interaction of biological, psychological, social, and environmental influences.
As a Registered Dietitian and doctoral student, I view research and clinical practice as complementary rather than separate pursuits. Clinical experiences continually inform the questions I ask as a researcher, while research informs my approach to patient care.
I am particularly drawn to translational research because I believe scientific discoveries have the greatest value when they can be meaningfully applied to improve patient care, health policy, and public understanding.
Key Values
Curiosity
Compassion
Scientific rigor
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Knowledge translation
Patient-centred care
Research Program
Research Focus
My research explores how early-life nutrition influences microbiome development, metabolism, neurodevelopment, and long-term health outcomes.
Current areas of interest include:
Infant feeding practices
Human milk and donor human milk
Formula supplementation
Gut microbiome development
Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)
Child growth and neurodevelopment
Ultra-processed foods in early life
Current Research Projects
DO-RE-MI Pilot Trial
A randomized controlled trial examining donor human milk versus infant formula supplementation among healthy term infants born by Caesarean section.
Reflection
This project has strengthened my understanding of clinical trial design and highlighted the complexity of balancing scientific rigor with the realities of infant feeding and family decision-making.
Longitudinal Infant Feeding and Microbiome Cohort
Investigating relationships between infant feeding practices, microbiome development, metabolomics, and child health outcomes through early childhood.
Reflection
This work has reinforced the importance of longitudinal research and the need to consider multiple interacting influences on child development.
Educational Journey
Neuroscience
My initial training in neuroscience provided a foundation for understanding brain development, behaviour, and physiology. It sparked my interest in how early-life experiences shape lifelong health trajectories.
Reflection
Studying neuroscience taught me to appreciate the complexity of biological systems and fostered a deep curiosity about the mechanisms underlying human health and behaviour.
Nutrition and Dietetics
My training in nutrition and dietetics expanded this perspective by highlighting the critical role of nutrition throughout the lifespan and the importance of translating evidence into practical, person-centred care.
Reflection
Clinical nutrition showed me that evidence alone is not enough to create change. Understanding the lived experiences, motivations, and barriers faced by patients is equally important.
Doctoral Studies in Nursing
My doctoral studies allow me to integrate these perspectives while developing advanced research skills focused on maternal and child health.
Reflection
My PhD training has strengthened my appreciation for interdisciplinary research and reinforced the importance of asking questions that are both scientifically meaningful and clinically relevant.
A bold reimagining of a timeless brand.