I am a Registered Dietitian from Canada, specializing in pediatrics, with a Master’s degree in nutritional sciences and PhD in epidemiology from the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. My doctoral training involved the use of geo-spatial analysis methods to examine environmental and spatial factors associated with iron deficiency and infection among young children in Ghana. The overall aim of this work was to develop a model or mapping tool for locating high-risk populations that could help with facilitating knowledge translation across relevant stakeholders and decision-makers, and allow for more streamlined use of limited public health resources. Since completing my PhD, I have broadened my focus to Planetary Health – specifically the impact of climate and environmental change on systems level factors, such as food and water security, that affect nutritional outcomes among children and other vulnerable populations. My ultimate vision is to find ways to bridge the gap between research and practice that support ground-level solutions and community-driven implementation strategies for improving nutrition-related outcomes through increased climate resilience and household food security. I believe that knowledge generated from community-based research can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainable development, and building capacity and resilience for generations to come in the Anthropocene – an era marked with heightened uncertainty and rapid environmental and social change. I also believe that, in order for research to be effectively translated into practice, it must be informed by local needs, grounded in strong community partnerships, and linked to a communication strategy that supports for iterative knowledge sharing and integration of indigenous knowledge. In addition to knowledge generation, I am a strong advocate for facilitating knowledge exchange and use, as well accessibility to learning opportunities that will help empower others to make positive and sustainable health-related behaviour changes. |