51cg

Biography

I am a principal investigator based at the Rowett Institute and coordinator of the PGT Human Nutrition MSc programme. My research focuses on advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the diet. During food processing AGEs are formed as the result of the Maillard reaction and are absorbed by the body during digestion. To investigate how dietary AGEs, contribute to diet induced conditions such as type 2 diabetes and dementia we are using human intervention studies to test the effects of highly processed foods high in AGEs on sensitive measures of metabolic health and cognition. I am also researching the role of processing methods in improving food quality and the potential for phytochemicals incorporated into processed foods to ameliorate negative health outcomes.

External Memberships

Registered Nutritionist with the AfN (RNutr) 

Member of the Nutrition Society,

Member of Biochemical Society,

Member of British Society for Proteome Resarch (BSPR).

Research Overview

A high-fat/sugar diet leads to the formation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) in body tissues. AGEs cause damage and inflammation and are also absorbed from the diet particularly from processed foods. We are interested in how dietary AGEs contribute to diet induced conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline.

Current Research

• The role of specific components of the Western diet, namely advanced glycation end products (AGEs), in metabolic health and the development of chronic diseases.

• Key interests include studying the effects of foods containing high levels of AGEs on metabolic health, the potential of phytochemicals to prevent diseases, improving food quality through processing methods, and reformulating processed foods with plant bio-actives.

• Principal investigator for nutrition research studies and leading a Scottish Government (RESAS), funded human intervention study that compares the health benefits of consuming soft fruits. .,
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Past Research

• Principal investigator for nutrition research studies and leading a Scottish Government (RESAS), funded human intervention study that compares the health benefits of consuming soft fruits. ., .

Teaching Responsibilities

• Programme lead for the Association of Nutrition (AfN) accredited MSc Human Nutrition programme at the 51cg (2020- present).  Ensure compliance with AfN standards and academic standards set by the University.
• Coordinator of RN5003Foundations of Nutrition course (2020-present)
• Coordinator for on-line course Fundamentals of Nutrition RN5001(2017-present)

• Postgraduate Exam Officer for School of Medicine Medical Sciences and Nutrition