1. What do you do for a living and why?
I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences at the University of Manitoba. I love teaching undergraduate and graduate students who will become leaders in the field of Canadian nutrition and health. I am passionate about researching optimal nutritional provisions, and about the development of diet strategies that are beneficial to targeted diseases and the general population. I am also a trained Clinical Dietitian, and a Principal Investigator in Nutrition and Neurological Diseases in the Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders and the Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine at the St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre.
2. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I have a few notable achievements in my life, but my greatest achievement is getting my academic position, which allows me to teach and research the topics that make my heart race!
3. Why are you excited to speak at TEDxWinnipeg?
I would like to inform the public about my current project, regarding the health benefits of vegetables grown in smart vertical farms. I am proud of the Opaskwayak Cree Nations for their initiative on this project in pursuit of improving community health. Through the understanding of challenges faced by Northern First Nations communities, regarding food and nutrition security, I hope that people will realize that they themselves are fighting a battle for accessibility to healthy food options.
4. Complete this sentence: “I am mostly a ___logical ___ thinker.”
My job has trained me to think logically. Data must undergo rigorous logical examination in order to propel thoughtful and meaningful exploration. Without logic, the discoveries we make serve selfish interests, instead of truth. I always tell my students to think in question form; “why” and “how” are always at the tip of my tongue.
5. How do you want to be remembered?
As a person who is enthusiastic about life, and dedicated to family, students and research.
6. What is your motto?
Be honest to yourself. Never compromise your values no matter how hard or which way the wind blows.
7. What TED Talk do you think everyone should see?
A hard question. Perhaps one that moves someone to change his/her/their lifestyle or behavior for the better.