Originally from Burlington, Ontario, Kathleen completed a BSc in biology at Bishop’s University before coming to the Mount. Following her first degree, she took time to explore the field of paleoclimatology (the study of climate change throughout history). It was a lecture by a local dietitian and nutrition researcher that sparked her interest in nutrition. “It blew my mind,” she remembers. “I knew then that was what I wanted to do.”
Kathleen chose the Mount’s Applied Human Nutrition program because of the wide range of opportunities for research and community engagement offered. Already familiar with the East Coast thanks to many summers spent with family in New Brunswick, and inspired by Halifax’s arts and culture scene (which her husband, an artist, was eager to join), Kathleen and her family (completed by two dogs) readily made the move to Halifax (pictured below).
Research opportunities of a lifetime
Dr. Whitfield describes Kathleen as a valued member of the nutrition program: “She is an original thinker and team player. She actively supports her peers and knows nearly every faculty and student in the program.”
Passion for community engagement
Kathleen’s passion for engaging communities in her work is fueled by her strong desire to help others. She has held a term as President of the Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals MSVU Branch, been senior chair of the Mount nutrition department’s student caucus, and volunteered with organizations like Diabetes Canada and the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre (the latter of which she now works for part-time as a program facilitator). Earlier this year, she was named the 2018 recipient of the Diabetes Canada Regional Young Volunteer Award.
Kathleen is excited for what lies ahead, especially as she expands her nutrition research experience internationally. Her transition to Cambodia is likely to be eased by her significant previous international adventures. Kathleen has previously spent time in Mexico, South America, Asia, the Canadian North and Europe. And she will be accompanied on this new adventure by her husband and dogs, as usual.
Kathleen will deliver her valedictory address during the morning convocation ceremony on Thursday, May 17, 2018, which gets underway at 10 a.m.