We’re super excited to welcome Dr Amelia Harray to our team.
As an accredited practising dietitian and nutritionist with a PhD in the use of food records to accurately assess dietary behaviours, Amelia looks forward to strengthening the focus on food research to help children with type 1 diabetes and their families.
We asked Amelia a few questions to help to get to know her better.
Background? I have experience working as a clinical dietitian, teaching nutrition and dietetic students at Curtin University, managing nutrition at the Heart Foundation and working on public health campaigns. I am passionate about advocacy and empowering people to make healthy food choices.
Why type 1 diabetes? What people with diabetes choose to eat can have a significant impact on blood glucose levels and health outcomes. Navigating the food environment (e.g. supermarkets, cafes, canteens) and learning the skills to select and prepare healthy foods is challenging for everyone, yet considering the impact on blood glucose levels adds an element of complexity. I am passionate about translating research findings into easy to understand, practical recommendations for kids and their families.
What will your research involve? I will bring my experience and learnings to contribute to and oversee food-related research at the Children’s Diabetes Centre. This will involve ensuring the research involving food will consider the practical applications of making those food choices in the real world.
Why is research? Nutrition is a rapidly evolving science and recommendations on what people should eat constantly changes with the evidence. Conducting quality research that can be translated into practical food choices can improve health outcomes and encourage people to enjoy a variety of delicious foods. Supporting and encouraging a positive relationship with food is important for happy, healthy kids.
Did you know?
- I love cheese, vegetables, the beach, and Italy.
- I have a 70-year-old lemon tree named Elsie.
- I like coffee over tea.
- I spend a lot of time preparing food and caring for my four kids, old kelpie and rescue cat.