My academic career started when I chose the curriculum in Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University, the Netherlands. The MSc. course used an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to study the effect of nutrition on physiological aspects of human health and disease on a cellular and molecular level. For my MSc thesis I investigated the effects of a novel polyunsaturated fatty acid-based compound, DHA-5-HT on pro-inflammatory factors secreted by a colorectal cancer cell line. I broadened my research experience by completing an overseas internship at the Riddet Institute in Palmerston North, New Zealand investigating different protein sources and their effect on satiety in humans. After graduation I got a role working as a Research Assistant at the University of Chichester. Here I investigated the health effects of blueberry supplementation in overweight persons during a three-month exercise programme.
I have now started a PhD studies at the University of Stirling where I am looking into the metabolic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on tissue content/function. A very exciting research area where we aim to provide insights into the incorporation of n-3 PUFAs in different tissues and their washout in young and older participants.
Nutrition, physiology, metabolism, exercise
Article
Willems MET, Banic M, Cadden R & Barnett L (2022) Enhanced Walking-Induced Fat Oxidation by New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Is Body Composition-Dependent in Recreationally Active Adult Females. Nutrients, 14 (7), Art. No.: 1475. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071475
Article
Willems MET, Todaka M, Banic M, Cook MD & Sekine Y (2021) Intake of New Zealand Blackcurrant Powder Affects Skin-Borne Volatile Organic Compounds in Middle-Aged and Older Adults. Journal of Dietary Supplements. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2021.1908479
