Current Lab Members

David M Mutch, Professor

David completed his Ph.D at the Université de Lausanne (Switzerland) and his B.Sc at Queen’s University (Canada). During his postdoctoral fellowships at The Scripps Research Institute (USA) and the INSERM (France), he worked in the fields of precision nutrition and obesity. David is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Lifestyle Genomics. Outside of the lab, David is interested in soccer, hiking, cooking, reading, and traveling.

David’s favourite food: cheese

Melissa Gonzalez-Soto, PhD Candidate

Melissa completed her M.Sc degree at the University of Guelph (Canada) and her B.Sc at the Universidad Iberoamericana (Mexico). Melissa is studying how plant and dairy proteins regulate hepatic fatty acid desaturation. Outside of the lab, Melissa is interested in dog training and discovering new hiking trails.

Melissa’s favourite foods: Anything Mexican

Brittany MacIntyre, PhD Candidate

Brittany completed her B.Sc at the University of Waterloo (Canada) and her Masters of Bioinformatics at the University of Guelph (Canada). Brittany investigates urinary metabolites for to discover non-invasive biomarkers of fatty acids related to nutrient and health status. Outside of the lab, Brittany is interested in competitive swimming, etymology, heritage buildings, and making homemade maple syrup.

Brittany’s favourite foods: Spinach, tofu and cashew stuffed ravioli

Patrick McTavish, MSc Student

Patrick completed his B.Sc in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph (Canada). Patrick is studying the influence of omega-3 fatty acids on lipid handling in adipose tissue using both cell culture and mouse models. Outside of the lab, Patrick is interested in science-based strength training, trying new recipes, and personal finance.

Patrick’s favourite foods: Sushi, Fried Chicken, Greek Yogourt

Giulia Kobylnik, MSc Student

Giulia completed her B.Sc in Food Science at the University of Guelph (Canada). Giulia is studying the impact of a high fat omega-3 fatty acid diet on the liver using a Fads2 knockout mouse model. Outside the lab, Giulia is interested in thrifting, exercise, food/cooking and social outings with friends.

Giulia’s favourite foods: pepperette sticks, bagels with cream, cheese, grapes, and homemade pasta sauce

Kayani Shanmuganathan, MSc Student

Kayani completed her B.Sc in Life Sciences at McMaster University (Canada). Kayani is studying the relationships between the omega-3 index and cardiometabolic risk factors. Outside of the lab, Kayani is interested in traveling, watching movies/shows, singing and sewing!

Kayani’s favourite foods: chicken, fried rice, pasta, and ice cream

Mariah Sterling, Undergraduate Research Student

Mariah is currently in her fourth year of a B.Sc Honours in Biological Sciences at the University of Guelph (Canada). Mariah is investigating how the omega-3 index changes in response to an omega-3 dietary supplement in participants from the BIO-OMIX pilot study. Outside of the lab, Mariah enjoys outdoor activities, dogs, and exploring new places!

Mariah’s favourite foods: tacos and chocolate