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 and an Associate Editor for Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism. Outside of the lab, David is interested in soccer, hiking, cooking, reading, and travelling.

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

Joshua Micko Budd, MSc Student

Joshua completed his B.Sc in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph (Canada). Joshua is studying how fat quality in the ketogenic diet affects skeletal muscle metabolism. Outside of the lab, Joshua is interested in exercise, watching movies and cooking.

Joshua’s favourite food: Buffalo chicken wings

James Smorenburg, MSc Student

James completed his B.Sc in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph (Canada). James is studying the role of omega-3 fatty acids on adipose tissue inflammation using the Fads2 knockout mouse mode. Outside of the lab, James is interested in exercise, guitar, soccer and investing.

James’ favourite foods: Ground beef, eggs, blizzard ice cream cakes

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

Blair MacLeod, MSc Student

Blair completed his B.Sc in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph (Canada). Blair is studying the effect of long chain omega-3 PUFAs on the suppression of hepatic lipogenesis. Outside of the lab, Blair is interested in running, exercise and skiing. 

Blair’s favourite food: Sushi

Sabrina Ziai, Undergraduate Thesis Student

Sabrina Ziai is a 4th year Undergraduate Student in the Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences (NANS) program at the University of Guelph (Canada). Sabrina is studying the relationship between the urinary metabolome and omega-3 fatty acid intake in humans. Outside of the lab, Sabrina is interested in abstract painting, exploring new trails, and reading.

Sabrina’s favourite foods: chicken shawarma, dynamite sushi, and Jamaican patties