How can plant-based diets influence our health? Deakin PhD candidate Laura Marchese is examining the rich variety of plant-based foods, their nutritional benefits and their effects on our health from childhood through to old age.
Why did you decide to do a PhD?
I decided to do a PhD because I fell in love with the collaborative nature of research when I was completing my Master of Human Nutrition at Deakin. It was so fantastic to design a study which had never been completed before and work alongside experts in the field to discover something new. I didn’t want my research experience to end after my masters, and the opportunity to continue researching a topic I am passionate about was something I really wanted to pursue.
Through research we are able to help others achieve healthy eating habits, to live long and healthy lives.
Laura Marchese
Deakin PhD candidate
Why is health and medical research important?
Health and medical research, in particular nutrition, is so important as it affects everyone. Nutrition research provides insight into how our diets affect health, chronic diseases and wellbeing. It informs dietary guidelines, preventative medicine and improves public health for us all. Through research, we are able to help others achieve healthy eating habits and live long and healthy lives.
What support did your supervisor and Deakin provide during your PhD?
My supervisors and Deakin have supported me in countless ways throughout my PhD. My supervisors have supported my research skills, monitored my progress towards my final thesis and prepared me for my future career. With their support, I have been involved with far more than I ever expected during my candidature. I have shared my research with many different audiences, contributed to media interviews and articles and recently assisted with the implementation of the decadal plan to shape the future of nutrition science in Australia.
As I completed both my Bachelor of Science and Master of Human Nutrition at Deakin, I knew the university would provide excellent support throughout my PhD candidature. Additionally, Deakin has supported multiple publications, conferences, and courses, allowing me to establish my reputation in the field and have a strong skill set post-PhD.
How is your research linked to industry?
Outcomes from my research have implications for industry, as research on plant-based alternatives is closely linked to the growing demand for sustainable and ethical food options. My research has a particular focus on the nutritional composition of plant-based alternative foods and how they will impact our overall diets. Collaborations between academic research and industry ensure that the latest scientific findings are translated into practical applications, such as ensuring the plant-based alternatives available in our supermarkets are optimal for our health and overall dietary patterns.
What impact will your research work have on the world?
I would like my research to provide evidence of the effect of plant-based diets on human health, ultimately contributing to prevention of chronic diseases. Through this evidence, policies, education, and consumer choices can all be influenced, leading to a more sustainable and resilient global food system that addresses both public health and environmental challenges.
What’s next? Where do you hope your PhD will take you?
I have the final year of my PhD to go, and I hope this is just the start of my research career. There are so many aspects of nutrition which I am interested in that I plan on applying for post-doctoral research fellowships in the future. I have learnt so much already from my supervisors, and I am sure there’s a future where I can apply both my PhD skill set and passion for healthy diets.