Personal profile

Biography

Samantha graduated from Trinity College /Dublin Institute of Technology with a BSc (1H) Human Nutrition and Dietetics. She completed her PhD studies in March 2015, at University College Cork (UCC) entitled "Cancer associated malnutrition prevalence of cachexia, sarcopenia and impact on treatment outcomes, survival and health related quality of life". The main focus of her post doctoral research was to design pilot studies to identify if a bioactive from milk had any physiological effect on appetite in the malnourished oncology & elderly population. Following on from her post doctoral studies, Samantha took up the position of Practice Tutor/Special Lecturer in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, at University College Dublin. During that time, Samantha was appointed Project Manager for The European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD), supporting European dietitians in initiating, conducting and disseminating research at a high level. In 2017, she returned to Cork and joined the academic staff at UCC where she is now a lecturer on the MSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics https://www.ucc.ie/en/ckr07/ Samantha’s experience covers all areas of dietetics and she has given many presentations, media interviews and lectures to the public and fellow professionals in Ireland, the UK and Australia. Samantha has taught nutrition to undergraduates and postgraduates at University College Dublin, Monash University and University College Cork in: nutritional sciences, dietetics, nursing, medicine, food marketing, speech and language therapy and public health. She has published numerous peer reviewed articles, has presented her research at several international scientific meetings and her research has attracted a number of both national and international awards. Her main research interests include (1) assessing the

Research Interests

My research is situated within the field of clinical nutrition, with a particular focus on cancer survivorship, women’s health, and applied nutrition interventions. I have developed a translational research profile that bridges evidence-based practice with both clinical application and community engagement, especially in the areas of oncology and dietetics. A core area of expertise is body composition assessment, with a focus on identifying and addressing sarcopenia and cachexia in individuals undergoing cancer treatment. I was the first dietitian in Ireland to be trained in advanced body composition technologies (using computed tomography (CT) scans) and have integrated this expertise into both research and education. Cancer survivorship and menopause are central themes in my current research. I collaborate on the LYSA and LIAM Mc randomised control trials, which evaluate dietitian-led education interventions for cancer survivors. In parallel, I lead initiatives focused on optimising dietary support for women during peri-menopause, exploring the relationship between nutrition, hormonal changes, and symptom management. To support knowledge translation, I create public-facing resources, including podcasts and webinars, to expand access to reliable nutrition information. I maintain an active interest in learning and teaching research, with a particular focus on digital pedagogy and interprofessional learning. My recent projects explore the use of podcasting and experiential learning to build competency and confidence among dietetic students, supporting innovation in professional education.

Teaching Activities

MSc Human Nutrition & Dietetics DT6002 Nutritional Assessment in the Clinical Setting DT6014 Dietetics Through the Lifecycle DT6006 Professional Practice and Interpersonal Skills DT6007 Public Health Nutrition DT6013 Research Dissertation in Dietetics DT6009 Clinical Practice Placement 1 DT6011 Clinical Practice Placement 2 DT6012 Clinical Practice Placement 3 DT6003 Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy DT6004 Food Skills and Food Service Management BSc Nutritional Sciences & PG Dip Nutritional Sciences NT3001 Clinical Nutrition NT3002 Food Toxicology NT3014 Assessment of Nutritional Status NT4006 Research Project NU2032 Food, Nutrition & Health for Nursing Practice

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

UCC Futures (primary)

  • Food, Microbiome and Health

PhD Supervision

  • Available for PhD supervision

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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

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