Ms. Holly Ockenden
M.Sc. Candidate
Degrees and Certifications:
- BASc Human Development, Nutrition – University of Guelph (2012)
- MSc Candidate, Human Kinetics – University of Ottawa (Present)
Supervisor:
Research Program:
MSc Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa
Thesis Project:
Women’s perceptions and health behaviours contributing to excess gestational weight gain
Research Interests:
- Maternal diet, physical activity and weight gain
- Women’s health behaviours in pregnancy and the effects on downstream infant health
- Nutrition and physical activity lifestyle interventions for disease treatment and prevention
- Childhood obesity and related complications
Professional Interests:
- Canadian Obesity Network member
- Canadian Nutrition Society member
Biography:
Holly completed her Bachelor of Applied Science at The University of Guelph in 2012. Holly’s past research focus has been in the area of dietary assessment and the development of sustainable nutrition and physical activity interventions at the University of Alberta. Since joining HALO in September 2013 as a graduate student, she has been involved in coordinating the Maternal Obesity Management (MOM) Trial. As part of her master’s thesis, Holly has developed a questionnaire which aims to examine women’s perceptions on: weight gain guidelines, dietary recommendations, physical activity practices as well as other lifestyle habits during pregnancy. Outside of work Holly is an avid traveler; in the past she has enjoyed backpacking through various countries in Europe and most recently she travelled to South Africa to work with HIV+ women and children. Aside from travelling, in her spare time she enjoys being active by cycling in Gatineau Park, swimming in Meech Lake and participating in local triathlons.