Ms. Megan A. Carter
Degrees and Certifications:
- Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Applied Human Nutrition (University of Guelph)
- Masters of Science in Epidemiology and Community Medicine (University of Ottawa)
- Canadian Obesity Network Obesity Boot Camp Trainee 2010
Current Held Scholarships and Awards:
- Canada Graduate Scholarship (Canadian Institutes for Health Research)
- Excellence Scholarship (University of Ottawa)
Supervisors:
Dr. Lise Dubois and Dr. Mark Tremblay
Research Program:
Population Health, University of Ottawa
Thesis Topic:
The influence of place on body weight and food insecurity during childhood: a longitudinal study of young children living in Québec, Canada
Biography:
My research interest lies in determining how our environments may lead to obesity, specifically among young children since they are usually unable to choose where they live. In particular, my work looks at how residential area factors such social capital and deprivation, as well as population density, may influence excess weight gain among young Québec children. I am also interested in how more proximate area factors, like neighbourhood design/street infrastructure, availability and accessibility of amenities making healthy living easier or harder (e.g. farmers markets versus fast food restaurants), as well as commuting and consumer geography, may lead to weight gain. For my thesis, I have been exploring heterogeneity in excess weight development among children under the hypothesis that not all children follow the same weight developmental curves. Environmental variables, therefore, may have differing influences depending on these sub trajectories of growth. I am a member of the Canadian Obesity Network, Canadian Society for Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Statistical Society of Canada (Ottawa Chapter), and the Alpine Club of Canada. In my spare time I love to spend time outdoors either mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking/snowshoeing, snowboarding or playing beach volleyball.