Berthon Bronwyn S

I am an early career, clinical research Dietitian (Bachelor Nutrition & Dietetics, Hons 1, University Medal, 2009) within the Nutrition and Immunometabolism team of the Immune Health Research Program at the Hunter Medical Research Institute in Newcastle. The foundation of my research program is clinical trials in nutrition, which investigate the metabolic, immunological, and biochemical relationships between dietary intake, obesity, inflammation, and respiratory diseases. My research is distinct, as it uses innovative interdisciplinary approaches, which combine clinical, biochemical, and molecular science to create translatable evidence to improve human health and disease. My overarching expertise is demonstrated in clinical trial study design and execution, dietary intake and nutritional biomarker assessment and clinical assessment of airways disease. While my role is clinically focused, I collaborate with laboratory-based scientists to interrogate the relationships between dietary and nutrient intake and disease pathology, specifically in asthma and obesity. Since 2014, I have performed clinical research and co-supervised a team of post-graduate higher degree research students (3 current and 4 PhD completions). My role as a clinical trial coordinator encompasses study design, ethics and safety application and reporting, recruitment, data collection, statistical analysis, and publication (9 completed). The combination of my unique skills and clinical experience in both the disciplines of nutrition and respiratory medicine led to my appointment as Clinical Supervisor in my Research Team. In addition to the supervision and training of staff in my team I am responsible for the management of infrastructure and equipment, as well as grant application development and submission. Research vision: While there are specific dietary recommendations for other chronic conditions, there are no dietary guidelines for people living with respiratory conditions. The future focus of my research is investigating the unique nutritional needs of adults and children with asthma by performing clinical research, with the aim to translate this evidence into dietary guidelines for people with asthma. My vision will be achieved through conducting novel, nutrition based clinical trials, with an emphasis on investigating biochemical and molecular mechanisms. I am currently developing a framework of independence by leading clinical research which is complimented by the pre-clinical findings of my supervisor and collaborators.