Kyly Whitfield

Kyly Whitfield is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Human Nutrition at Mount Saint Vincent University, part of the Professional Studies at the Mount faculty. She holds a PhD in Human Nutrition (2016) from the University of British Columbia, an MSc in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences (2012) from the University of Guelph, and a BSc in Biological Sciences (2010), also from the University of Guelph.

Dr. Whitfield’s research focuses on international nutrition, particularly addressing micronutrient deficiencies during the critical 'first thousand days' period (conception to age two). Her groundbreaking doctoral work investigated thiamine-fortified fish sauce as a solution to maternal thiamine deficiency and infantile beriberi in rural Cambodia. At MSVU, she continues to explore innovative public health interventions for resource-poor settings, emphasizing maternal and child nutrition.

Her research interests span global health equity, maternal-infant nutrition, and culturally appropriate interventions. Notable achievements include the CIHR INMD–CNS New Investigator Partnership Prize (2020) and the inaugural MSVU Early Career Research Award (2019). Dr. Whitfield’s work is anchored in the MAMALab (Maternal and Child Nutrition Lab), which advances evidence-based solutions to global nutrition challenges.

Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to nutrition, including studies on thiamine supplementation’s neurocognitive benefits for infants, breastfeeding practices in Canada and Cambodia, and social-ecological drivers of child marriage in Bangladesh.