David W.L. Ma

Dr. David W.L. Ma is a Full Professor in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph, with cross appointments at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on dietary fats' roles in health and disease prevention, spanning from cancer to neurodegenerative conditions and child health. He leads the Guelph Family Health Study, investigating family health determinants and interventions to prevent childhood obesity. Key roles include founding Director of the GFHS, lead investigator of the SMART Training Platform for Implementation Science, and former President of the Canadian Nutrition Society.

• Education: BSc and PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of Alberta; postdoctoral training at the University of Alberta and Texas A&M University.

Research interests include omega-3 fatty acids in breast cancer prevention, nutrigenomics, and the Guelph Family Health Study's multidisciplinary approach to childhood obesity. His lab studies membrane rafts, fatty acid biomarkers, and translational nutrition interventions. Major infrastructure includes lipid analysis tools, body composition devices, and flow cytometry.

Key articles (2024-2025) highlight studies on sleep patterns in toddlers, omega-3 effects on traumatic brain injury, and family-based dietary interventions. His work spans human and veterinary nutrition, with a focus on translational and population health outcomes.

Grants include CIHR (2021-2026), NSERC (2022-2027), and Heart and Stroke Foundation funding. He advises numerous graduate students and collaborates nationally/internationally, emphasizing implementation science training and community health initiatives.