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Dr Mary McCann is a Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition at Ulster University, based in the School of Biomedical Sciences within the Faculty of Life & Health Sciences at the Coleraine campus. She is a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), with extensive experience in both teaching and research. Mary has served as Course Director for the BSc Hons Food and Nutrition programme for over six years and teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate Nutrition and Dietetics programmes.
- Position: Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition
- Institution: Ulster University
- School: School of Biomedical Sciences
- Research Centre: Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE)
- Location: Coleraine Campus, Northern Ireland
Dr McCann holds a PhD, MRes, and BSc in Human Nutrition, all from Ulster University. She is actively engaged in high-impact research focusing on maternal nutrition, particularly maternal obesity, gestational weight gain, and nutrient requirements during pregnancy, with special emphasis on iron and vitamin D. Her work also explores the behavioural aspects of eating, including the impact of food portion size and nutrition labelling on food intake and consumer behaviour.
Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on clinical and public health nutrition, with studies published in journals such as The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Appetite, and Food and Nutrition Research. These works collectively highlight trends in maternal health, micronutrient metabolism, and population-level dietary interventions aimed at reducing obesity and malnutrition.
- Maternal and fetal health
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Public health nutrition
- Behavioural nutrition
- Food policy and labelling
- Vitamin D and iron metabolism
Dr McCann has received significant research funding, including:
- Obesity and Anaemia – the double burden of malnutrition in pregnancy (Solvotrin Therapeutics, £213,000, 2023–2028)
- Portion control tools - do they work in practice (Safefood, £74,473, 2020)
- Indian Takeaway and Wrap: Nutrition takeout series (Safefood, £108,488, 2013–2014)
- Consumer understanding of food portion sizes (Safefood, £419,886, 2010–2013)
She supervises multiple PhD researchers and contributes to academic governance through external roles, including:
- Editorial Board Member, Proceedings of the Nutrition Society (2021–present)
- Treasurer, Irish Section of The Nutrition Society (2018–2021)
- External Examiner, Glasgow Caledonian University (2017–2022)
- External Examiner, University of Hong Kong (2016–2020)
Her research contributes directly to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to good health and well-being, and quality education. Dr McCann’s work bridges clinical research, public health policy, and nutrition education, making her a key figure in advancing maternal and public health nutrition.
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