Research Interests
Clinical and Sports Nutrition Cognitive Science Food Sciences Health Policy Maternal Health Nutrition and Dietetics Nutritional Physiology Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine Pediatrics Public Nutrition Intervention Public Health Nutritional epidemiology Endocrinology & Metabolism Food sustainability Food Nutritional Balance Food properties (incl. characteristics and health benefits)Dr Jo Zhou
School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
College of Sciences
Dr Zhou is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Food and Nutrition at the Adelaide University and an internationally recognized nutrition and public health researcher, an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Diabetes Educator, with over 20 years of experience in research, teaching, and academic leadership.
She has taught undergraduate and postgraduate nutrition courses and supervised numerous PhD students, and held leadership roles including Discipline Lead and Program Director for Food and Nutrition, as well as Honours and Postgraduate Coordinator. She has contributed extensively to curriculum development, served on the Learning and Teaching Committee, and received teaching awards for excellence, with a teaching approach that integrates research-informed, student-centered learning with practical and clinical application.
Dr Zhou is Chief Investigator on more than $13 million in research funded by the NHMRC and MRFF, and a Co-Investigator on over $2 million in industry-funded research. She leads multicentre clinical trials and translational studies in nutrition and public health. Her research focuses on early-life nutrition and lifestyle interventions to prevent chronic disease, with a particular emphasis on maternal and child health. She has authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications, including papers in The New England Journal of Medicine, Nature Medicine, and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. She has also contributed to government- and industry-commissioned reports, helping to inform evidence-based practice and policy.
She contributes to research governance as a member of the University of Adelaide’s Human Research Ethics Committee and the NHMRC Nutrient Reference Values Expert Working Group, and serves as an Associate Editor and Editorial Board member for well-regarded peer-reviewed nutrition journals. Her work bridges clinical nutrition, public health, sustainability and policy to improve population health outcomes.
My research is grounded in public health nutrition, with a strong focus on early-life nutrition, particularly maternal and child health. My work examines how nutrition and lifestyle exposures during critical life stages influence growth, metabolic health, and long-term risk of chronic disease. Through population-based studies, clinical trials, and translational research, I aim to inform evidence-based interventions that improve health outcomes across the life course and reduce the burden of diet-related chronic disease.
A key aspect of my research involves the design and evaluation of lifestyle and nutrition interventions to prevent chronic disease, with an emphasis on real-world applicability and policy relevance. More recently, my research has expanded to address sustainability challenges within food systems, including the development of innovative food products that enhance nutritional quality while minimizing environmental impacts. I also investigate strategies to reduce food waste across the food supply chain, aligning nutrition, sustainability, and public health goals to support healthier and more sustainable diets.
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Adjunct Senior Lecturer | University of Adelaide |
| 2023 - 2024 | Discipline Lead | University of Adelaide |
| 2017 - 2024 | Senior Lecturer & Postgraduate Coordinator | University of Adelaide |
| 2012 - 2016 | Lecturer & Honours Coordinator | University of Adelaide |
| 2006 - 2012 | Research Fellow | Women's & Children's Health Research Institute |
| 2003 - 2005 | Research Assistant | Women's & Children's Health Research Institute |
| 2001 - 2003 | Clinical Dietitian | Lyell McEwin Hospital |
| 1999 - 2001 | Clinical Dietitian | Queen Elizabeth Hospital |
| Language | Competency |
|---|---|
| Chinese (Mandarin) | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| English | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Adelaide | Australia | PhD | |
| Flinders University of Adelaide | Australia | Master of Nutrition and Dietetics | |
| Flinders University | Australia | Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care (Diabetes Management and Education |
| Date | Title | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Service Management for Dietitians course | Dietitians Australia | Australia | |
| Sports Nutrition Essentials course | Dietitians Australia | Australia | |
| ICT Literacy in Higher Education course | University of Adelaide | Australia | |
| Collaborative Data Science for Healthcare course | intelliHQ & Cahoot Learning | Australia | |
| Higher Education Women in Leadership | Liquid Learning | Australia | |
| Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care (Diabetes Management and Education) | Flinders University | Australia |
| Date | Title | Institution name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) | Dietitians Australia | Australia |
| — | Diabetes Educator | Australian Diabetes Educators Association | Australia |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Ofoedu, C. E., Akintayo, O. A., & Zhou, S. J. (2022). Faba Bean Utilization: Past, Present and Future. In S. P. Bangar, & S. B. Dhull (Eds.), Faba Bean: Chemistry, Properties and Functionality (pp. 301-329). Springer International Publishing. DOI Scopus7 |
| 2022 | Akintayo, O. A., Zhou, S. J., Karim, O. R., Grassby, T., & Oyeyinka, S. A. (2022). Faba Bean Starch: Structure, Physicochemical Properties, Modification, and Potential Industrial Applications. In S. P. Bangar, & S. B. Dhull (Eds.), Faba Bean: Chemistry, Properties and Functionality (pp. 211-243). Springer International Publishing. DOI Scopus4 |
| 2021 | Zhou, S. J. (2021). Maternal iodine nutrition and neurodevelopment in the offspring. In C. R. Martin, V. R. Preedy, & R. Rajendram (Eds.), Diagnosis, Management and Modeling of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The Neuroscience of Development (pp. 73-84). London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. DOI Scopus1 |
| 2017 | Skeaff, S., & Zhou, S. (2017). Iodine and brain development. In V. Moran, & N. Lowe (Eds.), Nutrition and the Developing Brain (pp. 169-188). Florida; USA: CRC Press. DOI Scopus1 |
| 2016 | Zhou, S. J., Anderson, A. J., Gibson, R. A., & Makrides, M. (2016). Effect of iodine supplementation in pregnancy on child development and other clinical outcomes: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. In B. Koletzko, R. Shamir, D. Turck, & M. Phillip (Eds.), NUTRITION AND GROWTH: YEARBOOK 2016 (Vol. 114, pp. 76-77). KARGER. DOI WoS1 Europe PMC1 |
| 2014 | Malek, L., Umberger, W., Zhou, S., & Makrides, M. (2014). Understanding Drivers of Dietary Behavior before and during Pregnancy in Industrialized Countries. In Z. A. Bhutta, M. Makrides, & A. M. Prentice (Eds.), Health and Nutrition in Adolescents and Young Women: Preparing for the Next Generation: Nestlé Nutrition Institute Workshop Series (pp. 119-142). |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Moumin, N. A., Zhou, S. J., Li, Z., Netting, M. J., & Green, T. J. (2025). The distribution of usual choline intake during the first 1000 days in Australia: cause for concern?. In PROCEEDINGS OF THE NUTRITION SOCIETY Vol. 84 (pp. 1 page). CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS. DOI |
| 2024 | Ni, H., Willmott, T., McGrath, D., Mickelsons, S., Teo, E., Crane, R., & Zhou, S. J. (2024). Quantification of food waste in an Australian acute care tertiary hospital. In Proceedings of the 41st National IHHC Conference. Perth. |
| 2024 | Gebremichael, B., Lassi, Z. S., Begum, M., Mittinty, M., & Zhou, S. J. (2024). Patterns and predictors of low-calorie sweetener consumption during pregnancy: findings from a national survey in Australia. In PROCEEDINGS OF THE NUTRITION SOCIETY Vol. 83 (pp. 1 page). CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS. DOI |
| 2015 | Malek, L., Umberger, W., Zhou, S., & Makrides, M. (2015). Understanding drivers of dietary behaviour before and during pregnancy in industrialized countries. In Z. Bhutta, M. Makrides, & A. Prentice (Eds.), Health and Nutrition in Adolescents and Young Women: Preparing for the Next Generation Vol. 80 (pp. 117-140). Basel: karger. DOI Scopus11 WoS10 |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Oral Abstracts (2014). Poster session presented at the meeting of Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. Wiley. DOI |
| 2014 | Malek, L., Zhou, S. J., Makrides, M., Flynn, T., & Umberger, W. (2014). A discrete choice experiment to understand factors influencing women’s dietary decisions during pregnancy. Poster session presented at the meeting of Social Networks, Social Media and the Economics of Food. Montreal, Canada. |
| 2014 | Malek, L., Zhou, S. J., Makrides, M., & Umberger, W. (2014). A novel study to understand psychosocial factors influencing healthy eating intention during pregnancy. Poster session presented at the meeting of Social Networks, Social Media and the Economics of Food. Montreal, Canada. |
| 2013 | Malek, L., Zhou, S. J., Makrides, M., Flynn, T., & Umberger, W. (2013). Understanding consumer preferences for nutritional supplements during pregnancy: A choice experiment study. Poster session presented at the meeting of 9th World Congress of the International Health Economics Association (iHEA). Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Malek, L., & Zhou, J. (2024). Consumers' understanding, acceptance and behaviors in response to cell-based meat - a systematic review. |
| 2013 | Zhou, S. J., Shi, Z., & Makrides, M. (2013). Dietary patterns, nutrient intake and obesity in preschool children in Adelaide.. |
| 2012 | Middleton, P., Makrides, M., Collins, C., Rumbold, A., Zhou, J., Crowther, C., & Flenady, V. (2012). Nutritional Requirements and Dietary Advice targeted for pregnant and breastfeeding women.. |
| 2011 | Zhou, S. J. (2011). A randomised controlled trial to compare growth rates and nutritional status of infants fed formula based on goat milk or cow milk - Results of secondary outcomes.. |
| 2010 | Zhou, S. J. (2010). Carotenoids intakes of toddlers and preschoolers in Australian.. |
| 2010 | Zhou, S. J., Sullivan, T., gibson, R. A., & makrides, M. (2010). A randomised controlled trial to compare growth rates and nutritional status of infants fed formula based on goat milk or cow milk – Results of primary outcomes.. |
| Year | Project | Role | Investigators | Funding Body | Amount |
| 2023 | Consumers’ understanding, acceptance and behaviours in response to alternative proteins. | CI | Malek L, Zhou SJ | Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) | $53,680 |
| 2023 | Mapping food waste in hospital settings: A pilot study | CI | Zhou SJ, Willmott T | University of Adelaide - Sustainability FAME Strategy Grants Scheme | $19,856 |
| 2020-2027 | Iodine supplementation in pregnancy to improve early childhood neurodevelopment: how much is enough? | CIE |
Makrides M, Green T, Grivell R, Cheong J, Zhou SJ, Sullivan T, Afzalia H, Best K, Gould J, Mackerras D
|
NHMRC (MRF1199617) | $3,235,960 |
| 2019 - 2021 | Targeting micronutrients to tackle pregnancy disorders: an integrated approach | CIC | Roberts C, Dekker G, Zhou SJ, Perkins A, Grieger J, Leemaqz S | NHMRC (Project) | $967,481 |
| 2019-2020 | Maternal iodine intake, thyroid function in pregnancy and executive function of children at 6 years of age | CIA | Zhou S, Smithers L, Roberts R | Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation | $74,577 |
| 2016 | Indigenous Course Enrichment Project | CI | Scott PEPL, Morris H, Zhou SJ | University of Adelaide | $14,000 |
| 2013 – 2017 | Omega-3 fats to reduce the incidence of prematurity | CIA | Zhou SJ, Makrides M, Quinlivan J, Yelland L, McPhee A, Gibson RA. | NHMRC (Project) | $4,021,840 |
| 2013 - 2014 | Exploring diet and supplement use during preconception, pregnancy and lactation | CIA | Zhou SJ, Makrides M, Umberger W, Malek L. | CSIRO (Flagship) | $99,000 |
| 2013 | How nutrients regulate the microbiome-genome interactions in the maturing GI tract of preterm infants | CI | Muhlhausler B, Penttila I, Bianco-Miotto T, Bent S, Gibson R, McPhee A, Collins C, Zhou SJ, Makrides M. | Waite Research Institute | $70,000 |
| 2012 – 2106 | Foods for Future Australians - Centre for Research Excellence - | CID | Makrides M, Gibson RA, Ryan P, Zhou SJ, Dodd, J, McPhee, A, Umberger W, Muhlhausler B, Collins C, Penttila I. | NHMRC (CRE) | $2,500,000 |
| 2012 | Are breastfed infants iodine deficient in Australia? | CIA | Zhou SJ, McPhee A, Yelland L. | WCH Research Foundation | $50,000 |
| 2012 | Dietary patterns of preschool children in Australia: association with nutritional status and BMI | CIA | Zhou SJ, Makrides M, Shi Z. | Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) | $46,000 |
| 2011 | Bod Pod: A system for non invasive assessment of body composition and energy metabolism to support nutrition and obesity research | CI | Couper J, Dodd J, Muhlhausler B, Gibson R, Makrides M, Zhou S, Collins C | NHMRC - Equipment Grants | $26,000 |
| 2010 - 2014 | A randomised controlled trial of iodine supplementation in pregnancy to enhance neurodevelopment in children | CIB | Makrides M, Zhou SJ, Skeaff S, Ryan P. | NHMRC (Project) | $1,948,000 |
| 2019 - 2021 | The impact of gut microbiota on the Australian cane toad invasion | CI | Zhou J, Pham L, Zhou S, Rollins L, Rodriguez Lopez C | Equity Trustees Limited | $ 14,140 |
| 2009 | Carotenoids intakes of Preschoolers in Adelaide | CI | Zhou SJ, Makrides M. | Wyeth Nutrition Internationals | $30,000 |
| 2005 | Efficacy and side effect of low dose iron supplements to correct anaemia in pregnancy: a randomised dose response trial. | CIB | Makrides M, Zhou SJ, Crowther C. | Women’s & Children’s Research Foundation | $46,000 |
I have contributed extensively to curriculum development across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including the Bachelor and Master of Food and Nutrition Science, and the joint program for Bachelor of Food Science and Engineering (University of Adelaide-Haide College, Ocean University of China). I have also contributed to the design and delivery of a wide range of nutrition courses at the University of Adelaide.
Bachelor's Degree Program
- Nutrition I (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/course-outlines/003288/2/sem-1/2023/): taught & coordinated (2013 - 2023)
- Nutrition II (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/course-outlines/106519/1/sem-2/2023/): taught (2013 - 2023)
- Nutrition III (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/course-outlines/105353/1/sem-2/2022/): taught (2015 - 2022) & coordinated (2018 - 2022)
- Public Health Nutrition (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/course-outlines/107739/1/sem-1/2024/): taught (2022 - 2023)
- Food Quality and Regulation II (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/course-outlines/106109/2/sem-1/2024/): taught (2023 - 2024)
- Nutrition and Food Science Internship (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/course-outlines/107637/1/sem-1/2024/): Coordinated (2023 - 2024)
- Nutrition: Ideology, Individuals and Industry (Nutrition: Ideology, Individuals & Industry | Adelaide University): Guest Lecturer (2021 - 2023)
Master's Degree Program
- Foundations in Food & Nutrition (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/course-outlines/110545/1/sem-1/): taught & coordinated (2023 -2024)
- Nutrition and Health Across Life-Stages (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/course-outlines/111321/1/sem-2/2023/): taught (2023)
- Applications of Plant Biotechnology in Health and Nutrition: taught (2013 - 2016)
Online Nutrition Micro-Credentials Short Courses
I have also contributed to the development and quality review of the following courses:
- Healthy Eating (https://pace.adelaide.edu.au/pace/CourseListing.aspx?master_id=2760&master_version=1&course_area=MICRED&course_number=108&course_subtitle=00): Professional and Continuing Education, Adelaide University
- A Beginners Guide to Healthy Eating (https://www.for9a.com/en/courses/Free-Online-Course-on-offered-By-FutureLearn-A-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Healthy-Eating: FutureLearn
- A Beginners Guide to Healthy Eating (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/pace/short-courses-individuals/online-short-courses/beginners-guide-to-healthy-eating#examine-food-group-systems-and-dietary-guidelines): Professional and Continuing Education, Adelaide University
- Nutrition for the Health Sector (https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/nutrition-in-the-health-sector): FutureLearn
- Nutrition for the Health Sector (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/pace/short-courses-individuals/online-short-courses/nutrition-in-the-health-sector#explore-how-optimum-nutrition-can-reduce-the-risk-of-chronic-disease): Professional and Continuing Education, Adelaide University
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Principal Supervisor | Examine food waste produced and strategies to reduce food waste in the food service sector | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Huize Ni |
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 - 2021 | Principal Supervisor | Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Shape Cane Toad Gut Bacteria Across an Expanding Invasive Range | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Jia Zhou |
| 2016 - 2020 | Principal Supervisor | Iodine Nutrition in Early Life and Childhood Neurodevelopment and Growth | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mr Molla Mesele Wassie |
| 2012 - 2016 | Co-Supervisor | Development and Applications of Methods for Assessing Fat Soluble Micronutrients (FSMs) in Dried Blood Spots and Plasma by HPLC and HPLC-MS/MS | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Dr Yichao Huang |
| 2011 - 2015 | Co-Supervisor | Investigating the Relationship between Maternal Iodine Intake in Pregnancy and Iodine Status or Thyroid Function of Mothers and Infants. A prospective cohort study | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Ms Dominique Condo |
| 2011 - 2015 | Co-Supervisor | Iodine status of pregnant and lactating women and their infants in South Australia and the impacts of current and perinatal iodine nutrition status on body composition and insulin sensitivity of children at 5 years of age | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mrs Dao Huynh |
| 2011 - 2015 | Co-Supervisor | Exploring the nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women in Australia | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Dr Lenka Malek |
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Location | Program | Supervision Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 - 2024 | Co-Supervisor | Prevalence and factors associated with the use of artificial sweeteners in non-pregnant non-lactating women aged 15 - 49 years | University of Adelaide | - | Master | - | Saima Shaukat Ali |
| 2023 - 2024 | Co-Supervisor | Extraction and Characterisation of Pectin from Faba Bean Hulls and its Food Applications | University of Adelaide | - | Master | - | Olivia Cormack |
| 2023 - 2024 | Principal Supervisor | Examine food waste produced and strategies to reduce food waste in the food service sector | University of Adelaide | - | Master | - | Huize Ni |
| 2022 - 2024 | Co-Supervisor | Processing duckweed into an ingredient for use in novel foods and beverages | University of Adelaide | - | Higher Doctorate | - | Chigozie Ofoedu |
| 2022 - 2024 | Principal Supervisor | Effect of perinatal consumption of low- or no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) on maternal and child health outcomes | University of Adelaide | - | Higher Doctorate | - | Bereket Gebremichael |
| 2022 - 2024 | Principal Supervisor | Effects of Extraction and Starch Modification on Nutrient Composition and Physicochemical Properties of Faba bean-based Dairy Alternatives | University of Adelaide | - | Higher Doctorate | - | Olaide Akintayo |
| 2021 - 2024 | Principal Supervisor | Reframing the role of nutrition in Australia’s food relief sector. | University of Adelaide | - | Higher Doctorate | - | Tjing Shaeny Dian Chandra |
| Date | Role | Board name | Institution name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 - 2018 | Board Member | Dietitians Australia SA Executive Board | Dietitians Australia | Australia |
| Date | Role | Committee | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 - 2024 | Member | Human Research Ethics Committee | University of Adelaide | Australia |
| 2023 - 2024 | Member | Master of Food and Nutrition Science Program Management Committee | University of Adelaide | Australia |
| 2023 - 2024 | Member | Master of Global Food and Nutrition Science Program Management Committee | University of Adelaide | Australia |
| 2019 - 2020 | Member | Honours Committee - Faculty of Science | University of Adelaide | Australia |
| 2018 - 2019 | Chair | Faculty of Sciences & Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences Cross Faculty Working Group | University of Adelaide | Australia |
| 2017 - 2018 | Member | China and East Asia Working Group | University of Adelaide | Australia |
| 2017 - 2020 | Member | Food Regulation and Policy Committee | Dietitians Australia | Australia |
| 2017 - 2024 | Member | Higer Degree by Research (HDR) Committee | University of Adelaide | Australia |
| 2015 - 2015 | Member | Bachelor of Health Sciences Development and Implementation Committee | University of Adelaide | Australia |
| 2015 - 2024 | Member | Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science Program Management Committee | University of Adelaide | Australia |
| 2015 - 2024 | Member | Learning & Teaching Committee - School of Agriculture, Food and Wine | University of Adelaide | Australia |
| Date | Role | Membership | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 - ongoing | Member | Australian Diabetes Educators Association | Australia |
| 2016 - ongoing | Member | Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology | Australia |
| 2012 - ongoing | Member | NHMRC Research Translation Faculty | Australia |
| 2004 - ongoing | Member | Perinatal Society of Australia & New Zealand | Australia |
| 2003 - ongoing | Member | Nutrition Society of Australia | Australia |
| 1999 - ongoing | Member | Dietitians Australia | Australia |
| Date | Institution | Department | Organisation Type | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 - 2024 | National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) | Research Translation | Health services and related | Australia |
| 2018 - 2024 | National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) | Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) Expert Working Group | Health services and related | Australia |
| Date | Role | Editorial Board Name | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 - ongoing | Board Member | Maternal and Child Nutrition | John Wiley & Sons Ltd | United States |
| 2015 - ongoing | Board Member | Nutrition and Dietetics | Dietitians Australia | Australia |
| 2015 - ongoing | Associate Editor | Nutrition and Dietetics | Dietitians Australia | Australia |
Connect With Me
External Profiles
