Nahal Habibi

Nahal Habibi

Post-doctoral Researcher

School of Public Health

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

I was awarded my PhD in 2020, and currently, I am a Research Associate at the University of Adelaide and a member of the Robinson Research Institute. The overarching aim of my research is to enhance health via lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes. Gestational diabetes (GDM), obesity, oxidative stress, and chronic disease are some areas I work. GDM is the most prevalent pregnancy complication in Australia and is also common worldwide. It can impact the health of both mother and child through the entirety of their lifespans. In this research, we aimed to reduce gestational diabetes through personalised dietary modifications.

I am fascinated by the potential links between different areas of science and keen on utilising my knowledge and skills in multidisciplinary projects. Currently, I collaborate with a team of plant scientists on a dietary supplement to combat obesity and metabolic risk factors. Obesity is a serious public health issue worldwide and one of the major risk factors for chronic disease and pregnancy complications. 

I have the skills and expertise in planning multidisciplinary research projects in my areas of interest which are reproductive health, chronic disease including obesity, and mechanisms behind health and disease such as epigenetic modifications. I have these skills due to my experience as both a clinical dietitian and a researcher. As a dietitian, I have first-hand experience with the problems people face in maintaining a healthy diet as well as how to translate the new research into actionable steps and public language. As a researcher, my PhD focused on nutrition, reproductive and placental health. This required me to obtain a wide range of laboratory skills, as well as research methodology skills including systematic review and meta-analysis.

I also teach different modules for Nutrition I, II, and III. It provides me with an excellent opportunity to keep my knowledge updated, think more broadly and link different areas of research. I am the Biomedical Representative of the Robinson Research Institute Early and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Council and a co-lead for Health in Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum (HiPPP) collective. I contribute to organising events such as conferences and seminars through these positions.

Co-Investigator on NHMRC Ideas Grant 2021-2024 (GNT 2000905. Revolutionising personalised nutrition for gestational diabetes $854,000)

2022       FOOD SC 3502WT - Nutrition III:  Systematic review methodology, Writing & critiquing scientific publications

2022       Haide college, Nutrition I, Evidence-based nutrition, Nutrient Reference Values, Dietary Guidelines, Five Food Groups

2022       Haide college, Nutrition II, Introduction to Nutrition and Chronic disease, Nutrition and Diabetes, Nutrition and Cardiovascular disease, Nutrition and Cancer, Nutrition and Osteoprosis

2022       HLTH SC 3100 Exercise, Nutrition and Metabolism: guest lecturer, Dietary assessment methodology

2022       FOOD SC X0002, Nutrition I, Evidence-based nutrition, Nutrient Reference Values, Dietary Guidelines, Five Food Groups

2021       FOOD SC 3502WT - Nutrition III: Diet and telomere length, and systematic review methodology

2021       PUB HLTH 3007 Nutrition: Ideology, Individuals & Industry: guest lecturer, assignment supervision and evaluation

2021       HLTH SC 3100 Exercise, Nutrition and Metabolism: Dietary assessment methodology

  • Committee Memberships
    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2021 - ongoing Representative EMCR council of the Robinson Research Institute Robinson Research Institute Australia
    2021 - ongoing Council Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation in Health in Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum (HiPPP) Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation Australia

  • Memberships
    Date Role Membership Country
    2021 - ongoing Representative Robinson Research Institute Australia
    2019 - ongoing Member Nutrition Society of Australia Australia
    2019 - 2021 Treasurer Postgraduate Association for Waite Students Australia
    2017 - ongoing Member Epigenetics Consortium of South Australia Incorporated Australia
    2016 - ongoing Member Healthy Development Adelaide (HDA) Australia

  • Event Participation
    Date Event Name Event Type Institution Country
    2021 - ongoing Health in Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum EMR-C Conference Conference Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI) Australia
    2020 - 2021 Annual Postgraduate Symposium Symposium School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide Australia
    2019 - 2020 Annual Postgraduate Symposium Symposium School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide Australia
  • Position: Post-doctoral Researcher
  • Email: nahal.habibi@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences, floor 6
  • Org Unit: Women's and Children's Health
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External Profiles