Heather Armstrong

Institution

University of Manitoba

Internal Medicine

808 JBRC, University of Manitoba Bannatyne Campus,

715 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba

R3E 3P4, Canada

Research Interests

Diet

Nutrition

Dietary fibers

Dietary proteins

Fermentation

Microbiome

Immunology

Mucosal biology

Gastroenterology

Inflammatory bowel diseases

Multiple Sclerosis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Cancer

Topics to speak on:

Diet, gut health, autoimmune disease, microbiome, cancer, career development, disability and diversity in research

Words of Wisdom

Few careers offer such diverse and rewarding opportunities than that of research and discovery. Find a topic you are passionate about, surround yourself with supportive colleagues and mentors, and never be afraid to ask questions. Stay focused and diligent and always strive to be a better version of yourself each day. Excited to inspire the next generation of global researchers to explore the links between diet, microbiome and disease outcomes.

Biography

Dr Armstrong completed her MSc in Cell Biology at the University of Alberta under the supervision of Dr. Paul LaPointe studying molecular chaperones, protein pathways, and their role in disease. She completed her PhD-MED at the University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), with Dr. Wayne Tilley, Dr. Lisa Butler, Dr. Margaret Centenera, and Dr. Luke Selth, where she examined the efficacy and molecular mechanism of action of Heat Shock Protein inhibitors in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer. She went on to complete a fellowship with Dr. Eytan Wine in pediatric gastroenterology at the Stollery Children’s Hospital at the University of Alberta studying clinical gastroenterology and translational microbiology with a focus on diet and IBD, where she was also a lecturer for the School of Medicine and Dentistry MD/DDS programs. As an independent laboratory leader, faculty member, young female, and chronic IBD patient, Dr Armstrong has spent her career developing an understanding of how best to support productivity, creativity, and problem solving within the team environment. As an assistant professor and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair at the University of Manitoba, Department of Internal Medicine, she and her team continue to advance the field of nutrition, microbiology, and immunology research to improve the outcomes of patients suffering from autoimmune diseases and cancer.