Wendy Ward
PhD
Qualification
- National Institute of Nutrition Postdoctoral Fellowship, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto
- PhD, Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University (1988)
- MSc, Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph (1993)
- BArts&Sci (Hons), Arts & Science Program, McMaster University (1992)
Other Academic Appointments
Professor, Department of Kinesiology (primary appointment), Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University
Professor, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University
At a Glance
- Within the Nutrition, Bone and Oral Health Research Group, Dr. Ward and her team’s overall research goal is to develop strategies that help protect against osteoporosis, and to understand how diet can be used to promote periodontal health.
- Engaged in knowledge mobilization activities for health professionals and lay audiences on topics related to nutrition and bone, oral/periodontal or women’s health through oral presentations, podcasts and print media.
About Dr. Wendy Ward
Dr. Wendy Ward is a graduate of the Arts and Science Program at McMaster University and later completed a MSc in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph followed by a PhD in Medical Sciences from McMaster University. After a 2-year National Institute of Nutrition postdoctoral fellowship, she was a faculty member in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto. In 2011, she was awarded a Canada Research Chair at Brock University. Dr. Ward is passionate about understanding how foods and food bioactives modulate a healthy skeleton through the lifespan along with supporting organizations that advocate for bone health. Original articles and reviews from her research team include topics on nutritional programming of bone metabolism by early life diet, as well as the use of herbal and nutritional supplements to support bone and periodontal health. Dr. Ward is currently an Editor in Chief for the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism and holds other leadership positions within Osteoporosis Canada and the Canadian Nutrition Society. She is actively involved in continuing education for health professionals and community education activities on topics about nutrition and health.
Research Synopsis
Using advanced imaging, biomechanical strength testing and biochemical analyses, Dr. Ward's team investigates how calcium and vitamin D, as well as novel foods and food components including flaxseed and its omega-3 fatty acid, fish oil, flavonoids in tea and citrus, and soy and its isoflavones impact bone health using preclinical models. Sex-specific responses are studied within these studies. Clinical studies investigate how diet is associated with better periodontal health and healing outcomes after periodontal procedures.
Recent Awards and Distinctions (Selected)
Osteoporosis Canada Backbone Award, Osteoporosis Canada (2021)
Volunteer Leadership Award, Canadian Nutrition Society (2020)
Canada Research Chair in Bone and Muscle Development (Tier 2), Government of Canada (2011-2022)
National and International Committee Memberships (Current)
Editor in Chief, Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism (journal of the Canadian Nutrition Society, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and Exercise and Sport Science Australia)
Chair, Dietary Recommendations Working Group, for the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Osteoporosis in Canada
Member, Scientific Advisory Council, Osteoporosis Canada
Member, Education Committee, Canadian Nutrition Society
Member, Development Committee, Osteoporosis Canada