Royal Canin has a strong innovation agenda delivering health and nutrition to cats & dogs. The Research Veterinary Nutritionist contributes to Royal Canin’s scientific leadership by leading research projects that enable the launch of new or improved products, by supporting several departments (R&D and Marketing) with all nutrition-related questions and matters, and by communicating internally (associate trainings) and externally (conferences, publications, KOLs, Universities) knowledge on dog and cat nutrition and clinical nutrition.

*This role was taken on a temporary-basis in conjunction with the other roles (Ageing Research Program Manager and Research Veterinary Nutritionist) while a new Program Manager was recruited.This role entailed the execution and management of research projects in gastrointestinal diseases of dogs and cats. This included projects centred around chronic enteropathies and the microbiome. In addition, contribution to the scientific expertise and the business objectives of Royal Canin were essential with numerous internal and external interfaces, including scientific communications, and key opinion leader management.

The role included the co-creation and execution of a robust research program to deliver knowledge and innovative nutritional solutions for ageing dogs and cats and all ageing-related diseases, including research related to the microbiome. In addition, contribution to the scientific expertise and the business objectives of Royal Canin were essential with numerous internal and external interfaces, including scientific communications, and key opinion leader management.

Thesis topic: Quantification of muscle loss in long-stay hospitalised canine patients and the exploration of intermittent fasting as a potential feeding regime to reduce muscle loss and improve recovery in spinal patients.

Completion of a veterinary clinical nutrition residency with the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. The requirements of this program includes advanced veterinary nutrition training with a focus on both fundamental and clinical companion animal nutrition, as well as research and teaching. Training was performed under the mentorship of at Dr. Nick Cave, a board certified veterinary nutritionist™.

Kiwiberri was sold in March 2018.Kiwiberri Frozen Yoghurt was founded by entrepreneurs Becca Leung and Javier Medina. The business opened its doors in the Plaza in Palmerston North on November 2011, while Becca was also attending veterinary school at Massey University. Kiwiberri Frozen Yoghurt was the first of its kind in New Zealand and grew a steady following of devoted fans. The overall mission was to create a business in New Zealand that brought together the successful global concept of self-service frozen yoghurt with unique tastes and flavours that would fit Kiwis’ palates. The success of the business lead to the partnership with a sister company (Kiwiberri To Go), which focused on serving customers at events and shows throughout New Zealand.