Kyly C Whitfield, PhD

Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Applied Human Nutrition

Dr. Whitfield leads the MAMA Lab. She is passionate about nutrition in the first 1,000 days, from conception to two years, and her research program aims to explore both the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of feeding during this time. Her research program includes projects around the globe, including in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bangladesh, and in Nova Scotia, Canada. Learn more at Home/About. Kyly earned her PhD in Human Nutrition at the University of British Columbia, and joined the Mount in July 2016. She was the inaugural recipient (2019) of the Mount Saint Vincent University Early Career Research Award and the 2020 winner of the CIHR INMD – CNS New Investigator Partnership Prize.
Kyly loves babies (especially her baby boy, and niece and four nephews), and is happiest when she’s travelling and tasting new foods around Canada and the globe!

Devora Goldberg, MSc AHN Student

Devora obtained her Bachelors degree in Human Nutrition at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador in Quito. There, she investigated the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women at a healthcare facility. After graduation she worked on research within the pharmaceutical industry and complemented her career with a Masters in Business Administration at the Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico. Devora is interested in continuing to investigate iron deficiency in pregnant women, this time in Nova Scotia, and to expand her career in the research field in a developed country.  

Devora loves to explore new cultures and destinations. She also enjoys cooking, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Tavleen Brar, Research Assistant

Tavleen began her Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition, majoring in Dietetics, in 2023 as a transfer student from British Columbia. She is excited to be part of a research team focusing on Antenatal Colostrum Expression. Tavleen is eager to contribute to studies that advance understanding in pregnancy, women’s health, and newborn care, with a future goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian. Outside of academia, Tavleen enjoys travelling, especially to the mountains, watching mystery shows, and spending quality time with family and friends over a good board game night.
Tavleen’s RA position is funded by a MSVU Undergraduate Research Assistantship.