The Looking Glass: The Power of Research – Advocating for Equity and Creating Meaningful Change

Hillary Lo is a fifth-year student in the Applied Human Nutrition (AHN) program at the University of Guelph. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she has been actively involved in research, working with the Guelph Family Health Study to investigate dairy intake among children and its associations with health outcomes. Her passion for advancing maternal and infant health has led her to pursue a PhD in Nutrition after graduation, specializing in breastfeeding support and health equity.

Beyond research, Hillary is dedicated to student leadership and mentorship. She serves as the Curriculum Representative of the Applied Human Nutrition Student Association (AHNSA) and a Supported Learning Group (SLG) leader, where she works to create accessible learning opportunities and a supportive academic community.

The Power of Research – Advocating for Equity and Creating Meaningful Change

Research is more than just numbers and data—it tells a story. In nutrition, research helps us understand how food affects health, uncover barriers to healthy eating, and create solutions to support communities. It’s about driving change and building a more equitable future.

Navigating First-Year During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Starting university in the Fall of 2020, I wasn’t sure exactly where my path would lead, but I knew I wanted to help others build a strong foundation for lifelong health, as influenced by my struggles with frequent illness as a child. That’s why I chose to study Applied Human Nutrition, with the initial goal of becoming a registered dietitian to support parents in raising healthy and happy children.

Born in Hong Kong, I had already faced cultural and language barriers when I moved to Canada at 16 years old. Starting university entirely online due to COVID-19 made the transition even harder. Without an in-person campus experience, I struggled to build connections and felt disconnected from opportunities.

Discovering My Passion in Early-Life Nutrition Research

When I finally moved to Guelph in my second year, I actively sought opportunities to get involved at the university. While I was still focused on becoming a registered dietitian, I started to wonder: how are dietary guidelines and evidence-based practice developed?

This curiosity deepened when I took NUTR*2050 (Nutrition Through the Lifecycle). This course introduced me to breastfeeding and human milk, a topic I immediately connected with. I was fascinated by how early nutrition shapes lifelong health outcomes and how research in this area could directly support families.

Around the same time, I learned about the Guelph Family Health Study (GFHS), which focuses on family well-being and early childhood nutrition. Their work resonated with me because it aligned with my belief that healthy habits should start early. As my curiosity about their work grew, I reached out to the GFHS team to ask about research opportunities. That cold email marked the beginning of my research journey—one that completely shifted my career path.

Discovering My Passion for Research

Joining GFHS as a research assistant in the Summer of 2022, I worked on a study examining calcium and vitamin D intake in young children under the mentorship of Dr. David Ma. The dietary intake of these nutrients is low among Canadian children, despite their essential roles in bone health and growth. Through this project, I witnessed how research can highlight gaps in current dietary guidelines and inform public health initiatives.

What fascinated me most was the problem-solving nature of research. It required critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance. I had to take the initiative, navigate challenges, seek guidance from faculty and graduate students, and learn to incorporate feedback to strengthen my work. Research also demanded resilience—pushing through obstacles, refining methods, and adapting to unexpected findings.

This experience resulted in my first-author publication, a poster presentation at the Canadian Nutrition Society 2023, and eventually, my undergraduate thesis with Dr. Andrea Buchholz, where I investigated the association between dairy-derived saturated fats and body composition in young children. Research isn’t just about discovery; it’s about driving change that improves lives.

Looking Ahead

My experiences at the University of Guelph taught me that learning goes beyond acquiring knowledge—it’s about applying that knowledge to create a positive impact. Beyond academics, I also discovered the power of community and the importance of taking initiative.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentorship, support, and trust of the AHN and GFHS faculty, the encouragement of my peers, and the opportunities I was given. Their guidance has shaped my confidence, showing me the importance of lifting others, just as I was supported. I hope to continue using my work to empower those who come after me.

This is why I chose to pursue a PhD in Nutrition—so I can continue advocating for health equity, mentor future students, and build an inclusive learning community. To any student unsure where to begin: take the first step. Whether it’s sending that email, seeking guidance, or stepping outside your comfort zone, you never know where it might lead! Growth comes from taking action, and the impact you make can be greater than you ever imagined!