Dr. Marina Mourtzakis named Tier 1 Canada Research Chair

New Tier 1 Chair to focus on integrative metabolism, imaging and muscle health

Dr. Marina Mourtzakis, a researcher in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, has been awarded a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Integrative Metabolism, Imaging and Muscle Health by NSERC, worth $1.4 million.

In her research, Mourtzakis uses diverse imaging techniques to explore muscle health in disease, with the aim of improving health and clinical outcomes through evidence-based nutrition and exercise approaches.

“The CRC will enable the Integrative Metabolism and Body Composition Lab to advance the use of imaging technology, like ultrasound, to screen for those with poor muscle health and to better understand how muscle health changes across the lifespan and in illnesses that present with muscle wasting,” Mourtzakis said.

“By identifying those with poor muscle health, we can design targeted strategies to preserve or manage muscle function and health. Ultimately, by improving muscle health or preventing muscle deterioration during the course of illness, people can experience improved health outcomes and quality of life.”

Tier 1 Canada Research Chairs are awarded to world-class leaders in their respective fields. Mourtzakis is now one of six Canada Research Chairs in the Faculty of Health.