Dr. Marina Mourtzakis has been named University Research Chair for a seven-year term, effective July 1, in recognition of her exceptional achievement and scholarly contributions in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
She has expertise in skeletal muscle health, nutrition and exercise. Her research examines numerous factors, including nutrition, exercise, metabolism and body composition, that can influence muscle health, in healthy people as well as people with clinical conditions such as cancer, critical illness, liver cirrhosis and kidney disease.
"Healthy skeletal muscle is fundamental to health and survival outcomes of those who are diagnosed with clinical conditions, like cancer," Mourtzakis says. "I am honoured and grateful to be recognized, with this University Research Chair, for our work towards screening for and understanding poor muscle health using innovative imaging techniques."
Mourtzakis is currently Associate Dean, Research, in the Dean's Office, and prior to this position, she was Associate Chair of Applied Research, Partnerships and Outreach with the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences and Scientific Director of the Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE) from June 2016 to May 2022. CCCARE deploys community programs such as UW WELL-FIT, which helps individuals with cancer maintain their muscle health and improve their overall well-being.
Other recent University Research Chair designations include School of Public Health Sciences Professor Dr. Sharon Kirkpatrick in 2023, Kinesiology and Health Sciences Professor Monica Maly in 2022 and Recreation and Leisure Studies Professor Dr. Sherry Dupuis in 2021.
The University Research Chair designation has been awarded since 2004 by the Office of the Vice-President, Academic and Provost.