Owen Babcock

Owen joined the lab as a PhD student at the start of 2025 under the supervision of Professor Ken Stark. His main project centres on the Omega‑3 Teens Study, which is currently recruiting local teens to participate!

His broader research interests include the effects of ultra‑processed food consumption on adolescent lipid metabolism and supporting the long‑term health of the younger generation by better understanding how nutrition shapes teen wellness.

Prior to joining the lab, worked full‑time in the food industry, at Grand River Foods as a Product Developer working on commercially sold products ranging from extruded plant‑based meat alternatives to turkey meatballs. Additionally, he completed a MSc in Chemistry under the supervision of Professor John Honek and BSc of Science and Business at UWaterloo.

Outside the lab, Owen is very involved in the Waterloo track and field community. He works closely with the UWaterloo varsity track team, mentoring athletes, and continues to compete as one of Canada’s top‑ranked 400m hurdlers. Off the track, he works part‑time at a locally owned running store, Runner’s Choice Waterloo, supporting community running events and helping customers find the right shoe.