Spotlight on: Shannan Grant, RD, Msc, PhD 

Registered Dietitian and Assistant Professor Mount Saint Vincent University

 

Hailing originally from Cape Breton Island, Shannan Grant is a Registered Dietitian currently living in Nova Scotia. She has a MSc and PhD from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, and completed her dietetic internship at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario. She is also very proud to have a Biology undergraduate degree from Cape Breton University and Human Nutrition (with honours) undergraduate degree from St. Francis Xavier, where she and her partner of 18 years met.  

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Currently faculty at Mount Saint Vincent University, Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Shannan has an active research program that explores community-based questions about nutrition, foods, and science. Her program is housed in the Centre for Applied Research in Human Health at the Mount and Maternal Newborn Program at the IWK (Affiliate Scientist at IWK, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Pediatrics), with collaborations across the Atlantic and beyond.  

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Dr. Grant is passionate about training, mentorship, sponsorship and interprofessional learning. She works to advocate for nutrition and foods research and the engagement of nutrition professionals. She truly believes that nutrition professionals have a unique body of knowledge and skill, captured by her statement, “they have a key role to play in prevention and treatment of disease, but also health, wellness, food history and so on”.

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As a strong believer that education activities inform research and vice versa, she is passionate about co-learning with everyone she has the opportunity to work with. Areas of interest include: Chronic disease prevention and management, nutrition metabolism, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, endocrinology, gastrointestinal health, glycemic index, Indigenous and African (Nova Scotian) ways of knowing and learning.

 

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

Working with passionate people, interested in change, with insufficient resources. 

 

What has been the proudest moment in your career?

There are so many. They usually involve trainees’/ clients’/ patients’ perceived success. That said, I have received some awards and nominations that made me feel pretty warm and fuzzy (more to come).

 

What adventure do you dream of doing?

I would like to travel to Bihar and Mysuru, India, to visit where my yoga practice originates. 

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Where is your favourite place to eat in Nova Scotia?

I know it is cliché, but I love eating at home (mine, someone else's). My favourite places to dine out include: Wild Leek and Heartwood.

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If you weren't a dietitian, what would you be?

I likely would have been a Veterinarian or Fashion Stylist.