Welcome to Students

In the HNRU, we provide research opportunities to University of Guelph and Guelph-Humber students in various capacities. Our graduate and undergraduate students have the opportunity to be involved in human research studies directly, through their coursework or volunteer positions.

Check out our Experiential Learning in the HNRU video to learn more about the hands-on student experience in the HNRU.

Disclaimer: The footage for this video was filmed prior to COVID-19. The HNRU adheres to all current public health policies.

 

0:00-0:01[Cheerful music plays in the background throughout the video. White screen background appears with logo of the University of Guelph (on the left-hand side); College of Biological Sciences in red text (on the middle right, on the same line as the logo); Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences in black text (directly below the College of Biological Sciences text).]

0:02-0:03 [Screen changes to show logo of the University of Guelph (on the left-hand side); abbreviation HNRU in red text (on the middle right, on the same line as the logo); Human Nutraceutical Research Unit in black text (directly below the HNRU text).]

0:04-0:06 [Screen changes to show Dr. Amanda Wright speaking directly to the camera while standing in the HNRU kitchen. As she is talking, black text on a white background slides into the bottom right hand corner of the screen and then slides off the screen again.] Audio (Dr. Amanda Wright): Education is core to the HNRU’s Mission. Text: Amanda Wright, Ph.D. HNRU Director & HHNS Faculty.

0:07-0:14 [Screen changes to show a University of Guelph sign near entrance to the campus and front of the Food Science building.] Audio voiceover (Dr. Amanda Wright): The fields of food and nutritional sciences need graduates who are trained to think critically about the science that it takes to develop products, and to validate these for human health.

0:15-0:20 [Screen changes to show the exterior entrance to the HNRU building.] Audio voiceover (Dr. Amanda Wright): At the University of Guelph, the Human Nutraceutical Research Unit prepares students for their career goals.

0:21-0:30 [Screen changes to show three students working on different tasks in the HNRU laboratory.] Audio voiceover (Dr. Amanda Wright): The HNRU is a unique research facility, dedicated not only to advancing scientific knowledge through human research, but also to advancing students’ education through hands-on experiential learning.

0:31-0:40 [Screen changes to show Dr. Amanda Wright speaking in the HNRU kitchen.] Audio (Dr. Amanda Wright): We have students at the undergraduate level all the way through PhD programs, who are actively, every day, interacting with community participants and carrying out studies of foods and natural health products.

0:41-0:46 [Screen changes to show Dr. Alison Duncan speaking directly to the camera while standing in a classroom. While she is talking, black text on a white background slides into the bottom left hand corner of the screen and then slides off the screen again.] Audio (Dr. Alison Duncan): They could be volunteering they could be engaged through their courses or they could be engaged through a paid research assistantship. Text: Alison Duncan, Ph.D., R.D. HNRU Associate Director & HHNS Faculty.

0:47-1:10 [Screen changes to show student activities of meeting a participant, weighing food samples, working on a computer and meeting with Dr. Duncan.] Audio voiceover (Dr. Alison Duncan): MSc and PhD level students have the opportunity to have an experience at the HNRU that’s quite complete in the research process. Their thesis or coursework major research project focus is through the HNRU involving some kind of human clinical trial and in that process, they’re being exposed to a skill set that’s really transferrable to whatever area of work they go into after.

1:11-1:12 [Screen changes to show Kate Faughnan standing in front of a computer, talking directly to the camera. While she is talking, black text on a white background slides into view in the bottom right hand corner of the screen and then slides off the screen again.] Audio (Kate Faughnan): I enjoy working here because absolutely every day is different. Text: Kate Faughnan, B.Sc. HHNS M.Sc. Student.

1:13-1:14 [Screen changes to show a student researcher holding a clipboard while happily greeting a community member in the reception area.] Audio voiceover (Holly Szczepanski): On any day, you could expect to greet community members and guide them through their study visits.

1:15-1:18 [Screen changes to show Holly Szczepanski seated and talking directly to the camera. While she is talking, black text on a white background slides into the bottom left hand corner of the screen and then slides off the screen again.] Audio (Holly Szczepanski): Students will also prepare, Text: Holly Szczepanski HHNS B.Sc. Student.

1:19-1:28 [Screen changes to show students stirring a saucepan of soup on the stovetop in the HNRU Metabolic Test Kitchen and working in the HNRU laboratory.] Audio voiceover (Holly Szczepanski): study foods in the metabolic test kitchen. Others will assist in processing and analyzing blood samples as well as data entry and analysis, or you could even contact participants about future studies.

1:29-1:38 [Screen changes to show Sandra Clark standing in a kitchen and speaking directly to the camera. While she is talking, black text on a white background slides into the bottom left hand corner of the screen and then slides off the screen again.] Audio (Sandra Clark): Students really have a unique opportunity here in the HNRU, to take a lot of responsibility for the research, all the way from designing the study to collecting the data to analyzing the results at the end. Text: Sandra Clark, B.Sc. HHNS M.Sc. Student.

1:39-1:46 [Screen changes to show Kate Faughnan standing in front of a computer, talking directly to the camera.] Audio (Kate Faughnan): Which is kind of unique for a student to be able to really work on these studies from their conception as an idea all the way up until they’re completed.

1:47-1:56 [Screen changes to show Dr. William Bettger, standing in front of presentation posters (which are out of focus), talking directly to the camera. While he is talking, black text on a white background slides into the bottom right hand corner of the screen and then slides off the screen again.] Audio (Dr. William Bettger): It helps them to understand what it means to design experiments, because they get to do it in a hands-on fashion in this facility.

1:57-2:04 [Screen changes to show a presentation poster entitled “Understanding the importance of human participation for clinical research in the Human Nutraceutical Research Unit”.] Audio voiceover (Dr. Amanda Wright): Our hands-on training reinforces concepts including scientific rigour, ethics and working effectively in a team.

2:05-2:08 [Screen changes to show Kate Faughnan sitting in front of a computer, talking directly to the camera.] Audio (Kate Faughnan): You really learn a lot outside of the classroom when you’re able to apply the knowledge that you learned in the classroom.

2:09-2:18 [Screen changes to show an individual in a lab coat weighing food bars on a scale in the kitchen.] Audio voiceover (Sandra Clark): Working in the HNRU has really helped me to further strengthen my people skills, my organizational skills, as well as my ability to really respond to and adapt to change, on a day to day basis.

2:19-2:22 [Screen changes to show Michael Loreto sitting at a desk that has a computer on it, talking directly to the camera. While he is talking, black text on a white background slides into the bottom left hand corner of the screen and then slides back off the screen.] Audio (Michael Loreto): I’ve really learned to collaborate with other team members. Text: Michael Loreto, B.Sc. HHNS M.Sc. Student.

2:23-2:34 [Screen changes to show Michael Loreto discussing the information contained in a binder with another student.] Audio (Michael Loreto): We all want to create strong scientific data. In terms of getting research experience, this is probably is one of the most productive environments, I can think of, for getting first-hand experience with top flight academics.

2:37-2:47 [Screen changes to show Holly Szczepanski seated and talking directly to the camera.] Audio (Holly Szczepanski): This experience has really opened my eyes to all the little things you don’t think about when you hear the word “clinical research” in the classroom or when you just read a research publication.

2:48-3:00 [Screen changes to show Sandra Clark standing in a kitchen and speaking directly to the camera.] Audio (Sandra Clark): We get a lot of exposure to scientific articles and writing, and so being in the HNRU really gives us an opportunity to see how some of that science is performed and really gives us an inside look at where some of those results that we've seen, have come from.

3:01-3:10 [Screen changes to show a student measuring the height of a study participant in the HNRU sampling bay.] Audio voiceover (Dr. William Bettger): The HNRU helps students to integrate science in their coursework, and it helps them to integrate science with real-world applications and problems.

3:11-3:17 [Screen changes to shows a student speaking to a participant about their study protocol while looking at a binder on the table.] Audio voiceover (Dr. William Bettger): It prepares them for a range of careers in the fields of food and nutrition, and beyond.

3:17-3:24 [Screen changes to show an image of the HNRU laboratory. Black text on a translucent white background appears on top of the image of the lab.] Text: “I was able to build upon my leadership, teamwork, problem-solving skills and communication skills in a supportive, encouraging environment that offered plenty of opportunities for challenges and growth.” Caitlin HHNS M.Sc. Graduate.

3:25-3:31 [Screen changes to show a gloved hands moving blood samples into a storage box that is resting on ice. Black text on a translucent white background appears on top of the video.] Text: “The HNRU has certainly prepared me for a smooth transition into the workforce. Communicating with staff, peers, and participants was integral to developing a well-rounded skillset.” Wes HHNS M.Sc. Graduate.

3:32-3:38 [Screen changes to show an image of a cafeteria tray which has food bars, water and utensils on it. Black text on a translucent white background appears on top of the image.] Text: “Working in the HNRU helped improve my confidence in workplace discussions, and gave me an in-depth understanding of clinical trials- far beyond what I learned through my courses.” Charlene HHNS M.Sc. Graduate.

3:39-3:44 [Screen changes to show Dr. Amanda Wright drawing a Venn diagram on a white board, while students in the seminar room observe.] Audio voiceover (Dr. Amanda Wright): The HNRU has trained students to go on to careers in industry, in academia and in government.

3:45-3:48 [Screen changes to show Dr. Amanda Wright speaking directly to the camera while standing in the HNRU kitchen.] Audio (Dr. Amanda Wright): And we’re really proud of the contributions that our graduates are going on to make to the Canadian economy.

3:49-3:54 [Screen changes to show an image of the entrance to the HNRU that is gradually faded out behind black text.] Text: For more information visit our website www.uoguelph.ca/hnru or contact us at hnru@uoguelph.ca

3:55-3:56 [Screen changes to show a white background with the University of Guelph logo (on the left-hand side); Improve Life appears in black text (on the right-hand side); both gradually fade out along with the music.]

 

If you are interested in learning more about our various positions, please check out our page for Prospective Students.

If you are currently a student in the HNRU and looking for more information, please check out our page for Current Students