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Brock Williams
Research topic
Folic acid supplementation in children with sickle cell disease
Faculty
Research supervisor(s)
Home Town
Toronto
Country
Canada
Selected Award(s)
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
After four years of working as a registered dietitian in clinical and research positions, I decided to pursue a graduate degree to advance my career and establish myself as a clinician-scientist in paediatric nutrition. My ultimate goal is to build a research program that focuses on the optimization of clinical nutrition practice and children's health.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I chose UBC because I felt that my supervisor and research project complimented my previous work and research experience, and my career goals. The chance to explore the west coast was also an added bonus.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
I was attracted by the program's collaborative environment, and the incredible opportunities for graduate students to explore teaching, as both teaching assistants and sessional lecturers.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
That, in general, work-life balance is much more valued and promoted
I decided to pursue a graduate degree to advance my career and establish myself as a clinician-scientist in paediatric nutrition. I chose UBC because I felt that my supervisor and research project complimented my previous work and research experience, as well as my career goals.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My time working as a clinical dietitian at a children's hospital in Toronto not only provided me with opportunities to participate in clinically-focused research and helped to establish my work ethic, but also helped shape my career aspirations
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
I would advise seeking opportunities outside of your core research, e.g. teaching, volunteer, or committee positions, to expand your professional network and diversify your educational experience.
Learn more about Brock's research
In a double-blind randomized controlled cross-over trial, we will study the effectiveness and potential risk of folic acid supplementation in 36 children (2-19 years of age) with sickle cell disease who are attending BC Children's Hospital. Children will receive 1 mg/d folic acid, the current standard of care, or a placebo for 12 weeks. After a 12-week washout period (in which children receive no supplements), the treatments will be reversed. Blood samples will be collected at baseline and after 12 weeks of each treatment. We will measure several different forms of folate in the blood, hemoglobin, vitamins B12 and B6, and other clinical outcomes (anemia and pain crises) in children. Our study will be the first step in re-evaluating the recommendation for high-dose folic acid supplementation in children with sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder that produces abnormal red blood cells. Our overall goal is to improve the nutritional status and clinical care of Canadian children with sickle cell disease.
