Dr. Paula Littlejohn’s career spans both academia and industry, with over two decades of experience in health research. Her commitment to research independence is exemplified by her PhD, which unravelled the complex relationships between early life micronutrient deficiencies and the gut microbiome. She is currently immersed in translational research, focusing on unravelling the intricate interplay between micronutrient deficiencies and paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), with a particular emphasis on exploring epigenetic factors. As a TRIANGLE, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) and Crohn’s and Colitis Canada-funded researcher, she is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with IBD by exploring innovative ways to develop personalised, safe and effective therapies tailored to this vulnerable population.
I want to create personalised nutrition therapy for children and understand their disease on a molecular level. I want this because Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a devastating and complex disease with no known cure, causing children to suffer for a long time throughout their lives. I can do this because I have the experience, training and access to the advanced tools needed to make a difference in IBD for children.