Biography

Carmen Muller is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Pretoria in the Faculty of Natural Sciences. She holds an MSc and PhD in Nutrition. She is passionate about women in science and the empowerment of individuals to pursue their dreams.

Her research focuses on sustainable food systems and linking agriculture to nutrition. She has done extensive research on potatoes and has a special interest in this unique crop. She enjoys translating scientific work to consumer-friendly messages ensuring research is easily accessible and understandable.

Apart from her studies, she is a researcher at the University of Pretoria. The research team that she forms part of does specialist research on linking nutrient quantity and quality of foods to sustainable food systems to attain nutrition and food security for all.

Discipline/s

Nutrition, Food safety

Research description  

The nutritional value/quality of foods is currently of high priority globally as this directly links to health and the well-being of humans. To ensure optimal health and immune functionality is achieved, the food consumed must provide all the necessary nutrients in the correct amounts. Malnutrition and diet are by far the biggest risk factors for the global burden of disease. Providing nutrient-dense foods to the most vulnerable is especially important in a developing country such as South Africa. Resources are limited, and there is a lack of nutrition-based education and monetary contribution. Therefore, this research study focuses on empowering individuals to implement sustainable food systems to support food consumption with high nutritional value. Improved nutrition is the platform for progress in health, education, employment, empowerment of women, and the reduction of poverty and inequality. It can lay the foundation for peaceful, secure, and stable societies. This research will focus on providing vulnerable communities with food systems.

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