Students

Convocation ‘23: Kelly Picard, PhD, Human Nutrition

Donna McKinnon - 7 June 2023

 

Kelly Picard is passionate about improving the lives of patients living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). As a clinical dietitian for ten years, Kelly’s frustrations with the current nutritional recommendations for CKD patients prompted her to pursue a PhD focused on the impact of diet quality and on nutrition management for adults living with CKD. 

In addition to teaching and presenting at conferences, Kelly published, as first author, 12 papers (three literature reviews, eight research papers and one perspective in practice) in high impact nutrition and kidney disease related journals — all while raising two small children and working as a registered dietitian with Alberta Health Services. 

At times, Kelly felt like she was giving up too much in pursuit of her degree, but she also believed that it was important to show her kids that ‘anything is possible — that hard work pays off and that we can use our lives to make a difference’. 

“If you can find a project that you truly love and believe in — then the work is worth it.”  

Congratulations Kelly!

 

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A for your studies?

I have practiced as a registered dietitian since 2008 — spending most of this time working with adults living with kidney disease. In 2017, as part of my clinical practice, I started working on a research project with the University of Alberta (in the Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science) and realized that this work could make a difference to the lives of my patients.

I reached out to the supervisor on this research project and told her that I was interested in doing more research and she enthusiastically encouraged me to apply for graduate studies. That one phone call was like a spark — I applied to do my master’s degree at the U of A, which turned into a PhD in Human Nutrition. I truly believe that the work we are able to do will make a difference for adults living with kidney disease, in Canada and internationally.

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at the U of A?

My supervisor, Caroline Richard, always hosts summer and Christmas lab parties. The first year of COVID she persevered and hosted a zoom-based Christmas party for her lab. These parties were always a great way to get to know the lab members and celebrate our accomplishments as a group. That she kept the traditions going, even when COVID was at its worst, was so wonderful and memorable.  

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

Dr. Richard was my supervisor and continues to be my friend, mentor and cheer-leader. She gave me the encouragement that I needed to get through my PhD work, while also giving me the space I needed to find my own way, ask my own questions and complete the degree that resulted in work that was meaningful to me.  

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student? 

During my PhD I did not take on any formal leadership roles, but I had and loved the opportunities I had to work with the junior students as I progressed through my studies. I was able to meet with them and teach them about the research I was doing, collaborate with them and get to know them.  

Did you face any significant obstacles or challenges during your program?

I work full time, have two children (currently seven and eight years old) and did my PhD during COVID — in a way my whole degree was a significant obstacle! There were definitely times during the degree when I didn't think I could go on and felt that I was giving up too much in its pursuit. I missed spending time with my kids and having time for myself, but with the help of an amazing husband and my supervisors, I was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and remember why I was doing it. I wanted to show my kids that anything is possible, that hard work pays off and that we can use our lives to make a difference and while it's too soon to know if they have absorbed those lessons, fingers crossed it resonates with them as they become adults and find their own paths. 

What advice do you have for current and future students?

If you can find a project that you truly love and believe in — then the work is worth it.  

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

While this isn't convocation specifically, we celebrated finishing up my PhD by taking our kids to Disneyland. It felt so great to finally relax and spend time with my kids and husband. Not sure how we will celebrate the day of convocation — but I know I will take the day off work!  

What's next after graduation?

That's the million dollar question isn't it? I don't know. Ultimately, I know that my research questions and goals aren't yet done and that I want to continue to pursue my research. I also know that I love working with patients and ideally will continue to maintain a clinical role. For now, positions like that don't really exist for dietitians in this province, but maybe someday!