Archived Content
This student profile has been archived and is no longer being updated.
Jordie Fischer
Research topic
Benefits and potential harms of iron supplementation on iron status and gut inflammation in Cambodian women
Faculty
Research supervisor(s)
Home Town
Barrie
Country
Canada
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Throughout my undergraduate degree, I became a growing curious person, continually asking "how" and "why" in my classes. I had an opportunity during my degree to be a part of a research team working for graduate students, where I saw first hand the time, thoughtfulness and dedication that goes into excellent research. My desire to pursue a graduate degree in this field was confirmed during an eye-opening experience as a summer research student at the SickKids' Centre for Global Child Health.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I chose UBC for my graduate studies as my supervisor and other faculty were involved in research projects that really excited me and I knew aligned with my current learning goals and potential career path. The draw of the west coast was also very enticing!
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
Studying a unique combination of nutrition and international development in my undergrad, I developed a profound interest in international nutrition and was excited to see Human Nutrition global research opportunities. Additionally, I was seeking to grow my interest and skill set in supporting students through teaching assistant positions that are offered to UBC graduate students
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
How beautiful the campus and city is. I am constantly in awe that I get to live, work and study in such a naturally beautiful city, with such close proximity to the mountains!
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Working in diverse teams in my schooling, volunteer positions and jobs and building strong communications skills has been imperative to my success in my UBC graduate program, as I continue to learn to work within a multidisciplinary team of peers, professors and research collaborators.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Watching the sunset at the beach and hiking on the weekend.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Don't rush the process by constantly thinking forward about the next step, next degree or next job. Learning to become content with the life stage you are in brings more joy and allows you to recognize that life is not about the final destination, but the learning you do along the way that changes and grows you.
Learn more about Jordie's research
Global policies recommend daily oral iron supplementation for women living in countries where anemia prevalence is high. This may be harmful if iron deficiency is not the cause of anemia and in those with genetic hemoglobin disorders which alter iron metabolism, which are common in Cambodia. Widely used low bioavailable forms of iron supplementation could lead to an overload of unabsorbed iron in the colon. There is a need to determine if untargeted iron supplementation is harmful and if newer forms of iron supplements are safer than conventional forms. In a double-blind three-arm randomized controlled trial, we will study the effectiveness and potential risk of iron supplementation in 480 non-pregnant women (18-45 years) in the province of Kampong Thom, Cambodia. Women will receive 60mg ferrous sulfate, 18mg ferrous bisglycinate or placebo for 12 weeks. Blood and stool samples will be collected at baseline and at 12 weeks, where we will evaluate biomarkers of iron status and gut inflammation. Findings will contribute to the evidence for safe and effective nutrition therapy for women and their future children in this population.