My main research interests are in relation to investigating the ability of dietary interventions to modify risk of chronic disease, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as exploring novel approaches to encouraging and supporting diet and lifestyle behaviour change.

Michelle’s research investigates the ability of dietary interventions to modify nutritional status and risk of chronic disease, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as exploring novel approaches to encouraging and supporting diet and lifestyle behaviour change and weight management throughout the lifecycle. Examples of research activities in these areas include developing and evaluating complex interventions to support dietary and lifestyle change: in the school-setting; before, during and after pregnancy; and for people with type 2 diabetes. This work encompasses the use of app and web-based technology to support behaviour change. Current research is also exploring the effect of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance in people with pre-diabetes.

Research funding from: NIHR Public Health Research Programme ( PHR Project: 14/67/20; PHR Project: 14/185/09), Food Standards Agency, Medical Research Council, R&D Office Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke, the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland, INTERREG  and EIT Food.