Dr. Laura Vergeer

Dr. Laura Vergeer, PhD is the Founder and Owner of Nutrience Consulting. She is passionate about improving the healthfulness, sustainability and affordability of food environments. Dr. Vergeer has a PhD in nutritional sciences from the University of Toronto, where her research focused on food and nutrition policy for population health. For her PhD thesis, she compared the nutritional quality of products offered by the top packaged food and beverage companies in Canada, and evaluated companies' reported and actual progress in contributing to a healthier Canadian food supply. She has also led or contributed to studies on food company nutrition policies, food processing, food marketing to children, food prices, dietary practices, nutrient profiling and nutrition labelling.

 

Dr. Vergeer's PhD research and training were supported by the prestigious Canada Graduate Scholarship Doctoral Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. Her research has been published in high-impact peer-reviewed scientific journals and recognized by prestigious awards from the Canadian Nutrition Society and Obesity Canada. In addition to her PhD, Dr. Vergeer holds an Honours BSc in nutritional sciences and environmental science (with High Distinction) from the University of Toronto. She also completed the Collaborative Specialization in Public Health Policy PhD program at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto.

 

Dr. Vergeer has experience in research administration, project management and science communication, and has previously worked with Health Canada, food companies and public health organizations to help inform their nutrition policies or regulations. She has also held a number of volunteer leadership roles related to nutrition, obesity and public health.