Principal Investigator

Dr. Richard is an expert in human and animal nutritional studies, with a particular focus on obesity-related cardiometabolic complications, immunology, and choline metabolism. Her research program aims to elucidate the role of nutrition in mitigating immune dysfunction associated with chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). 

In the K-HANDLE CKD study, Dr. Richard provides overarching leadership and direction, overseeing all aspects of the research, from study design and menu development to trial execution and dissemination of findings.

Co-Princial Investigator

Dr. Branko Braam is a nephrologist specializing in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases related to kidney health. His research focuses on systemic manifestations of kidney disease, including vascular function, inflammation, and the heart-kidney interface. As the Kidney Health Translational Research Chair at the University of Alberta, Dr. Braam leads innovative studies exploring the intersection of kidney and cardiovascular health, bridging clinical care and research. 

In the K-HANDLE CKD study, Dr. Braam leads nephrology-related aspects, ensuring patient safety, managing fluid volume and vascular health measurements, and overseeing recruitment. He also contributes to data analysis, focusing on total body potassium handling and its implications for chronic kidney disease management.

Co-Investigator

Collaborator | Visiting Professor

Dr. Barreto Silva is a Full Professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and Associate Professor at the State University of Rio de Janeiro. She is a Registered Dietitian in Brazil with a PhD in Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology. Her research program focuses on clinical nutrition, body composition, and nutrient metabolism, particularly in the context of obesity and chronic kidney disease (CKD). 

In the K-HANDLE CKD study, Dr. Barreto Silva plays a key role in data management and analysis, particularly overseeing potassium content evaluation in dietary plans and the analysis of urinary metabolites related to acidosis. 

Research Coordinator

Dr. Braga Tibaes recently completed her PhD in Nutrition and Metabolism at the University of Alberta, where she investigating immune function in obesity and type 2 diabetes. She earned her Bachelor’s degree and completed her internship in Nutrition at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2016. She went on to  complete a Master’s degree in Food Science (2017–2019) at the same institution, focusing on the effects of short-term fasting on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in women. 

In the K-HANDLE CKD study, Jenneffer coordinates all logistical and operational aspects, including study coordination, participant follow-ups, compliance monitoring, and effective communication among team members, clinics, and collaborators.

Research Assistant

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