Ben Willing
Contact
Professor, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Ag, Food & Nutri Sci Dept
- willing@ualberta.ca
- Phone
- (780) 492-8908
- Address
-
3-10B Agriculture/Forestry Centre
9011 116 St NWEdmonton ABT6G 2P5
Overview
About
Degree
PhD, Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan
Postdoc, Microbiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Science
Postdoc, Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia
Job/Research Area
Microbiology of Nutrigenomics
Research
Research Interests
A diverse and abundant population of symbiotic microbes colonizes the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. Imbalances in this microbial community contribute to many diseases including asthma, diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and increased susceptibility to infection. These microbes shape how the host responds to changes in diet, yet we know relatively little about how different members of the microbiota contribute to this process. The objectives of my research are to understand how different members of the resident flora contribute to the metabolism of the diet and how this process contributes to microbial regulation of host physiology. In my research I manipulate microbial community structure using antibiotic and gnotobiotic (germ-free) animal models and use tissue culture, metabolomics and transcriptomics to study this complex system. By understanding the mechanisms through which microbes regulate host physiology and which bacteria are responsible will allow us to set targets for how we should alter the microbiota to promote health in livestock and humans.
Announcements
Opportunities
Please inquire to Dr. Willing by e-mail regarding graduate and undergraduate training opportunities.
Courses
AFNS 528 - Advances in Human Nutrition and the Intestinal Microbiome
Overview of the role of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract and the impact on human health, interaction with dietary components and potential dietary modulation of the microbiome in the prevention of chronic disease. Not to be taken if credit received for NU FS 428. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. 3 units in MICRB and 6 units in PHYSL recommended.
AFNS 575 - Advanced Functional Genomics Technologies in Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science
Modular course offering training in a variety of research technologies. Modules offered will vary from term to term. Modules may include HPLC, gel electrophoresis, real-time PCR, gene isolation and cloning, gene amplification, cDNA library screening and microarray. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.
ALES 491B - Topics in Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences
Offered by various departments depending upon the content of the course in a given year. Sections may require payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.
AN SC 101 - Principles of Animal Agriculture
Principles and practices of modern animal production and management. Brief introduction to the structure of the livestock, poultry, and game ranching industries. Principles of animal management, breeding and feeding. Current issues in animal agriculture. Students gain direct experience with animals in production/research environments. Not to be taken if credit received for AN SC 200. Prerequisite: Biology 30.
AN SC 311 - Metabolic Physiology of Domestic Animals
The physiological basis of the metabolic processes in domestic animals. Includes a review of the physiological mechanisms and neuroendocrine regulation of digestion, metabolism, growth and lactation. Prerequisite: AN SC 310.
AN SC 400 - Individual Study
Project or reading course supervised by a Faculty member, requiring preparation of a comprehensive report. Prerequisites: Third year standing or higher and consent of Department. Note: May be taken more than once if topic is different.
NU FS 428 - Advances in Human Nutrition and the Intestinal Microbiome
Overview of the role of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract and the impact on human health, interaction with dietary components and potential dietary modulation of the microbiome in the prevention of chronic disease. Prerequisite: NUTR 301, NUTR 302, or NU FS 305. 3 units in MICRB and 6 units in PHYSL recommended.
Featured Publications
2022 April;