Ben Willing
Contact
Associate Professor, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Ag, Food & Nutri Sci Dept
- willing@ualberta.ca
- Phone
- (780) 492-8908
- Address
-
3-10D 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 MICRB and *6 PHYSL recommended.
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 401 - Undergraduate Research Project
Directed laboratory study under supervision of a staff member. Note: For third- and fourth-year students only. Students must obtain approval from Department before registration. May be taken more than once provided that 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 MICRB and *6 PHYSL recommended.