Personal profile

Biography

Dr Elizabeth Barber has a BSc (Food Science & Technology), MSc (Nutritional Biochemistry) and PhD in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Her industry-funded PhD focused on exploring the mechanisms of an anti-diabetic drug in glucose transport. She was awarded an Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow,  investigating how omega-3 fats affect lipid droplet formation in fat cells. During her non-research career, she worked with the Australian federal government to develop several methods currently used nationally and internationally to assess internal radiation contamination. Later, she joined the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics & Food, Monash University, as an academic and researcher. Her expertise includes detailed analysis of the biological potential and chemical composition of functional foods, including digestion, metabolism and health. Using advanced molecular nutrition and food science research skills, she is currently interested in exploring the role of plant bioactive compounds in inducing healthy digestion to improve metabolic dysfunction. Elizabeth is a mother of two young children and identified as culturally and linguistically diverse, able to speak English, Malay and Tamil fluently. She has been an active member of the Australian Diabetes Society, the Nutrition Society Australia and a Registered Nutritionist for several years.

Monash teaching commitment

  • Food Science
  • Nutrition Science
  • Laboratory Practicals

Research interests

  • effects of bioactive compounds in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism
  • food digestion and colonic fermentation
  • new food product development
  • glycaemic response
  • enzyme assays - method development and validation 

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 5 - Gender Equality
  • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 15 - Life on Land
  • SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

Education/Academic qualification

Biochemistry & Cell Biology, PhD, Insulin Signalling & Diabetes, MONASH UNIVERSITY

Food Science & Technology, BSc, Universiti Putra Malaysia (University Putra Malaysia)

Nutrition, MSc, Universiti Putra Malaysia (University Putra Malaysia)

Research area keywords

  • Biochemistry and Cell Biology
  • Food Science
  • Food Chemistry
  • Human Nutrition
  • Obesity & Diabetes
  • Ethnic cuisine
  • Food Safety
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Bioactive Compounds
  • Polyphenols

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or