Megan Matthews is a first year MA Health Promotion student that is supervised under Dr. Debbie Martin. Megan grew up in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and has recently learned about her Indigenous heritage. As a result, Megan has become passionate about researching the issues impacting Indigenous populations, especially as they relate to food. Megan received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) at Acadia University (’16) and went on to complete a dietetic practicum with the Nova Scotia Health Authority in the Western Zone. After completing her practicum, Megan registered with the Nova Scotia Dietetic Association and holds the designation of Professional Dietitian (PDt). In addition to this, Megan is a Student Research Scholar with the Healthy Populations Institute. In her spare time, Megan likes to cook, do yoga, play with her two pet rabbits, and spend time with family fishing and camping in Cape Breton.

Megan’s thesis will involve the ‘Land/Air/Water as Mentor’ Summer Institute developed by the Atlantic Indigenous Mentorship Network (Atlantic IMN). Utilizing an descriptive case study approach, Megan will be gaining the perspectives student attendees at the Summer Institute to gain their perspectives about Indigenous Food Sovereignty within the context of a land-based learning initiative.