The Effects of Varying Maternal Dietary Fat Quantity and Composition on Disease Programming in the Offspring: a Focus on Essential Fatty Acids

Abstract

It is only through hearing stories from others that I realise just how lucky I have been. Bev, Simon and Matt, firstly I can’t thank you enough for taking a chance and giving this PhD opportunity to someone fresh out of their undergraduate degree. Your support over the years has been overwhelming. The support with animal work, meticulous checking, constructive comments and advice on paper drafts, travel grants, conference abstracts, data analysis and presentations have shaped me into a better scientist and writer. The opportunities you have openly and generously supported to travel the world and to see so much more of what is in it have shaped me as person. Working under your supervision has only enhanced my desire to pursue a career in scientific research and I can honestly say I have enjoyed every moment of this PhD. I know how fortunate I have been to complete this PhD with that feeling. A huge thanks is also owed to all of the staff and colleagues at both the University of Nottingham and the University of Adelaide for creating such a supportive and welcoming environment to work in, there are simply too many of you to name. I have worked in two departments, both of which I have felt very lucky to have been a part of and I can only hope that this continues to be the case wherever I may end up in the future. I would like to take this opportunity to particularly thank Grace George, Zoe Daniel and Simon Welham. Grace, a rat wasn’t something I knew how to handle until you showed me. Zoe, a PCR plate wasn’t something I knew how to load until you taught me how. Simon, a PhD wasn’t something I ever thought I could achieve and I wouldn’t have attempted it if it wasn’t for the encouragement and confidence you instilled in me throughout a short summer placement. Special gratitude will always go to my family. No matter what I do in my professional career you will always provide me with laughter, perspective and purpose. Finally, I would like to respectfully acknowledge the contribution made by the laboratory rats for the completion of this research.