About
Dr. Megan Beggs is an Assistant Professor of Nutrition in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition specializing in trace element metabolism and neonatal nutrition. Her research integrates basic science, clinical investigation, and real-world clinical practice to improve the health of infants and children locally and globally.
Dr. Beggs completed her PhD in Physiology at the University of Alberta, where she delineated molecular mechanisms of intestinal calcium absorption during postnatal development. During a postdoctoral fellowship at The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Dr. Beggs co-led a clinical trial investigating individualized feeding strategies for infants born preterm. During this time, she also conducted studies on human milk composition and the adequacy of mineral and trace element intake during early life.
Dr. Beggs is also a registered dietitian with a decade of experience in neonatal and pediatric critical care and brings a bench-to-bedside and bedside-to-bench perspective to her work. Her clinical background informs her research questions and ensures that her scientific findings translate into meaningful improvements in patient care.
Research Program
Dr. Beggs’ research program focuses on understanding how trace element metabolism impacts infant growth, development, and long-term health outcomes. Her work spans:
- Determinants of trace element homeostasis
- Human milk composition and nutrient bioavailability
- Precision nutrition strategies for preterm and high-risk infants
- Translational approaches that connect mechanistic discovery with clinical practice
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to advancing neonatal and pediatric nutrition, Dr. Beggs aims to contribute to evidence-based strategies that optimize nutrition during critical periods of early life.
Dr. Beggs is currently accepting applications from motivated MSc and PhD students.