Mahtab Matin, Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing student, discusses her interdisciplinary research, her pathway to graduate school, and her passion for community-engaged research.
Name
Mahtab Matin
Program
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
Research Supervisors
Dr. Elizabeth Keys and Dr. Merilee Brockway
Hometown
Shahroud, Iran
Awards
- UBC Killam Doctoral Scholarship
- CANTRAIN-CTTP & Michael Smith Health Research BC Doctoral Studentship Award
- Dorothy Anna Proudfoot Memorial Scholarship in Nursing
- UBC Okanagan Graduate Research Scholarships
- UBC Okanagan Conference Award
What inspires you about your research?
My research focuses on how infant feeding practices, including exclusive breastfeeding, donor human milk supplementation, and formula supplementation, affect the sleep behaviours and gut microbiome composition of full-term infants exposed to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis during labour. By exploring the interplay between feeding practices, sleep quality, and the microbiome, I aim to uncover how these factors influence each other and the broader implications for infant health. The qualitative aspect of my study will also consider parents’ experiences, attitudes, and concerns about their infant’s sleep to complement the quantitative findings to provide a holistic understanding.
I am inspired by the potential of my research to transform our understanding of how to improve early-life health outcomes for infants and empower parents with evidence-based insights. The interdisciplinary nature of my study bridges nursing, microbiology, pediatrics, and qualitative research and sparks my curiosity and keeps me motivated to explore the unknown. The connection between sleep, gut microbiome, and infant feeding is a rapidly evolving field, and my contribution to this understanding feels both exciting and meaningful!
Beyond this, I am deeply inspired by the opportunity to work with professional researchers, including my supervisor and co-supervisor, who specialize in infant sleep, feeding, and gut microbiome research. Their expertise and dedication not only enhance my learning experience but also motivate me to contribute to this fascinating and impactful field of study. Moreover, working closely with parents, hearing their stories, and witnessing their dedication to their children fuels my passion. Their lived experiences bring depth to my research and remind me the potential real-world impact of this study.
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I have always considered graduate school as a pathway to personal and professional growth, providing the tools and mentorship needed to develop as a researcher and contribute to evidence-based practices that make a difference in healthcare. During my master’s research, I worked on a project titled, Maternal and Infant Probiotic Administration for Morbidity of Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Three-Arm Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. This experience deepened my interest in the role of probiotics, microbiome health, and early-life interventions in improving infant outcomes. Building on this foundation, I wanted to expand my expertise to explore how feeding practices, sleep behaviours, and the gut microbiome interact in full-term infants exposed to antibiotics at birth. My PhD project provided the ideal platform to pursue this goal, offering access to interdisciplinary research opportunities, expert mentorship, and meaningful collaboration with families and healthcare providers. This degree is not only an opportunity to deepen my research but also a pathway to develop as an independent scientist who can contribute to evidence-based practices that improve maternal and infant health.
Why did you choose to come to UBC Okanagan?
I chose to come to UBC Okanagan because of its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and community-engaged research, which aligns perfectly with my academic and personal goals. UBC Okanagan fosters a collaborative environment that supports innovative studies, like my research on the interplay between infant feeding, sleep, and the gut microbiome. The opportunity to join the SLUMBER Research Lab, led by Dr. Elizabeth Keys (Assistant Professor and Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar), encouraged me to focus on sleep and its multifaceted role in early development, which directly connects me to my research interests. Dr. Keys’ expertise, mentorship, and dedication to advancing knowledge in infant and maternal health were particularly inspiring and assured me that UBC Okanagan was the right place to pursue my graduate studies. Her collaboration with Dr. Merilee Brockway (a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Early Life Exposures and Child Health Outcomes at the University of Calgary), a leading expert in infant feeding and microbiome research, further enriched the research environment. Together, their work on understanding the interactions between feeding practices, sleep, and the microbiome created an exciting opportunity to engage in novel and interdisciplinary research with real-world applications.
Additionally, UBC Okanagan’s multicultural and inclusive environment was a significant factor in my decision. As an institution that is welcoming to international students, it provides a diverse and supportive community, enriching the academic and cultural experience. This openness to global perspectives creates a unique space for learning and collaboration, where I feel valued and inspired to contribute meaningfully to my field. Moreover, the beautiful natural surroundings of the Okanagan Valley and the university’s commitment to knowledge translation and patient-oriented research made UBC Okanagan the ideal place to pursue my graduate studies and grow both personally and professionally.
Where do you hope your degree/research will take you next?
My short-term goal is to continue my education by pursuing a postdoctoral position, where I can further specialize in maternal and infant health, particularly in the areas of infant feeding, sleep, and the gut microbiome. I am particularly passionate about conducting patient-oriented research that directly involves families, ensuring that their voices and experiences shape future healthcare practices.
Building on my research and postdoctoral experience, my long-term goal is to become a faculty member, contributing to academia through teaching, mentorship, and innovative research. I am passionate about creating an inclusive and collaborative environment for students and researchers, fostering the next generation of scientists while advancing evidence-based practices in healthcare.
Please share a little bit about yourself.
I enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly swimming and riding my bike. These activities help me recharge and clear my mind, which act as a perfect balance to the demands of academic life. Also, being immersed in nature gives me the opportunity to disconnect and unwind from my busy life, which is important for maintaining both physical and mental well-being.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
My advice for new graduate students is to stay curious, embrace the journey, and remember that graduate school is a time for both personal and academic growth. Be open to learning and new ideas, and develop the skills to think critically and independently. Building strong relationships with your supervisor, peers, and other researchers will support your growth and provide valuable collaboration opportunities. Do not forget to take care of yourself, balance your work with rest, exercise, and activities you enjoy. Seek feedback when needed and never hesitate to ask for help. Graduate school can be challenging, but celebrating small wins along the way and staying focused on your passion will keep you motivated and on track.