Dr Georgina Williams
Associate Lecturer
School of Medicine and Public Health
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Georgina Williams is a postdoctoral researcher in diet and gastroenterology, working in the Centre for Research Excellence in Digestive Health. Her current research examines the role of the diet in gastrointestinal disease, with a focus on diet-microbiota interactions.
Georgina was awarded her PhD in 2022 from the University of Wollongong. This work explored the relationship between diet-microbiota interactions and metabolic health outcomes, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This research strengthened evidence pertaining to the role of dietary fibre, particularly from whole grains, in modulating the gut microbiome with potential for health benefits. A key finding of this research was the realisation of limitations in current diet-microbiota study design which has hindered research outcome translation, resulting in uncertainty in both consumer and dietitians. This research sparked Georgina’s interest in bettering research methods in diet-microbiota studies to ensure outcomes are useful for translation to nutrition practice. At present this work is focussed on how diet-microbiota interactions can be in utilised to improve dietary management of gastrointestinal disease and disorders. This includes enhancing dietary assessment of microbiota accessible nutrients.
Georgina completed a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Wollongong in 2017 and has worked as a dietitian across both public and private sectors. Georgina is passionate about the interaction between clinical practice and research outcomes and is focused on ensuring both areas inform the other, in order to promote individualised, evidence based practice to better health.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Wollongong
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Wollongong
Keywords
- MAFLD
- NAFLD
- dietary assessment
- gastrointestinal health
- gastrointestinal research
- gut microbiota
Languages
- English (Mother)
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
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321099 | Nutrition and dietetics not elsewhere classified | 50 |
320209 | Gastroenterology and hepatology | 50 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Associate Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Medicine and Public Health Australia |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (4 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2023 |
Duncanson K, Tikhe D, Williams GM, Talley NJ, 'Irritable bowel syndrome - controversies in diagnosis and management.', Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol, 17 649-663 (2023) [C1]
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Nova | ||||||
2023 |
Williams GM, Tapsell LC, Beck EJ, 'Dietitians' perspectives on the role of dietetics practice in gut health ', Nutrition and Dietetics, 80 95-103 (2023) [C1] Aims: This study aimed to explore dietitians' perspectives on the evidence surrounding the relationship between diet and ¿gut health¿ and the current and emerging role of die... [more] Aims: This study aimed to explore dietitians' perspectives on the evidence surrounding the relationship between diet and ¿gut health¿ and the current and emerging role of dietetics practice in this area. Methods: A qualitative descriptive methodology was used. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian dietitians, focused on the perspectives related to gut health management in dietetics practice. Inductive thematic analysis was employed, commencing with initial coding by two researchers, and further coding leading to development of emergent themes. Divergent data were discussed and considered in analysis. Results: Fourteen interviews were conducted (2 males, 12 females). An overarching theme identified that current evidence is insufficient to direct dietetics practice change regarding gut health. Six subthemes on dietetics practice in ¿gut health¿ emerged including (a) practice is multifaceted, (b) current practice aligns with dietary guidelines, (c) symptom management remains the primary concern, (d) evidence-based information is sought, (e) translational evidence is required for practice change and (f) there is a role for dietetics in gut health research and translation. Conclusions: Dietitians do not appear confident in their practice regarding gut microbiome-related management and recognise there is currently limited translatable research to inform practice. Evidence to date suggests that recommendations for positive gut health do not differ substantially from Australian Dietary Guidelines. Dietitians will need additional education if further evidence emerges, however they demonstrated a strong commitment to evidence-based practice.
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2023 |
Williams GM, Tapsell LC, Beck EJ, 'Gut health, the microbiome and dietary choices: An exploration of consumer perspectives', Nutrition and Dietetics, 80 85-94 (2023) [C1] Aims: To explore consumer perceptions regarding dietary behaviours related to the gut microbiome, to assist in effective translation of research to practice. Methods: Online focus... [more] Aims: To explore consumer perceptions regarding dietary behaviours related to the gut microbiome, to assist in effective translation of research to practice. Methods: Online focus groups were conducted (adults with no formal medical or nutrition training). Semi-structured open-ended questioning explored perspectives related to gut health and dietary behaviours. A qualitative descriptive analysis approach was undertaken in duplicate. Results: Fourteen focus groups were conducted (n¿=¿38, 15 males, 23 females). Four overarching themes regarding consumer perceptions were identified. These were (a) gut health equates with wellbeing, (b) there are divergent perceptions of how diet influences gut health, (c) interest in scientific evidence does not necessarily influence dietary behaviour and (d) gastrointestinal symptoms influence dietary behaviour. Conclusions: Consumers are interested in gut health and understand that diet may be important. Given that current literature regarding diet and gut health does not differ from dietary guidelines, consumer interest may provide a timely slant to promote longstanding guidelines. Consumer education to limit scepticism around government messaging, including utilisation of social media by nutrition professionals, may be key to improving adherence to guidelines.
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2021 |
Williams GM, Tapsell LC, O'Brien CL, Tosh SM, Barrett EM, Beck EJ, 'Gut microbiome responses to dietary intake of grain-based fibers with the potential to modulate markers of metabolic disease: a systematic literature review.', Nutr Rev, 79 1274-1292 (2021) [C1]
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Show 1 more journal article |
Review (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2023 |
Nieva C, Pryor J, Williams GM, Hoedt EC, Burns GL, Eslick GD, et al., 'The Impact of Dietary Interventions on the Microbiota in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review.', J Crohns Colitis (2023) [C1]
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Conference (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2023 |
Williams GM, Beck EJ, Duncanson K, 'Relationships between the gut microbiota, dietary intake and metabolic disease manifested as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease', PROCEEDINGS OF THE NUTRITION SOCIETY (2023)
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Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 1 |
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Total funding | $63,973 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20221 grants / $63,973
NAFLD for primary funding to the fatty liver disease study$63,973
Funding body: University of Wollongong
Funding body | University of Wollongong |
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Project Team | Doctor Kerith Duncanson, Doctor Georgina Williams |
Scheme | Shared |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | G2200117 |
Type Of Funding | Scheme excluded from IGS |
Category | EXCL |
UON | Y |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
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2024 | PhD | The Interplay Of Dietary Fibre, Gut Microbiota Diversity And Cognitive Function In Healthy Older Adults | PhD (Psychology - Science), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2022 | PhD | Investigating The Influence Of Prebiotic Fibres On Microbiological Factors That Mediate Cognition. | PhD (Nutritional Biochemistry), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Dr Georgina Williams
Position
Associate Lecturer
Immune Health
School of Medicine and Public Health
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing