Heather H. Keller RD PhD FDC 
Research Chair, Nutrition and Aging, Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging
Professor, Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo

Dr. Heather H. Keller RD PhD FDC is an internationally recognized leader in geriatric nutrition, whose career has transformed understanding and practice of nutrition care for older adults across health care sectors. She is Research Chair in Nutrition and Aging at the Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging and Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo.

Dr. Keller’s research focuses on the identification and treatment of nutrition risk and malnutrition, improving hospital nutrition care, advancing self-management strategies in community settings, and enhancing mealtime experiences in long-term care, particularly for residents with dementia. She has pioneered multiple clinical measurement tools that allow for the systematic assessment of nutrition risk, food satisfaction, and mealtime experiences—many of which are used internationally in both research and clinical practice. With over 300 peer-reviewed publications and numerous knowledge translation tools, Dr. Keller has played a pivotal role in bridging research and practice to improve the nutritional well-being of vulnerable populations. Her leadership extends nationally and internationally, including chairing and co-chairing the Canadian Malnutrition Task Force for over a decade and serving as Commissioner on the Lancet Commission on Frailty.  

Her contributions have been widely recognized, earning her the Earle Willard McHenry Award for Distinguished Service in Nutrition (2022), the Marie Taylor Award for Excellence in Long Term Care (2020), and Fellowship in both the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and Dietitians of Canada. She has also been honored with multiple institutional awards for research excellence.  A dedicated mentor and educator, Dr. Keller has supervised numerous graduate students and continues to influence the next generation of nutrition and health professionals. Her work has had lasting global impact, advancing policy, practice, and standards to ensure older adults receive dignified, person-centered nutrition care.