Faculty of Science

The Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research (CFDR) established the Morgan Awards Program to honour the memory of Susan Morgan, a former CFDR manager and a dietitian who was an ardent supporter of the dietetic profession, of practice-based research, and of mentoring novice researchers. The Program recognizes dietetic students and interns in their graduating year for excellence in dietetic research.

The recipient of the 2013 Atlantic Region Morgan Award is Haley Fiander, from the Acadia University Dietetic Internship program.  Haley’s research project is entitled, “Clinical dietetics professionals’ perceptions of the Clients’ Perceptions about Nutrition Counselling (CPNC) Instrument”.  The CPNC instrument was developed to evaluate nutrition counselling in clinical settings in the early 1990s. The purpose of this project was to gather the perceptions of clinical dietetic professionals about the CPNC instrument to determine if it remains a valuable tool with which to assess nutrition counselling practice.

In her application letter Haley wrote, “When I reflect that a year and a half ago I was afraid to undertake a research project, and I am now keen to contribute to dietetic research into the future is a surprising and rewarding outcome of this research experience. I now have a better understanding of the importance of research and I hope to continue to engage myself in research so I can work collaboratively with others, continue learning and contribute to the information available to dietetic practice. In order for results to be obtained I have realized the right questions must be asked and that the number of questions will only increase over time.”

At South West District Health Authority, where she was placed, Haley’s research preceptor was dietitian, Monique Surette. Haley’s research mentor Acadia University faculty member Dr. Catherine Morley, says in her reference letter for Haley:  “I have no hesitation in recommending Haley for the Morgan Medal owing to her potential to make a meaningful contribution to the creation and sharing of knowledge that informs dietetic practice. Susan Morgan was my valued colleague and friend; I know she would be thrilled to witness Haley's professional and personal growth acquired through undertaking a research project in this exemplary way.”