About Us
The Arcand Lab was established in 2015 by Dr. JoAnne Arcand at Ontario Tech University to advance research that improves clinical and population health through better nutrition. What began as a program focused on dietary sodium and heart health has grown into a nationally recognized leader in public health nutrition, digital innovation, and policy research.
Our team studies how food environments, behaviour, and policy influence what people eat — and how science can be translated into practical solutions. We conduct a wide range of research, from national nutrition surveillance and behavioural studies to clinical interventions and the creation of digital tools that promote healthier eating.
Our work has informed national and international nutrition policies, including Health Canada’s Sodium Reduction Strategy and the Pan-American Health Organization/World Health Organization Regional Sodium Targets Initiative. It also supports policy implementation, including healthy eating curricula in elementary schools. We are proud of our collaborative, student-centred environment, where research innovation meets real-world impact.
The Arcand Lab is part of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Preventative Nutrition and Technology at Ontario Tech University, connecting nutrition science, technology, and community partnerships to create a healthier future for all.
Our Mission
Our mission is to advance population health by rigorously evaluating innovative behavioural, digital, and policy interventions to prevent chronic diseases. Grounded in implementation science, policy evaluation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we generate evidence to design and implement equitable, scalable, and sustainable solutions that strengthen food literacy, encourage healthy eating behaviours, and foster healthier food environments in Canada and beyond.
Arcand Lab Team Members
Arcand Lab Alumni
Masters Students
Jackie Brown MHSc
MHSc Student
2019
Sadeem Alsaeed, MHSc
MHSc Student
2017
Undergraduate Students
Hannah Araujo, BHSc
BHSc Student
2024
Temitope Ayodele, BHSc
BHSc Student
2022
Vanessa Laketa, BHSc
BHSc Student
2022
Inthu Blaintharanathan, BHSc
BHSc Student
2021
Husna Malik, BHSc
BHSc Student
2020
Olayinka Sanusi, BHSc
BHSc Student
2019
Amina Siddiqi, BHSc
BHSc Student
2019
Victoria Delbasic, BHSc
BHSc Student
2018
Salma Bafagih, BHSc
BHSc Student
2024
Noah Donaghy, BHSc
BHSc Student
2022
Courtney Lockhart, BHSc
BHSc Student
2022
Quinlan Palmer, BHSc
BHSc Student
2021
Namatullah Obaidi, BHSc
BHSc Student
2019
Soroush Vadati-Shams, BHSc
BHSc Student
2019
Amber Armstrong-Izzard, BHSC
BHSc Student
2018
Sarah Rae, BHSc
BHSc Student
2018
Join Our Team
Interested in being part of the Arcand Lab?
MSc, PhD, and Postdoctoral Fellowship Positions
​
We are always looking to work with bright and passionate graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. We receive many requests to join the lab and generally admit many MSc and PhD students annually, pending funding.
If you are interested in joining the Arcand Lab, please send Dr. Arcand an email that includes the following:
-
An expression of your specific research interests and position.
-
An explanation of how your past employment or volunteer experiences make you a good candidate for your position.
-
A copy of your CV and transcripts if you are interested in a Master's or PhD position.
​
Dr. Arcand can be reached at joanne.arcand@ontariotechu.ca​
​
Undergraduate Positions
​
Dr. Arcand usually involves research students as part of the HLSC4998/KINE4998 Research Practicum course. These positions are posted in the Winter semester for students enrolled at Ontario Tech University.
If funding is available, Dr. Arcand may employ undergraduate students to support research activities.