Dr Caroline Childs

Dr Childs’ BSc (Hons) Nutritional Sciences (1st class) from the University of Southampton was followed by PhD research on “The effect of gender, pregnancy and diet upon tissue fatty acid composition and immune function”. She undertook two postdoctoral nutrition research projects in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, and during this time was named as one of the top three young investigators in Lipids and Nutrition at the International Society for the Study of Fatty acids and Lipids conference. 

Dr Childs’ research to date has investigated nutrients including dietary fatty acids, probiotics, and prebiotics. Experimental approaches have included assessment tissue composition, immune function, inflammatory status, immunosenescence, and the gut microbiota. Her scientific reputation has resulted in numerous invitations to speak at both national and international events and conferences.

Dr Childs holds considerable expertise in flow cytometry, and led a working group responsible for the development of flow cytometry facilities at the University of Reading, was appointed as a specialist advisor to the Food Standards Agency on the conduct and interpretation of analytical flow cytometry, and is Deputy academic lead of the Faculty of Medicine flow cytometry facility.

Dr Childs has received both student and peer-nominated teaching awards. Dr Childs received the staff-nominated Faculty of Medicine teaching award (2018), and Shine a Light award for collegiality and quality (2022). Dr Childs has received student-nominated SUSU awards including Faculty of Medicine's most engaging lecturer award (2018) and best pastoral support (2020).

Dr Childs is an academic integrity officer for the Faculty of Medicine. Her external education commitments include posts as external examiner at Liverpool John Moores University and Queen Mary University of London.

Dr Childs has an active role in professional societies, and is a Nutrition Society Ambassador for the University of Southampton, and a South East Regional Representative for the Association for Nutrition. Dr Childs is Associate Editor on the Editorial Board of Nutritional Immunology, a specialty of Frontiers in Immunology and Nutrition, an Editorial Board member of Nutrition Bulletin, and is Chair of the MyNutriWeb journal club.

Qualifications:

• (2016) Registered Nutritionist, Association for Nutrition
• (2015) Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• (2009) PhD, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton
• (2004) BSc (Hons), Nutritional Sciences, University of Southampton

Appointments held:

• (2022 - now) Associate Professor in Nutritional Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton
• (2016 – 2022) Lecturer in Nutritional Sciences, Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton
• (2014-2018) Specialist advisor on the conduct and interpretation of analytical flow cytometry, Food Standards Agency  
• (2015-2016) Clinical Trial Project Manager, University of Southampton, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit
• (2014-2015) Lecturer in Diet and Nutrition, Southampton Solent University
• (2013-2015) Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Southampton
• (2008-2013) Postdoctoral Research Assistant, University of Reading

Prizes