Dr Karen Walker

Senior Lecturer, Monash University

Qualifications: PhD(ANU) MND (Deakin) BSc(Hons) (VU) GradCertHigherEd (Monash) APD

Dr Walker completed her PhD at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra. After postdoctoral experience at the Department of Cell Biology, Auckland University, she joined the Centenary Institute University of Sydney working on the production and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies. Dr Walker moved to Geelong in 1990, completed her MND and subsequently joined a nutrition research team at Deakin University headed by Professor Kerin O’Dea. Dr Walker joined Monash University in 1998 where she became part of a dietetic team establishing the new four-year BND course. Dr Walker's current research interests include dietary intervention studies to examine dietary protective/risk factors for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Convenor for BND3011 (Food Science and Skills), plus other teaching in years one and two of the BND (including BND1010: Introduction to Human Nutrition, BND2021: Nutritional Biochemistry, BND2042: Nutrition and Immunology). Teaching interests include the use of case-based learning.

Research interests include dietary intervention studies with emphasis on Mediterranean and other diets that reduce chronic low-grade inflammation of the immune system; nutrition therapy in Type 2 diabetes; dietary intake of Vitamin D in vulnerable groups; determination of calcium bioavailability in soy milk; analysis of packet information and a survey of nutrient content in supermarket foods.

Recent publications

Lu ZX, Walker KZ, Muir JG, Mascara T, O’Dea (2000) Arabinoxylan fiber, a by-product of wheat flour processing, reduces the post prandial glucose response in normoglycemic subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 71:1123-8. Citations: 18

Birkett AM, Mathers JC, Jones GP, Walker KZ, Roth MJ, Muir JG (2000) Changes to the quantity and processing of starchy foods in a Western diet can increase carbohydrate escaping digestion and improve in vitro fermentation parameters Brit J Nutrition 84: 63-72. Citations:5

Davis SR, Walker KZ, Strauss BJG (2000) Effects of estradiol with and without testosterone on body composition and relationships with lipids in postmenopausal women. Menopause 7 (6): 395-401. Citations:19

Walker KZ, Piers LS, O’Dea K (2000) A high monounsaturated diet for weight loss? Proc Nutr Soc Australia 24: 300-307. Rowley KG, Walker KZ, O’Neal D, Jenkins AJ, O’Dea K (2000) Plasma soluble E- selectin inversely associated with carotenoid concentration in a population with high cardiovascular disease mortality. Proceedings of St Vincent’s Hospital Research Week, Fitzroy VIC, August 2000, p.30.

Walker KZ, O’Dea K (2001) Is a low fat diet the optimal way to cut energy intake over the long term in overweight people? Nut Metab Dis Cardiovas Disease 11: 244-248.

Piers LS, Walker KZ, Stoney RM, Soares MJ, O’Dea K (2001) Greater postprandial fat oxidation rates in humans immediately following a mixed meal of fixed energy and macronutrient composition containing monounsaturated fat (olive oil) as compared to one with saturated fat (cream). Int J Obesity 26: 814-821. Citations:6

Soares MJ, Piers LS, Walker KZ (2002) Dietary management in obesity: is there a role for olive oil? Adv Hort. Sci 16: 273-279.

O’Dea K, Walker KZ, Colagiuri S, Hepburn A, Holt P, Colagiuri R (2002) Evidence based guidelines for Type 2 diabetes: primary prevention. Canberra: Diabetes Australia and NHMRC.

Rowley KG, Walker KZ, Cohen J, Jenkins AJ, O’Neal, D, Qing S, Best JD, O’Dea K (2003) Inflammation and vascular endothelial activation in an Aboriginal population: relationships to cardiovascular risk factors and dietary markers. Med J Aust 178: 495-500. Citations:10

Soares MJ, Piers LS, Walker KZ, O’Dea K. (2003) Is there a role for onounsaturated fat in the dietary management of obesity? Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health, 15 (Suppl):S18-S21.

Piers LS, Walker KZ, Esler MD, Stoney RM, Soares MJ, O’Dea K (2003) Substitution of saturated with monounsaturated fat in a 4-week diet affects body weight and composition of overweight and obese men. Brit J Nutr 90:717-727. Citations:3

Hovey AL, Jones JP, Devereux HM, Walker KZ (2003) Intact cereal and legume seeds in food products transport bacteria through the colon and increase faecal short chain fatty acids. Asia Pacific J Clin Nutr, 12 (4) 477-82.

Lu ZX, Walker KZ, Muir JG, O’Dea K (2004) Arabinoxylan fiber improves metabolic control in people with Type 2 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr 58:621-628. Citations:1

Van Damme, M-P, Macaulay J, Walker K.Z (2005) Teaching nutrient metabolism on WEB-CT VISTA Proceedings, 18th International Conference on Nutrition: Nutrition Safari for Innovative solutions, HH Vorster, R Blaauw, MA Dhansay, PMN Kuzwayo, L Moeng, E Wentzel-Wiljoen (eds), Durbin, September 2005.

Van Damme, M-P, Macaulay J, Walker K.Z (2005) Teaching nutrient metabolism on WEB-CT VISTA South African J Clin Nutrition 49(Supp 1):62. (published abstract)

Walker KZ (2006) Dietary fibre and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes CABA Reviews:Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources, 1, No. 011, pp. 1-10.. (online ISSN 1749-8848 located at: http:www.cababstractsplus.org/cabreviews. Also reprinted in: Veterinary Bulletin

Woods JL, Walker KZ (2007) Choosing breakfast: convenience, cost or quality? An Analysis of packet information on Australian breakfast cereals, bars and drinks. Nutrition and Dietetics, in press.

Tang AL, Shah NP, Wilcox G, Walker KZ, Stojanovska L (2007) Fermentation of calcium fortified soymilk with probiotics: effects on calcium solubility, isoflavone conversion and production of organic acids. Journal of Food Science, in press

Walker KZ, O’Dea K (2007) Macronutrient balance influences pattern of body fat deposition: response to Paniagua et al. (Letter to Editor), Diabetes Care, in press.