By CKPGToday

UNBC Researcher Recognized Internationally

May 22, 2018 | 11:12 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – A neurologist with UNBC’s Northern Medical Program has won a German research award. 

Dr. Jacqueline Pettersen received the award for her research on the impact of Vitamin D on a person’s ability to acquire knowledge and understanding.  She is one of two recipients of the award this year and the lone recipient from North America.

“To know that my work is being noticed, and to receive such recognition, provides an incredible sense of validation that my research is important and impactful, not just at a local level, but on the world stage,” said Dr. Pettersen.

The Fritz Wörwag Research Prize includes a cash prize of 8000 Euros (approx. $12,000 cdn).  She was recognized during a ceremony in Berlin May 9th.

Dr. Pettersen says the award will open the door to international collaboration efforts in her area of study. “I am passionate about the importance of healthy living for disease prevention. I look forward to continuing my work in the area of vitamin D and cognition in particular, but also more broadly, in nutrition and cognition.”

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The award was given to Dr. Pettersen in recognition of her research study, entitled, “Does high dose vitamin D supplementation enhance cognition?”.  It was published in Experimental Gerontology in 2017.   The research study demonstrated a significant improvement in visual memory in individuals who were provided 4000 IU of vitamin D per day over 18 weeks.