The Barth Syndrome Foundation’s (BSF) international Scientific and Medical Advisory Board is a dedicated team of researchers and physicians who generously donate their time and expertise to our mission. Without them, we would not be able to review grant applications with multi-dimensional expertise or write medically-approved educational materials about Barth syndrome. These eminent scientists and physicians are central to our goals and our operation. BSF is incredibly pleased to introduce our members, each of whom has agreed to serve for a four-year term. This international group forms the review panel for research grants and provides scientific and medical advice and guidance to BSF's Board of Directors.
Robin Duncan, PhD
Associate Professor, University of Waterloo, Canada
Dr. Robin Duncan is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Kinesiology & Health Sciences and Biology at the University of Waterloo. She received a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Toronto and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at University of California, Berkley. Her laboratory studies the relationship between nutrition and molecular determinants of health and disease with deep expertise in nutrigenomics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Specifically, her research program focuses on the discovery and characterization of novel enzymes in lipid metabolism. Dr. Duncan has published 5 peer-reviewed papers on Barth syndrome including a novel exploration of the utility of cannabidiol as a potential treatment. Dr. Duncan has been an integral member of the Barth syndrome community, having recently served on the 2024 Scientific and Medical conference organizing committee and serving as an external reviewer for the Barth Syndrome Foundation (BSF) grant program for the past several years. Additionally, Dr. Duncan has mentored several trainees on Barth syndrome research, with one of these students going onto conduct Barth syndrome research during his postdoctoral work. Dr. Duncan will bring her expertise in lipid and enzyme biology, nutrition, and the impact of nutraceutical supplements on lipid function to the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board (SMAB).
