Alexandra Jenkins, PhD, RD, started her research career in Oxford, where she was part of the research team that developed the concept of slow release carbohydrate and the Glycemic Index. This launched her life-long interest in the use of dietary strategies to reduce or prevent the development of chronic diseases. She obtained her BSc from the University of Toronto and completed a dietetic internship at St Michael’s Hospital. Subsequently Dr. Jenkins obtained her PhD at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. Currently, her major research focus has been the potential role of diet and dietary supplements in the treatment of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. She has been an author or co-author on over 100 original publications in peer-reviewed journals, in addition to chapters and reviews. Dr. Jenkins has volunteered extensively for the Diabetes Canada and was an Associate Editor of the Canadian Journal of Diabetes. She has received several awards, including the Eli Lilly Graduate Scholarship Award and a Special Education Award from Diabetes Canada. Dr. Jenkins is a member of the Ontario College of Dietitians and the American Nutrition Society and is a sought-after lecturer on nutritional modification of cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes. In addition to her role as Director of Research at GI Labs, she is also a Senior Research Associate at the Risk Factor Modification Centre at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, where her research focuses on investigating the potential utility of nutraceuticals and functional foods in reducing cardiovascular risk factors.