Tracey Van Grunsven

I am a PhD researcher in nutrition at Deakin University investigating how to support healthy and sustainable dietary patterns among older Australians. My research focuses on dietary protein intake, particularly opportunities to increase consumption of plant-based protein foods while maintaining nutritional adequacy and supporting healthy ageing.

My work takes a food systems approach, examining the factors that influence food choices at multiple levels, from individual preferences and behaviours through to healthcare, aged care, and food industry practices. By working with consumers, health professionals, aged-care providers, and food industry groups, I aim to identify practical and achievable strategies that support healthier food choices for older adults.

Before moving into nutrition research, I worked for more than 25 years as a landscape designer. This background has shaped my interest in understanding how environments influence behaviour and has given me a strong appreciation for practical, real-world solutions to complex challenges.