How Research on a Neurodegenerative Disorder Helped a Trent Grad Launch a Career in Naturopathic Medicine
Environmental & Life Sciences graduate Meagan McLaren says faculty mentorship and biomedical research helped cultivate her interest in naturopathic care
As a naturopathic doctor specializing in women’s health, Dr. Meagan McLaren, ND, ’12 provides supportive, inclusive care for women at her Peterborough-based clinic centered around conception, fertility and hormonal health.
Her path to becoming a naturopath started at Trent, but she didn’t know where her degree would take her at the time. It was her graduate research that laid the groundwork for developing her passion in translating research into real-world care, and building both technical skills and confidence as a scientist and healthcare provider.
At Trent, McLaren completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Environmental & Life Science (ENLS). McLaren studied a particular gene, exploring how changes at the cellular level contribute to the onset of Batten disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. The work expanded scientific understanding of how cell pathways function and breakdown.
“My exploration into Batten disease is what really shaped my appreciation for how foundational molecular biology connects to human health,” McLaren said. “I graduated with a deeper understanding of the importance of evidence-based medicine in informing clinical care.
“This knowledge still guides my practice today, helping patients understand the ‘why’ behind symptoms like fatigue, hormone changes, or fertility concerns,” McLaren said. “Studying molecular biology at Trent is what taught me that everything in the body comes down to underlying physiological processes.”
Trent’s research ecosystem and faculty mentors support career excellence
Her supervisor, Biology professor Dr. Robert Huber, says that his lab, and Trent’s research environments, are designed to build personal relationships and help students discover where their interests can take them. He adds that this approach reflects Trent’s broader commitment to advancing meaningful research in human health.
“I work closely with all my students and offer encouragement and guidance to ensure their experience aligns with their academic and career goals,” he said. “Ultimately, the goal of my lab is to ensure students graduate with the technical skills and confidence to pursue whatever path comes next.”
For McLaren, that next step was pursuing a Doctor of Naturopathy degree at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Watch the interview with McLaren about her journey from Trent to naturopathy and the skills and research experience she developed along the way.