David McGrath
David McGrath is a Tutor on Portobello Institute’s MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) programme, bringing six years of biomedical research experience across nutrition, metabolism, and cardiometabolic health.
Alongside teaching, David is a Research Assistant and PhD candidate at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in Germany, where his work focuses on fat cell biology and cellular metabolism.
Industry Experience & Career
- Six years of biomedical research experience spanning laboratory and clinical research
- PhD candidate researching fat cell biology at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
- Expertise in nutrition, cell metabolism, fat cell biology, and cardiometabolic disease
- Holds a BSc in Sports and Exercise Sciences from the University of Limerick and an MSc in Biomedical Science from Maastricht University
- Previous industry experience as a Clinical Information Designer with clinical trial technology company Teckro
- Experience mentoring students in research laboratories and coaching within sport
David’s Pathway in Nutrition and Biomedical Research
For David, an interest in sport naturally developed into a broader curiosity about human biology, nutrition, and the science behind how the body works.
He studied a BSc in Sports and Exercise Sciences at the University of Limerick, where he first began exploring the role nutrition and exercise can play in cellular metabolism. From there, his interest in human biology led him to complete an MSc in Biomedical Science at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
During his master’s studies, through lectures, problem-based learning, and laboratory placements, David developed a deeper understanding of how energy metabolism contributes to cardiometabolic disorders, with a particular focus on fat cells, lipids, glucose, and mitochondrial energetics.
He later spent a year outside academia working as a Clinical Information Designer with Teckro, a Dublin-based clinical trial technology company, before returning to research to pursue his PhD at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf.
David’s doctoral research focuses on lysosomal cholesterol transport in brown and white fat cells. As part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie EndoConnect consortium, he has also had opportunities to work within a wider European research network through meetings, conferences, placements, and collaborations.
“Through my education and research in nutrition and metabolic disorders, I have developed a strong grasp of the cellular and physiological processes that underpin the practical applications of dietetics,” explains David.
“I have also been mentoring for years, initially in a sports capacity as a rugby coach. During my PhD, mentoring students in the lab has solidified my passion for teaching.”
Teaching & Guiding Students
David’s research background gives students valuable insight into how evidence is generated, interpreted, and applied within the dietetics profession.
“I can bring examples of clinical research that is used to inform dietetic standards and practices,” he notes.
His teaching style combines engaging practical tasks, discussion to facilitate critical thinking, and a step-by-step approach to break down more complex concepts into digestible parts.
Keeping teaching relevant to students’ careers is important to David and sits at the heart of Portobello Institute’s commitment to preparing graduates for meaningful professional futures.
“I always bring the ‘theory’ back to ‘practice’ with real-world applications,” he explains.
In his role as Tutor, David considers how each student engages best with a topic – whether visually, verbally, or through practical application.
He gives students opportunities to “practise” through focused repetition and to “play” with ideas through discussion, creative thinking, and different perspectives.
Why Portobello Institute
Teaching on the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute allows David to combine his research background with the part of his work he has increasingly enjoyed throughout his career: mentoring and teaching others.
His approach helps students connect the science of nutrition and metabolism with dietetic practice, while developing their confidence in understanding and applying complex scientific concepts.
Explore Dietetics at Portobello Institute
Ready to pursue a future in dietetics? Discover how the MSc Dietetics (Pre-registration) and tutors like David McGrath can support you as you develop the knowledge and skills for professional practice.
