1. BOND
UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
& MEDICINE
6/7/2016
To Whom It May Concern,
Re: Letter of Recommendation Rie Johanne Pedersen
Rie Johanne Pedersen was employed as a Senior Research Assistant in the Energy Metabolism Research Group at Bond
University Australia from Dec 2015-June 2016. Rie worked at least 35 hours per week on two predominant clinical
trials 1) Stress and Weight Study (SWS) and 2) Minimising Adaptive Thermogenesis and Obesity Rebound (MATADOR2)
study. The SWS investigated the relationship between stress and weight in lean and obese individuals whilst the
MATADOR2 study was a weight loss dietary intervention in obese humans investigating adaptive responses to calorie
restriction ie. the famine reaction, and developing new dietary strategies to optimise weight loss. Collectively these
studies aim to better understand why individuals struggle to lose weight and keep it off.
During this time Rie was instrumental in establishing research methods at Bond University required to undertake these
human studies. These research methods include biospecimen collection (blood, saliva, urine, muscle and fat) and
processing, data management, entry and analysis, specialist metabolic testing (resting metabolic rate and exercise
economy via indirect calorimetry), anthropometric measure, body composition, physical activity levels, and dietary
assessment.
Since joining our team Rie made considerable progress on the SWS, which will hopefully lead to novel findings,
publications and future external funding. Her role included participant recruitment, participant testing, biospecimen
collection, storage and analysis, data entry and analysis and ensuring integrity of data and samples collected.
Rie's previous experience and current expertise in molecular biology techniques, human research and clinical
nutritional provided a strong skillset required to complete our research studies.
Rie was a key team member and largely contributed to ensuring research methods and systems are put in place to
ensure the bulk of the projects were completed by deadline. Rie has strong work ethic and adapts to situations and
works hard to make deadlines. Rie always conducted herself in a professional manner.
Rie has a strong ability to complete tasks to a high standard and works both independently and as part of a team. I
would have no hesitation in recommending Rie as a research assistant in your lab or as a PhD candidate.
I wish Rie the best of luck in her future endeavours. She is a sorely missed member of our team.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you require any further information
Dr. Hayley M. O'Neill
Postdoctoral Research Fellow/ Research Manager
NHMRC Peter Doherty Early Career Fellow
Bond University
Faculty of Health Science and Medicine,
Bond Institute of Health and Sport (BIHS)
Level 2 || 2 Promethean Way 11 Robina j) Qld 4226
t: +61 (0)7 5595 3539 e: hmoneill@bond.edu.au
e: hsm.humanresearch@bond.edu.au matador2@bond.edu.au
w: www.bond.edu.auwww.matador2.com
Kind regards,