Newcastle University

Qualifications

BSc (Hon) Medical Sciences, University of Leeds
PhD Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster

Previous Positions

Research Associate in Biomedical Sciences (Dec 2003 to Dec 2006) at University of Ulster
Research Associate in Biomedical Sciences and Academic Enterprise (Jan 2007 to July 2007)

Honours and Awards

Diploma in Principals and Practices of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Cancer Institute, USA, awarded in 2006
Diploma in Molecular Prevention, National Cancer Institute, USA, awarded in 2006

Languages

English, Bengali, Hindi

Informal Interests

Cricket, football, tennis, music, vocals, writing

Research Interests

My main research interest lies in the influence of diet and lifestyle intervention on biomarkers (intermediate) end-points of chronic disease risk. I am also interested in prevention of diseases in a public health context. I have been involved in conducting various human trials (dietary intervention and observation studies) relating to diet and health.

Other Expertise

I have also been involved in various academic enterprise related activities (such as consultancy, academic outreach, industrial collaborations etc).

Current Work

About to embark on a new study investigating biomarkers of wholegrain intake in populations. More information on this study may be found on www.grainmark.org

Future Research

Influence of whole-foods and/or lifestyle interventions on biomarkers of diseae risk.

Research Roles

Design, management and conduct of dietary intervention studies in humans. Analysis of various markers of intake and/or disease risk in biological fluids. Publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Being involved in making grant applications. Acting as a referee in peer reviewed journals and grant applications. Organising meetings and conferences.

Postgraduate Supervision

During my post-doctoral employment, I have been involved in supervising Masters as well as PhD students. I have also been involved in assessing Masters projects.

Funding

None yet! Early stage researcher, currently gathering experience.

Industrial Relevance

I have been involved in various research projects with the food industry who have collaborated with the research teams I have worked with to make food claims relating to their health effects. I have also been involved in academic-industry knowledge transfer initiatives and have worked closely with the co-ordinator of Academic Enterprise in my previous employment.

Patents

Not Applicable

Projects

• Effects of nitrate-rich vegetables on cardiovascular function
  Project Leader(s): Professor Chris Seal
• The GrainMark study
  Project Leader(s): Professor Chris Seal
  Biomarkers of whole-grain intake; contribution of alkylresorcinols and mammalian lignans to the metabolome. 

Undergraduate Teaching

I have taught undergraduate students of Human Nutrition and Dietetics part of a module in Nutritional Epidemiology.

• Brandt K, Fawcett L, Haldar S, Seal CJ. Changes in markers of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy volunteers consuming increasing doses of either wholegrain wheat or wholegrain rye. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2013. In Preparation.
• Haldar S, Seal CJ, Beckmann M, Fawcett L. Comparison of alkylresorcinols and mammalian lignans as biomarkers of either wholegrain wheat or wholegrain rye intake. British Journal of Nutrition 2013. In Preparation.
• Lloyd AJ, Beckmann M, Haldar S, Seal C, Brandt K, Draper J. Data-driven strategy for the discovery of potential urinary biomarkers of habitual dietary exposure. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2013, 97(2), 377-389.
• Beckmann M, Lloyd AJ, Haldar S, Seal CJ, Brandt K, Draper J. Hydroxylated phenylacetamides derived from bioactive benzoxazinoids are bioavailable in humans after habitual consumption of wholegrain sourdough rye bread. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research 2013. In Press.
• Haldar S, Beckmann M, Bal W, Fawcett L, Ross A, Brandt K, Draper J, Seal C. Biomarkers of whole-grain intake: contribution of alkylresorcinols and mammalian lignans to the metabolome. London, UK: Food Standards Agency, 2010. N05075.