51污漫

I am an Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology at the 51污漫, where I teach courses in human physiology, pathophysiology, nutrition, and contemporary health. Since joining 51污漫, I have been committed to helping students develop a deeper understanding of health and disease while cultivating the critical thinking and scientific literacy needed to evaluate health information in an increasingly complex world.

My research interests focus on metabolic health, chronic disease, cancer biology, and the therapeutic applications of ketogenic diets. As a Visiting Scientist with the Terry Fox Laboratory at the BC Cancer Research Centre, I have collaborated with researchers investigating the relationship between metabolism and cancer, with a particular interest in how nutritional interventions may complement conventional approaches to treatment. More broadly, I am interested in the role of metabolic health in the prevention and management of chronic disease.

Beyond my academic work, I am actively engaged in public scholarship and community service. I am the author of BioDiet: The Scientifically Proven, Ketogenic Way to Lose Weight and Improve Health, and I regularly deliver keynote presentations, participate in podcasts and media interviews, and contribute to public discussions on nutrition, metabolic health, cancer, innovation, and emerging technologies. I also serve as President and CEO of the Discovery Foundation, a British Columbia charitable organization that supports entrepreneurship, innovation, mentorship, and technology-sector development. Through this work, I help create opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs, including programs that support Indigenous, rural, and underrepresented communities.

B.Sc., Zoology
University of British Columbia, 1983

Ph.D., Zoology
University of British Columbia, 1991

Postdoctoral Fellow, Marine Biological Laboratory
Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA, 1992

Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Zoology
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, 1992–1994

Visiting Scientist, Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Research Centre

Scientific Advisory Committee Member, Canadian Clinicians for Therapeutic Nutrition

Member, Institute for Therapeutic Personalized Nutrition

Member, Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology Articulation Committee

Reviewer, Canadian Journal of Public Health

Senate Member, 51污漫

Senate Governance Committee, 51污漫

Senate Awards Committee, 51污漫

I believe that education is most effective when students are active participants in their own learning. My role is not simply to transmit information, but to help students develop the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and intellectual curiosity necessary to evaluate evidence, solve problems, and make informed decisions.

In a world where information is abundant and artificial intelligence can provide instant answers, the ability to think critically has become more important than ever. I encourage students to move beyond memorization and develop a deeper understanding of underlying concepts, mechanisms, and relationships. My goal is to create learning experiences that are engaging, relevant, and applicable to real-world challenges.

I strive to foster an environment that values curiosity, respectful dialogue, evidence-based reasoning, and lifelong learning. Whether discussing physiology, nutrition, health promotion, or emerging technologies, I want students to leave my courses with both knowledge and the confidence to apply it.

• Human Physiology
• Human Nutrition
• Pathophysiology
• Contemporary Health
• Metabolic Health
• Chronic Disease Prevention
• Cancer Biology
• Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Health Promotion and Wellness

• Metabolic Health
• Ketogenic Diets and Therapeutic Nutrition
• Cancer Metabolism
• Lifestyle Medicine
• Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
• Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
• Metabolic Interventions in Cancer Care
• Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education

Last 5 years

2026

• Keynote Speaker, Reciprocal Meat Conference, Amarillo, Texas. Evidence-Based Insights at the Intersection of Meat Consumption, Metabolic Health, and Cancer.
• Keynote Speaker, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Integrative Oncology Series. The Ketogenic Diet as a Therapeutic Intervention for Cancer.
• Invited presentations and workshops on Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education for educators, administrators, and community organizations.

2025

• Guest speaker and panelist on the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in higher education, including presentations for faculty, educational leaders, and community organizations.
• Multiple invited presentations on metabolic health, ketogenic nutrition, and chronic disease prevention for health professionals, researchers, and public audiences.

2024

• Invited presentations on cancer metabolism, ketogenic diets, and therapeutic nutrition for healthcare practitioners, researchers, and patient advocacy groups.
• Educational workshops on innovation, entrepreneurship, and design thinking through the Discovery Foundation and partner organizations.

2023

• Invited keynote presentations and webinars on metabolic health, insulin resistance, obesity, and chronic disease prevention.
• Presentations supporting entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and technology-sector development throughout British Columbia.

2022

• Invited presentations and media appearances discussing metabolic health, ketogenic nutrition, chronic disease, and cancer care.
• Educational presentations related to innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship in science and technology.

Ongoing

• Frequent keynote speaker, podcast guest, webinar presenter, and media contributor on topics including metabolic health, cancer metabolism, nutrition, chronic disease prevention, innovation, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and artificial intelligence in education.
• Presentations and interviews reaching audiences across North America through conferences, podcasts, webinars, radio, television, and online media.

Last 5 years

Harper, D.G. (2019). BioDiet: The Scientifically Proven, Ketogenic Way to Lose Weight and Improve Health. Harper Health.

Harper, D.G., Volek, J.S., Krystal, G., et al. (2025). KetoCARE: A ketogenic dietary intervention for women with metastatic breast cancer. [Journal citation to be added upon publication].

Additional scholarly work has focused on metabolic health, ketogenic nutrition, chronic disease prevention, cancer metabolism, innovation, and health education.

My professional interests extend beyond the university classroom. Through my work with the Discovery Foundation and other organizations, I am passionate about supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, mentorship, and technology-sector development throughout British Columbia. I am particularly interested in creating opportunities for Indigenous, rural, and underrepresented communities.

I also enjoy public engagement and science communication, helping translate complex scientific concepts into practical information that can improve health, well-being, and quality of life.

Personal Website (BioDiet)

Discovery Foundation

Canadian Clinicians for Therapeutic Nutrition

Institute for Therapeutic Personalized Nutrition

Selected Media and Presentations

Keto Salt Lake Conference 2021

Low Carb Denver 2020 Keynote