Rate My Professor Matt Cooke

Professor Matt Cooke serves as Professor of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics at La Trobe University, within the School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport. A registered nutritionist with over 16 years of academic experience, he earned his PhD in Muscle Physiology and Nutrition from Victoria University in 2006, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science in 2001, and a Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education in 2012 from the same institution. Cooke holds key leadership roles, including Project Director at the Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS) and Academic Chair of the Human Performance Research Network for the Australian Defence Force. He has successfully supervised 10 PhD students and 3 master's students to completion and has attracted over AUD 2 million in research funding from government and industry partners. Additionally, he contributes to university governance as a member of the La Trobe University Academic Board.

Cooke's research as an integrative physiologist centers on translating real-world evidence into practical nutrition and supplementation strategies to optimize health, athletic performance, and recovery across populations from young athletes to older individuals with chronic conditions. His investigations span biological mechanisms from molecular pathways to gut microbiome influences. With an extensive publication record exceeding 130 peer-reviewed articles and abstracts, plus 4 book chapters (one as editor), his work has significant impact in sports nutrition and clinical nutrition. Key publications include the systematic review "The Relationship Between Gut Microbiota, Muscle Mass and Physical Function in Older Individuals" (Nutrients, 2025), "Toward promoting performance nutrition behaviors among tactical athletes" (Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2025), and the book chapter "Energy for sport and exercise" in Nutrition for Sport, Exercise and Performance Science and Application (2024). As Course Director for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, Cooke teaches advanced topics like Nutritional Science and Nutrigenomics, fostering the next generation of nutrition experts.