Dr. Pettersen is a Cognitive Neurologist and Associate Professor with the University of British Columbia and affiliate Associate Professor with the University of Northern BC, in her hometown of Prince George. She received her training from the University of Victoria (BSc Honours Biopsychology; MSc Neuropsychology), University of Toronto (MD; Clinical Research Fellowship under Dr Sandra Black) and University of Calgary (Neurology Residency). Nutrition and its role in cognition has been one major focus of her research, particularly the importance of vitamin D and other micronutrients.  She has won international research awards for this work. Other areas of research focus have included vascular contributions to brain health/cognition and exercise in dementia involving collaborations with colleagues at the University of British Columbia, the University of Northern British Columbia, the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo and Dalhousie University.