Work with thought leaders and academic experts in nutrition dietetics

Dr. Wanida Lewis is a highly educated and experienced food scientist with a passion for promoting sustainable food systems and improving global food security. She received her Ph.D. in Food Science from North Carolina State University in 2013, where she focused on the development of functional foods using plant-based ingredients. Prior to her Ph.D., she earned her M.S. in Chemistry (Analytical) from North Carolina Central University in 2008 and her B.S. in Chemistry from Saint Augustine's University in 2005. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Dr. Lewis has held various positions in both the private and public sectors, demonstrating her expertise in food science, program management, and international development. She is the Managing Director and Founder of Crescendo Foods, a company that provides food science consulting services to food businesses. She also serves as an Acceleration Services Advisor Consultant at KAIZEN COMPANY START-UP, where she advises start-ups on product development, supply chain management, and marketing strategies. In addition to her work in the private sector, Dr. Lewis has also been involved in various non-profit organizations, including ASASE Foundation and Environment360. She has also worked with the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Affairs Officer and AAAS Policy Fellow, where she provided scientific advice and support for international food security initiatives. She also served as a Senior Economic Program Advisor for the Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues at Tuvli LLC, where she focused on promoting economic empowerment for women through sustainable agriculture and food systems. Dr. Lewis's extensive experience in the food industry and her passion for promoting sustainable and equitable food systems make her a highly sought-after expert in her field. She continues to use her knowledge and expertise to drive positive change in the food industry and contribute to global efforts towards achieving food security for all.

Dr. Everson A Nunes is a highly accomplished researcher and educator in the field of physiological sciences. He received his Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology with a focus on Physiological Sciences from Universidade Federal do Paraná in 2009, after completing a BSc in Human Nutrition and an MSc in Physiological Sciences. He also holds a specialization in Exercise Physiology and a BSc in Biological Sciences from Universidade Federal do Paraná. Dr. Nunes has a strong background in research, having completed two post-doctoral fellowships at McMaster University and Universidade Federal do Paraná. He has also held positions as an associate professor and assistant professor at Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, and his research focuses on the effects of exercise and nutrition on physiological processes in the human body. In addition to his research, Dr. Nunes is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at various universities in Brazil, including Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Universidade Gama Filho, Faculdades Integradas Espírita, Pontificia Universidade Católica do Paraná, and Faculdade do Litoral Sul. He is known for his dynamic teaching style and his ability to engage students in complex physiological concepts. Dr. Nunes is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society for Nutrition, the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology, the Canadian Nutrition Society and the Brazilian Society of Physiology. He is also a regular speaker at national and international conferences, sharing his expertise and research findings with colleagues and students. Overall, Dr. Nunes is a highly qualified and experienced professional in physiological sciences, metabolism, cancer and nutrition. His dedication to research and education makes him a valuable asset to any institution.

As a technologist, designer, and creative problem-solver, I'm passionate about teaching people to embrace new technology and explore. I am the Chair of the Computer Science department at Judson University. Before my appointment, I served as an Associate Professor in the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). I teach courses in Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Software Design Patterns, Interactive Media, Usability, User Experience, and Augmented/Virtual Reality. I was the founding director of the Collab Lab, a hands-on, creative space for students and faculty to engage in collaborative work. My research efforts are directed in several areas: AI Supported Individualized Learning, Learner Experience Design, Technology for Online Assessment, Interactive Mobile Learning, and Computerized Sign Language Synthesis. I enjoy collaborating on projects involving cutting-edge technology and new applications.

·   Highly productive scientist with 13 years of multidisciplinary experience in toxicology, molecular nutrition, and aging/ disease biomarkers ·   Excellent communicator with proven record of advanced writing and presentation skills - manuscripts, conference presentations, and grants ·   Extensive experience in large study design, supervision and coordination, big data analysis, and management of junior scientists

Dr. Maurice O’ Sullivan is a sensory scientist and senior lecturer in food science working in the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, UCC. In the past Maurice has worked in the food industry as a sensory scientist and flavour chemist for Diageo Baileys and Guinness. He has worked as a food technologist and process/product development scientist for the processed foods sector in the 1990’s as well as more recently a product development consultant to the dairy, meat and beverage industries. He has a Ph.D. in Sensory and Consumer science from the Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark as well as MSc. and BSc. Degrees in Food Science and Technology from University College Cork (UCC). Currently Maurice works in the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork as a senior lecturer and sensory and product reformulation project coordinator on large scale multi-million euro research projects. For many years he has also managed the “Sensory Unit” at UCC working on sensory and flavour based projects involving a diverse selection of products. This sensory science based service (at UCC) includes testing the difference, affective and descriptive analysis of foods and beverages as well as assessing shelf-life and comparing sensory results to microbiological and analytical (instrumental, physic-chemical) data using multivariate data analysis (MVA). Sensory testing is critical for new product development/optimisation, ingredient substitution and devising appropriate packaging and comparing foods or beverages to competitor’s products. Again, the key to unlocking the hidden secrets of this multimodal data is with MVA (Multivariate Data Analysis). To date Maurice has secured significant research funding of €5,300,000 Gross, €3,843,329.30 to UCC. He has worked in the area of targeted ingredient (salt, fat, sugar) reduction in foods since 1997. The focus of this research has been reduction of negative ingredients linked to civilisation diseases (Diabetes, Obesity, Heart Disease, Anaemia) while maintaining sensory properties, but also improving nutritional quality of developed products. To date this research has produced numerous publications with many more in development. Other research areas include Cross Cultural Sensory Perception of Irish Dairy Products in Asia, Europe and North America as well as Foods for the Elderly, Packaging and Meat optimisation. Maurice has published more than 200 sensory or consumer research based articles (papers, book chapters, proceedings etc.).

Dr. Beck is a Clinical Psychologist who earned her doctorate in 2009 from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, CA. She completed her internship at the Sarah Reed Children’s Center in Erie, PA, and received postdoctoral training at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, MD in the Center for Pediatric Weight Management and Healthy Living. She also earned her credential in School Psychology from La Sierra University in Riverside, CA, serving as a School Psychologist in the San Bernardino Unified School District in San Bernardino, CA, during 2007-2008. From 2010-2023, Dr. Beck practiced as a Pediatric Psychologist in the Weight Management Program at the Center for Children’s Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. At Children’s Mercy, Dr. Beck worked with the Office of Equity and Diversity and was a Health Equity Advisor to her Division of Developmental and Behavioral Health and a DEI Champion with the Department of Pediatrics. She was promoted to Professor of Pediatrics in the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine in 2022. Her professional interests include health equity, weight bias/stigma, and the clinical implementation of yoga (she became a registered yoga teacher in 2016). She is currently serving as a Licensed Psychologist contracting with The Black Girl Doctor, an online boutique therapy practice prioritizing Black professional women. At the state and national levels, she is involved with the Missouri Psychological Association as the Diversity Board Officer, Federal Advocacy Coordinator, and Legislative Chair, the Society of Pediatric Psychology as the Division Advocacy Partner with APA, and the American Psychological Association, where she recently completed a fantastic year as a participant leader in the Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology. She has won several national awards for her advocacy and service.

Dr. Giuliana Noratto is a senior associate research scientist at Texas A&M AgriLife. She received her Ph.D. in food science and technology from Texas A&M University System, and her M.Sc. in food science and technology from Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina. She also holds a B.S. in food science and technology from Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina. Dr. Noratto’s research interests include food safety and quality, sensory science, and food processing.

Roshonda Jones is an experienced bioinformatics and computational biologist with a passion for exploring the complexities of life. She earned her Ph.D. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology from University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2016, and went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship at USC, as well as a postdoctoral research fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Her research interests include machine learning and bioinformatics. She is committed to using her expertise to further scientific knowledge and advance the field.

Dr. Monica Motley is a highly accomplished educator and public health professional with a diverse background in social justice, public health, and health equity. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, as well as a Master of Public Health degree in Population Health Science and a Master of Science in Education from the same university. Dr. Motley has a strong passion for research and has served as a faculty member at Virginia Tech for the past decade, where she has taught, served on graduate committees, and managed various complex research projects. She also works as a consultant via her own boutique firm, providing expert guidance to organizations and government agencies on various equity-related topics. In addition, Dr. Motley founded *The Motley Consulting Group, LLC in 2017*, a consulting firm that specializes in community disparities and health inequities. Through her company, she has helped numerous clients develop effective strategies and programs to address equity-based organizational change, health disparity assessment, and health resources. Dr. Motley's extensive education and experience make her a highly sought-after specialist in her field. She is dedicated to making a positive impact on the health and education of individuals and communities and continues to be a leader in her field through her work and advocacy efforts.

Dr. Taryn A. Myers earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Kent State University, where she served as a Teaching Fellow and Assistant Director of the Psychological Clinic. She received her B.A. in Psychology with an interdisciplinary minor in Women's and Gender Studies from Kenyon College. A native Midwesterner, Dr. Myers completed her clinical residency at the Medical College of Georgia and the Charlie Norwood Veteran's Affairs Medical Center prior to moving to Hampton Roads in 2010. She chose to come to Virginia Wesleyan because of her passion for teaching and the liberal arts. Dr. Myers' research interests include risk and protective factors for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. She enjoys integrating stories from her clinical work and findings from her research into her teaching to make the material come alive for students. She also engages in editorial activities for such journals as Body Image and Sex Roles. In addition, Dr. Myers enjoys sharing her research with students through independent projects and encourages them to present their work at state and national conferences. Dr. Myers is currently serving as Chair of Psychology as well as Chair of Special Interest Groups of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). She is the 2017 recipient of an Early Career Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association, the 2018 recipient of the Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching award from VWU, and the 2019 recipient of the ABCT Women's Issues Special Interest Group Early Career Award.

Luke Connelly is Professor of Health Economics at the Centre for the Business and Economics of Health. He also holds a Professorial appointment (part-time) at The University of Bologna, to which he was appointed in 2017 via the Italian “Direct Call” ([link](https://www.unibo.it/sitoweb/luke.connelly/en)) process. In 2019 he was appointed as Honorary Professor at The University of Sydney. His main interests are in health economics and insurance economics and the effects of institutions (including legal constructs) on incentives and behaviour. He has also worked in other fields of applied microeconomics, including education economics and transport economics. His publications include papers in *Review of Income and Wealth*, *Health Economics*, *Journal of Health Economics*, *Journal of Risk and Insurance*, *Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance*, *Accident Analysis and Prevention*, *Journal of Law and Medicine*, *Journal of Clinical Epidemiology*, *European Journal of Health Economics*, *International Journal of Health Economics and Finance*, *Social Science and Medicine*, *Economic Papers*, *Economic Analysis and Policy*, *Journal of Transport Economics and Policy*, *Labour Economics*, *Economics and Human Biology* as well as in a range of clinical journals, including *Lancet*. Luke has served on a number of public committees including the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC), which advises the Australian Minister for Health on the safety, efficacy, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of new and extant listings on Australia's Medicare Benefits Schedule. He has extensive service on other public committees and taskforces as well as extensive teaching and consulting engagements with industry. Over his career he has been a chief investigator on research grants and contracts totalling more than $67m. He is a member of the Editorial Boards of European Journal of Health Economics and the International Journal on Environmental Research and Public Health. He is a member of the International Health Economics Association's Arrow Awards Committee, which awards an annual prize in honour of Nobel Laureate Kenneth Arrow for the best paper in the field. He is currently Guest Editor (with Christophe Courbage) on a Special Issue of the Geneva Papers on Risk and Insurance on Insurance and Emerging Health Risks. His current research interests include health service innovations to improve the health of people with chronic kidney disease(CKD). Ongoing interests include the economics of disability and insurance, compensable injury compensation schemes, and the determinants of health. Luke enjoys and has considerable experience teaching economics and health economics at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. In 2014 he was awarded the School of Economics Distinguished Teaching Award for his teaching on UQ's Master of Health Economics Program. In July 2016 and July 2019 he also taught summer schools in Health Economics and the Economics of Insurance at The University of Lucerne, Switzerland. Over the past 10 years he has been a chief investigator on grants totalling more than $70m.

Researcher/consultant/speaker focusing on consumer behavior and user experience marketing research to help companies connect with their consumers through their products. Specializes in behavioral nudges as well as choices for others, survey design, environmental effects, and consumer psychology. Depth of expertise in the food industry with major Fortune 500 companies. Top 40 under 40 Best MBA Professor by Poets and Quants. Has worked on qualitative and quantitative research, brand and corporate strategy as well as consulting on course development, training and research design.

Dr. Bala brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as an Associate Professor in Clinical Pharmacy at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM. He has a proven track record of success in his field, having held key leadership positions such as Director at the Malaysian National Poison Centre and Program Chairman (Clinical Pharmacy) at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM. He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from USM and a PhD from Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK. Additionally, he has been appointed as Visiting Senior Lecturer at King's College London and as a Fellow of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Information at the National Poison Centre. <br> Bala's research focuses on the areas of clinical pharmacy practice and medication safety, as well as geriatric pharmacy. He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles/abstracts and has been invited as a guest speaker at numerous international and domestic scientific events. He is an experienced internal and external examiner for over 40 PhD and Master thesis and has actively reviewed manuscripts for international academic journals. Bala's teaching activities encompass both undergraduate and postgraduate-level instruction, and he has supervised the research of numerous postgraduate students. He is committed to curriculum development and has implemented innovative and interactive teaching methods to improve student learning outcomes. He has successfully graduated 24 students, including 4 PhDs, 4 MSc, and 16 Master in Clinical Pharmacy. He is dedicated to producing sustainable pharmacy education and closing the knowledge transfer gap for students. If you're interested in Clinical Pharmacy, Geriatric pharmacy, Medication Safety, Research and Education, feel free to connect and exchange ideas.