William Cook is a University Professor in the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on combinatorial optimization, computational discrete optimization, and the traveling salesman problem (TSP). He is renowned for co-developing the Concorde TSP Solver , a leading software for solving TSP instances. Cook has held editorial roles in top journals such as Mathematical Programming Computation and Mathematical Programming , and served as Chair of the Mathematical Optimization Society and Vice Chair of INFORMS Computing Society. His research interests include algorithm design, operations research, graph theory, and computational methods for NP-hard problems. Notable contributions include advancing cutting-plane methods, branch-and-bound algorithms, and hybrid optimization techniques. Cook has authored influential books like In Pursuit of the Traveling Salesman and The Traveling Salesman Problem: A Computational Study . Awards include membership in the National Academy of Engineering, SIAM Fellowship, INFORMS Fellowship, and the $100,000 Amazon Last Mile Routing Research Challenge prize (2021). He has advised numerous projects in computational optimization, including studies on deep learning applications and combinatorial algorithm development. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical software tools like QSopt and QSopt_ex .
Wesley Crump serves as an Extension Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Utah State University's College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. His work bridges academic research and community engagement in Wasatch County, Utah. Research Focus: Molecular genetics of sweet cherry quality traits (fruit size, cracking resistance, firmness) and phylogenetic studies of Penstemon species Community Programs: Leads the Wasatch Back Fruit Tree Project (citizen science for local adaptation research), Master Gardener program coordination, and soil testing outreach Outreach Activities: Delivers monthly gardening tips, cooking/textile workshops, and 4-H youth programs His scientific publications emphasize genomic prediction, DNA test development, and comparative plastome analysis. Current projects involve documenting locally adapted fruit trees (apple/peach) through public participation.
Nezihen Otay Lüle is an Assistant Professor at Gaziantep University Faculty of Health Sciences , Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, with a career spanning academic, clinical, and research roles. She holds a PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics (2017-2022) and an MSc in Public Health (2014-2017) from Turkish institutions, alongside a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics (2010-2014) from Trakya University. Her research focuses on nutrition's role in chronic diseases , including cancer , obesity , diabetes , and gastrointestinal disorders , with expertise in functional foods , nutraceuticals , and gut microbiota . She has co-authored 14 book chapters and 4 peer-reviewed articles , including work on Vitamin A in infections and Lipids in cancer , and contributed to 36 conference presentations. She teaches courses ranging from Nutrition in Chronic Diseases to Food Safety and Nutritional Assessment , while holding administrative roles such as Department Vice Chair (2024) and Education Committee Member at Gaziantep University. Her projects include a 3D Adipocyte Culture Study on obesity and autophagy (2022-2023).
Wayne Smith is an Associate Professor at Colorado Mesa University, specializing in Culinary Arts. With over 30 years of industry expertise, he teaches courses like International Cuisine and Advanced Garde Manger, emphasizing hands-on learning and the underlying principles of cooking techniques. He holds a BAS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Colorado Mesa University and an AAS in Culinary Arts from CMU Tech. His culinary interests bridge traditional and modern methods: Old-world techniques : Curing, smoking, pickling Contemporary innovations : Sous-vide cooking and precision equipment Specialized domains : International cuisine, culinary competition strategies Smith is a Certified Executive Chef and Culinary Educator (American Culinary Federation). His industry background includes leadership roles in resort hotels across three U.S. states and ownership of the farm-to-table restaurant 'Grits'.
Dr. Alfadhl Y. Alkhaled serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences since October 2024. His expertise bridges agricultural engineering and data science for sustainable farming solutions. His academic foundation includes: PhD in Agricultural Mechanization and Automation Engineering, University Putra Malaysia (2019) MS in Agricultural Mechanization and Automation Engineering, University Putra Malaysia (2015) BE in Electronics (Bio-Instrumentation Engineering), Multimedia University (2012) Dr. Alkhaled's research pioneers AI-driven agricultural innovation , focusing on hyperspectral remote sensing , non-destructive quality assessment , and smart farming systems . His work develops machine learning models for yield prediction, disease detection in crops like oil palm and potatoes, and postharvest preservation techniques – directly addressing food security challenges through sensor fusion and IoT integration. His 15+ recent publications (2020-2025) reveal a clear trajectory toward data-intensive precision agriculture , with increasing emphasis on multi-sensor integration (acoustic, hyperspectral, dielectric) and AI optimization for crop management. Key application areas include potato nitrogen management, apple quality monitoring, and oil palm disease detection. Notable recognitions include: People's Choice Award for Best 3MT Presentation (2020) University of Kentucky 3MT 2nd Place (2020) University Putra Malaysia Best Thesis Award (2019) Gold Medal for Cooking Oil Quality Detector (i-ENVEX 2014) As an active researcher and educator, Dr. Alkhaled secures continuous funding evidenced by his publication pipeline and prior fellowships. He mentors students through AGME 283 coursework and research projects, emphasizing hands-on sensor technology experience. His teaching innovation extends to developing the Spectroscopy Analysis curriculum and delivering specialized guest lectures on digital farming. Dr. Alkhaled leads research initiatives in agricultural sensor development and data analytics, with current projects focused on magnetically treated irrigation systems, hyperspectral nitrogen management, and synergistic drying techniques – positioning his team at the forefront of climate-resilient farming solutions.
Lawrence J Jennings, MD, PhD is a Professor of Pathology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, serving as Director of Genomic Pathology. His expertise integrates genomic technologies with clinical diagnostics to advance cancer classification and treatment through molecular pathology. His educational background includes: BS: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1989) MD: University of Illinois College of Medicine (1993) PhD: Rush University The Graduate College (2001) Residency: Northwestern University, General Surgery (1996) Fellowship: Cook County Hospital, Burn Surgery (1997) Residency/Chief Resident: University of Illinois at Chicago, Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (2004) Fellowship: Northwestern University, Molecular Genetic Pathology (2006) Dr. Jennings' research centers on genomic applications in cancer diagnostics, with emphasis on methylation profiling, chromosomal abnormalities, and biomarker discovery in hematologic malignancies and brain tumors. His leadership in developing molecular testing standards has significantly influenced clinical practice guidelines for precision oncology. His 2025 publications reveal consistent focus on translating genomic discoveries into clinical diagnostics, spanning acute myeloid leukemia methylation patterns, homologous recombination deficiency testing protocols, meningioma genomics, and NF1-mutated myeloid neoplasms. Scientific awards include: Meritorious Service Award, Association for Molecular Pathology (2025) CLSI Service Recognition Award, Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (2024) Lifetime Achievement Award, College of American Pathologists (2015) Chief Resident, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine (2000) Outstanding Performance on the Surgical Clerkship, University of Illinois College of Medicine (1993) Dr. Bertram Richardson Scholarship, University of Illinois College of Medicine (1993) Graduation with Honors, University of Illinois College of Medicine (1993) Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, University of Illinois College of Medicine (1992) Bronze Tablet, Highest University Honors, University of Illinois—Champaign/Urbana (1989) Phi Beta Kappa, University of Illinois—Champaign/Urbana (1989) Dr. Jennings maintains extensive national leadership in molecular diagnostics standardization through roles in the Association for Molecular Pathology, College of American Pathologists, and Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. His division directs genomic testing implementation while mentoring next-generation pathologists through professional society engagement. As Director of Genomic Pathology, he leads Northwestern Medicine's clinical genomics program, integrating cutting-edge sequencing technologies with diagnostic pathology to establish precision oncology frameworks across hematopathology and neuropathology services.
R. Budd Haemer serves as a Professorial Lecturer in Law at The George Washington University Law School while concurrently holding the position of Senior Nuclear Counsel for American Electric Power at the DC Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman, Michigan. His legal practice spans nuclear regulatory compliance, commercial transactions, employee relations, and government affairs, drawing from prior experience at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and U.S. Navy service in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. His academic credentials include: BS in Chemical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center Haemer's expertise centers on nuclear regulatory frameworks and energy sector legal challenges , with deep specialization in State and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) compliance, radiological protection protocols, and nuclear facility operations. His practical experience bridges naval nuclear engineering and commercial power generation, providing unique insights into defueling processes, quality assurance systems, and government affairs within the energy sector. As an educator, he extends this knowledge through energy and business law instruction at Lake Michigan College. His career trajectory demonstrates a consistent integration of technical nuclear operations with legal practice, positioning him as a specialist in high-stakes regulatory environments where engineering precision meets complex legal requirements in nuclear power generation and safety compliance.
Chef Shirley Cheng is a dedicated culinary instructor at The Culinary Institute of America with 30 years of teaching experience. As a Chengdu-native, she brings authentic Chinese culinary expertise to her classroom, specializing in Asian cuisines through a 14-day intensive course covering six countries. Her legendary '30-second chicken breakdown' demonstration has earned her social media recognition with over 110,000 views on Instagram. Cheng's teaching philosophy emphasizes holistic kitchen management alongside technical skills, instructing students in time management, teamwork, and professional kitchen operations. She believes 'anyone can read recipes, but they need to learn the kitchen as a whole.' Her signature teaching elements include GGS (Ginger, Garlic, Scallion) techniques and authentic dumpling preparation that students consistently remember from her classes. Cheng leads the Food, Wine, & (Agri)Culture Trip to China, providing students with immersive cultural experiences. Despite initial challenges with English-language instruction that required voice therapy early in her career, she has developed a dynamic teaching style that balances her Chinese culinary foundation with American culinary education standards. She remains actively engaged in the classroom, stating 'being in the classroom is where she shines and plans to stay' rather than retiring after three decades of teaching. CIA Faculty Member of the Year award recipient Specializes in fast, precise food preparation techniques Known for 'the Chinese way' cooking approach that blends tradition with practicality Cheng maintains an active presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where she shares food photography and culinary techniques. She encourages female students to 'stand out with your culinary skills' when seeking respect in professional kitchens, and continues to refine her own skills through international travel and exploration of diverse Asian restaurants.
Livia Lazarus serves as an Assistant Professor in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her teaching portfolio includes foundational courses such as General Chemistry I and II, alongside specialized offerings like Chemistry and Culture of Food and Cooking and Survey of Biochemistry. Her educational credentials feature a PhD in Chemistry from Utah State University (2020) and a B.S. in Biochemistry from Minnesota State University (2016), where she participated in the Honors Program. Dr. Lazarus's research pioneers carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) with precision targeting capabilities for cellular organelles. Her work integrates chemical synthesis with biological evaluation to develop therapeutics leveraging gasotransmitters, emphasizing mitochondrial bioenergetics and logic-gated release mechanisms. This positions her at the intersection of medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and advanced drug delivery systems. Her publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in CORM design, progressing from fundamental molecular logic gates (2017) to organelle-specific delivery systems (2022), with recurring themes in flavonol-based scaffolds and stimulus-responsive release. Recognition includes competitive funding during doctoral studies: American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship (2018) Graduate Research and Creative Opportunities award (2018) Utah State University Presidential Doctoral Research Fellowship She maintains active undergraduate mentorship through research-intensive coursework and office hours, with ongoing exploration of gasotransmitter applications in cellular physiology.
