Prof. Rainer Lehmann serves as Principal Investigator at the Helmholtz Diabetes Center within the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), holding a professorship in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tübingen. He directs the Clinical Chemistry Lab, focusing on translational research in metabolic disorders through advanced biochemical analytics. His research program centers on diabetes pathophysiology and metabolic disease mechanisms, utilizing cutting-edge metabolomics and lipidomics to identify diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Key investigations explore bariatric surgery outcomes, exercise-induced metabolic adaptations, and sex-specific diagnostic patterns in prediabetes, emphasizing personalized intervention strategies for at-risk populations. Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals consistent leadership in multicenter studies examining metabolic surgery benefits, urine-based biomarker discovery, and mitochondrial adaptations to lifestyle interventions. His work demonstrates strong collaboration across the DZD network, particularly in elucidating subphenotype-specific responses to diabetes prevention strategies. As head of the Clinical Chemistry Lab, Lehmann drives innovation in preanalytical sample handling and metabolite profiling, contributing to standardized protocols for clinical lipidomics and metabolomics research within the German diabetes research community.
Dr. Marc A. Adams serves as the Assistant Dean of Education and Interim Program Director of the MPH in the School of Technology for Public Health at Arizona State University, while also holding a Professor position in the College of Health Solutions. He maintains additional affiliations with the Institute for Social Science Research as both a faculty member and Affiliated Faculty, and serves as a Senior Global Futures Scientist within the Global Futures Scientists and Scholars program. His academic leadership spans multiple institutional units focused on public health innovation and research. Dr. Adams' educational background includes a PhD in Public Health from the University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University (2009), an MPH in Public Health from San Diego State University (2003), a BA in Psychology from San Diego State University (2001), and postdoctoral training in Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Prevention at the University of California, San Diego (2011). As a behavioral scientist and epidemiologist, Dr. Adams' research spans the intersection of digital health interventions, physical activity promotion, and behavioral nutrition within diverse neighborhood contexts. His work integrates advanced AI and deep learning techniques to map pedestrian environment features across thousands of US neighborhoods, revealing critical inequities in built environments. He develops and tests interventions that consider how urban planning features interact with behavior change strategies to increase physical activity and healthy eating, particularly among underserved populations. His methodological expertise includes epidemiologic methodology, clinical trial design, and the development of ecological models for understanding behavior-environment interactions. Dr. Adams is an active member of the International Physical Activity and Environment Network (IPEN), contributing to international comparative research on how city design influences physical activity levels across 14 global cities. Dr. Adams' recent publications reveal a strong focus on neighborhood walkability, digital health interventions, and the use of AI to analyze built environments for public health purposes. His research consistently examines how environmental features moderate the effectiveness of physical activity interventions, with particular attention to socioeconomic disparities. The methodological approaches in his work span from traditional epidemiological studies to cutting-edge computer vision applications for analyzing street-level imagery at scale. Dr. Adams has secured substantial research funding from multiple sources including NIH, American Heart Association, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. His current projects include "Developing AI-measures of Pedestrian Environment Features for Physical Activity and Cancer Prevention in Rural Communities" (NIH/NCI, $413,673), "PED-PHAM: An Automated and Scalable Spatial Tool" (NIH/NHLBI SBIR, $275,000), and "WalkIT Arizona: Neighborhood walkability and moderation of adaptive interventions for physical activity" (NIH/NCI, $2,620,000). He serves as Principal Investigator on multiple projects while also collaborating as Co-Investigator on large-scale international studies through IPEN. His grant portfolio demonstrates expertise in both intervention development and environmental measurement, with a consistent focus on translating research findings into practical applications for public health practice. Dr. Adams leads research teams focused on developing and validating AI tools for assessing pedestrian environments and testing how these environmental features interact with digital health interventions. His work with the International Physical Activity and Environment Network connects him to a global consortium of researchers examining built environment influences on physical activity across diverse cultural contexts. His laboratory work bridges computer science, public health, and urban planning disciplines to create innovative approaches for measuring and improving neighborhood environments that support healthy behaviors.
Dr. Leslie Redmond serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences within the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba. Her research focuses on developing culturally grounded nutrition interventions for minoritized populations, with particular emphasis on Indigenous communities across Canada and Native American reservations in the United States. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Nutrition from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, an MSc in Exercise Physiology from James Madison University, and a BSc in Food Science from Clemson University. These diverse foundations inform her interdisciplinary approach to public health nutrition. Dr. Redmond's research program centers on three interconnected pillars: (1) theory-based, culturally appropriate nutrition interventions co-developed with communities; (2) prevention strategies for diet-related chronic diseases in marginalized populations; and (3) sustainable solutions to food insecurity among college students. Her work frequently addresses Indigenous food sovereignty, gestational diabetes in urban Indigenous women, and obesity prevention through community-centered frameworks. Analysis of her recent publication trajectory reveals consistent focus on Indigenous health contexts across North America, with significant contributions to understanding traditional food systems, community-based obesity interventions (notably the OPREVENT2 trial), and circumpolar food security challenges. Her methodological approach emphasizes community-based participatory research and culturally safe practices. Dr. Redmond actively supervises graduate students through the university's formal inquiry process and has led multi-institutional projects including the OPREVENT2 obesity prevention trial across six Native American communities. Her research demonstrates strong community partnerships with Indigenous organizations in Manitoba, Alaska, and reservation communities throughout the United States, translating evidence into practical health solutions for vulnerable populations.
Tess Killpack is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Salem State University. She specializes in biology education, focusing on skill-building in introductory courses, active and inclusive pedagogy, and faculty professional development for inclusive practices. Lead Faculty for Biology Secondary Education Biological Systems (BIO105) Course Coordinator Her research emphasizes pedagogical innovation, including equity-focused lab course redesign, scaffolding experimental design skills, and integrating inclusive teaching practices. She collaborates on projects involving DNA barcoding, remote-learning frameworks, and curriculum interventions for anti-racism in biology education. Her publications span biology education, ecological immunology, and environmental science, with recent work centered on inclusive teaching tools like First-Day Info Sheets and Deep Teaching Residency workshops. Key presentations include invited webinars and practitioner workshops at institutions like Howard Hughes Medical Institute and DePauw University. Scientific Awards : Editor’s Choice, Journal of Avian Biology (2013) She has delivered numerous refereed and invited presentations on inclusive pedagogy, including collaborations with Bryan Dewsbury on the Deep Teaching Residency program. Her teaching portfolio includes courses in DNA barcoding, biology internships, and methods of teaching secondary science.
William Lunn is a Professor and Program Coordinator for Exercise and Sport Science at Southern Connecticut State University within the College of Health & Human Services. His teaching interests include exercise physiology, exercise metabolism, nutrition, and research methods. His research focuses on protein metabolism, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), nutritional ketosis, and performance testing validation. Research & Grants Grant: "Effects of a Whole-Food Nutritional Supplement on Glycemic Response in Euglycemic Adults" sponsored by Soquel, Inc. (2019–Present). Key Presentations 2022: "Lipid-Protein Co-Ingestion Before High-Glycemic Challenge Attenuates Glycemic Response in Normoglycemic Adults" at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting. 2018: "Where Chocolate Milk Has Brought Me: Postexercise Recovery, HIIT, Low-Carb Diets, and Protein Metabolism" at the New England American College of Sports Medicine/National Strength & Conditioning Association meeting. 2023: "Cannabidiol Supplementation Alleviates Anxiety, Mitigates Pain, Extends Endurance, and Facilitates Greater Exercise Exertion" at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting. Scientific Contributions Collaborated on studies about chocolate milk for recovery, CBD supplementation, and insole technology for athletic performance. Developed validation protocols for exercise testing equipment and body composition analysis.
Professor Michael Hamlin serves as a full Professor in the Department of Tourism, Sport & Society at Lincoln University, New Zealand, where he directs the Sport and Exercise Science Laboratory and chairs the Environment, Society and Design Research Committee. His academic leadership spans over two decades with continuous appointments since 1999. Hamlin specializes in exercise physiology with world-renowned expertise in altitude/hypoxic training applications. His interdisciplinary research bridges elite athletic performance (including work with British & Irish Lions rugby and Olympic triathletes) and health outcomes for sedentary populations and chronic disease patients. Key research domains include concussion mechanisms in rugby, blood flow restriction training, and physiological adaptations to hypoxic environments. His work directly informs altitude training guidelines for elite sporting organizations globally. As a triple Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, European College of Sport Science, and Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand, Hamlin maintains significant editorial roles including Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. His research impact extends through media engagement with major publications and broadcasts, plus strategic partnerships with High Performance Sport New Zealand and national sporting bodies. Current projects examine hypoxic basketball training, concussion biomechanics, and protein supplementation effects on aging populations. Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine Fellow of the European College of Sport Science Fellow of Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand Hamlin actively supervises PhD candidates investigating blood flow restriction, rugby head impacts, and pediatric physical activity while maintaining robust industry partnerships including the Asia Pacific Football Academy development. His leadership in negotiating the Athlete Friendly Tertiary Network memorandum demonstrates commitment to balancing elite athletic and academic development. Current research directions focus on hypoxic conditioning mechanisms, rugby safety innovations, and translational applications of exercise physiology across the human performance spectrum.
Dr. Severine Bouard is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Management at Lincoln University, specializing in Human Geography with a focus on Indigenous Pacific livelihoods and environmental governance. Her research examines social change in Pacific territories, particularly how Indigenous communities navigate the commodification of nature while maintaining cultural connections to land and sea. Her research interests include: Indigenous Pacific livelihoods and resource management Commodification of nature and Indigenous discourses Social transformations in Pacific territories Decolonial approaches to environmental governance Participatory policy co-construction with Indigenous communities Dr. Bouard's extensive publication record demonstrates expertise in water governance, mining impacts, food systems, and Indigenous rights across the Pacific region. Her work shows consistent focus on New Caledonia, with particular attention to Kanak communities and their relationship with customary lands, water resources, and economic development. She employs deeply fieldwork-rooted methodologies that prioritize Indigenous knowledge systems and community perspectives. Her scientific contributions include: Editorial service as Associate Editor for the Australasian Journal of Water Resources Leadership in multiple research programs on natural resource management Current research on the Nexus Agriculture and Food in the Pacific (New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna) Dr. Bouard actively engages in collaborative projects, serves on advisory committees, and supervises Masters and PhD students. Her work aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals including poverty reduction, gender equality, climate action, and life on land and below water.
Elizabeth T. Powers is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), serving as Director of Undergraduate Programs. She holds affiliations with the Institute of Government & Public Affairs (Partnering Scholar), Family Resiliency Center, and Center for the Study of Global Gender Equity. Her research focuses on public policy impacts on well-being, caregiving systems, child development, and gender disparities in economics education. Dr. Powers earned her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and B.A. from Vassar College. Prior roles include economist positions at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and U.S. Council of Economic Advisers. Her work has influenced policy decisions, including Supreme Court rulings on caregiver labor disputes and state-level childcare regulations. She has conducted groundbreaking studies on childcare program efficacy during crises, gender participation in economics fields, and long-term care workforce challenges. Current projects address childcare infrastructure resilience and parental decision-making. Her research has been supported by grants from institutions like the Joint Centers for Poverty Research and Michigan Retirement Research Center. Awards include recognition for policy-relevant scholarship, though no explicit awards are listed. Public service includes data analysis for Illinois Department of Human Services and expert testimony in critical social welfare cases.
Dr. Angela Maria Gonella-Diaza is an Assistant Professor in Beef Cattle Reproduction at the University of Florida's North Florida Research and Education Center. Born in Colombia, her early exposure to agricultural production shaped her career in veterinary science and reproductive physiology. She earned her DVM from the National University of Colombia, followed by a Master's in Reproductive Physiology and a Ph.D. at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. Her postdoctoral research focused on molecular patterns of reproductive tract receptivity in beef cows. Dr. Gonella-Diaza's work emphasizes improving reproductive efficiency in Bos indicus breeds through molecular, metabolomic, and genetic approaches. Her research interests include heat stress mitigation strategies, embryo transfer optimization, and the role of metabolomics in bovine reproduction. She has developed protocols for estrus synchronization and pregnancy diagnostics, contributing to practical advancements in beef cattle management. Key themes in her work include understanding how environmental factors like temperature and dietary supplements influence reproductive outcomes and offspring health. Dr. Gonella-Diaza has published extensively on topics such as conceptus survival mechanisms, maternal-offspring metabolic interactions, and the application of microRNA profiling to predict placental phenotypes. Her research bridges fundamental biology with applied agricultural solutions, aiming to enhance livestock productivity and sustainability in subtropical climates.
Dr. Abani Pradhan is a Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He leads the Center for Food Safety and Security Systems and advises student organizations like the Food Science Club and the Graduate Student Organization. His expertise spans food safety, microbial risk assessment, and AI-driven analytics. Educated at institutions including Cornell University and Indian Institute of Technology, he holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Food Engineering. Research focuses on foodborne pathogens (e.g., Listeria, Salmonella), predictive microbiology, and integrating genomics with risk assessment. He teaches courses like Food Safety Risk Assessment and Food Quality Control. Recognized with over 30 awards, including the Dean Gordon Cairns Award and Chauncey Starr Award, he also serves on national advisory committees and professional societies like the Society for Risk Analysis. His interdisciplinary work addresses global food safety challenges through machine learning and systems modeling.
Anita Stefoska-Needham is a Senior Lecturer and Career Development Senior Fellow at the University of Wollongong's School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds advanced credentials as an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian (AdvAPD) and has expertise in food innovation, clinical trials, and commercialization. Her roles include Academic Program Director for the Bachelor of Nutrition Science degree and Chairperson of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Wollongong Branch since 2020. Educational Background: PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics (2012–2016) MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics (1998–1999) BSc in Nutrition and Biology (1993–1996) Research Interests: Focus on novel grains (e.g., sorghum), sustainable food systems, gamification in health, and nutrition management for chronic conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and CKD. Recent work includes exploring diet quality in athletes and dietary impacts on kidney disease outcomes. Grants & Awards: Secured funding from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, University of Wollongong, and others. Recognitions include the Young Researcher Award (2015) and King and Amy O'Malley Scholarship (2014). Teaching & Supervision: Leads courses in Allied Health Practice and Nutrition & Food Innovation. Supervises PhD research on topics like food system sustainability, MS nutritional tools, and diet-related health inequities. Nominated twice for Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning (OCTAL) awards. Labs/Teams: Collaborates on projects such as the SYMBIOTiC Study (CKD and diet) and circular economy initiatives for local agri-food systems.
Macarena Farcuh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her research focuses on enhancing fruit quality, nutritional value, and shelf-life through systems biology, physiology, and molecular approaches. She aims to reduce postharvest waste and promote sustainable agriculture while improving consumer satisfaction. Education: Ph.D., University of California, Davis (2017): Horticulture and Agronomy M.S., University of Chile (2007): Agricultural Sciences (Fruit Production) B.S., University of Chile (2005): Agricultural Sciences (with Distinction) Research Interests: Her work integrates systems biology, sensory science, and biochemistry to study fruit ripening, ethylene regulation, and postharvest storage solutions. Key areas include optimizing apple and peach quality, reducing food waste, and developing sustainable horticultural practices. Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize the use of reflective groundcovers, UV treatments, and genetic modifications to enhance fruit quality and mitigate pre/postharvest challenges. Studies often explore ethylene signaling pathways and their impact on pigmentation, shelf-life, and consumer preferences. Awards & Honors: Keller Pathway Fellowship Program Fellow (2016-2017) Trellis Fund Award (2014-2015) Henry A. Jastro Graduate Research Award (2012-2014) Best Student in Agricultural Sciences, University of Chile (2007) Advising & Grants: Her research has been supported by grants from the Horticulture Innovation Lab and UC Davis Child Institute. She collaborates with industry partners to bridge academic and commercial applications in fruit production. Labs/Teams: Leads the Fruit Quality Lab , focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to horticultural challenges.
Dr. Sandra Saperstein is a Lecturer in Behavioral and Community Health at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. Her work focuses on digital health applications and accessible public health education. Her research examines technology-based health interventions, health informatics solutions, and accessibility in online learning environments. She investigates how digital tools can enhance public health education and program evaluation. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on digital health implementation, health communication technologies, and accessibility in public health contexts. Recent work explores mindfulness-based online programs and digital health adoption patterns.
Dr. Laura Brown is a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition, Food and Health Sciences at Teesside University, affiliated with the School of Health and Life Sciences (SHLS). She holds a BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science from Teesside University (2005), an MSc in Sports and Exercise Nutrition from Loughborough University, and a PhD from the University of Hull (2009) on carbohydrate ingestion effects on metabolism and exercise performance. Her research focuses on obesity prevention through dietary interventions, the impact of diet/exercise on health outcomes, and optimizing athletic performance through nutrition. She has conducted extensive studies on school food policies, adolescent nutrition, and the effects of public health policies on eating behaviors. Recent publications emphasize school food provision challenges during the pandemic, EU-wide interventions for youth nutrition, and historical policy analysis in UK school meals. Her work combines epidemiological methods with mixed-methods evaluations to assess policy effectiveness. She has collaborated with institutions like the NHS, York St John University, and the Universities of Derby and Hull. Dr. Brown has advised one documented student (name redacted) and contributed to interdisciplinary research teams focused on food systems and public health. No grants or awards are explicitly listed in her profile.
Jess Gerrior is a Lecturer in the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Systems at the University of New Hampshire's College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. Her work encompasses teaching, research in agroforestry, and regional food systems development. Research interests include sustainable agriculture, food security initiatives, agricultural conservation, and environmental education. Courses taught span culinary arts, horticulture, plant pathology, and community nutrition. Publications analyze community gardening's social impacts and historical/cultural dimensions of food systems through autoethnographic and narrative approaches.
