Marjo-Riitta Järvelin, MD, MSc, PhD, FFPM, is Professor and Chair in Lifecourse Epidemiology at Imperial College London (IC), UK, also holding a visiting professorship at Brunel University London, UK and a part-time professorship at the University of Oulu, Finland. She has been running large-scale population-based studies for over 25 years, working on the genetic and early life environmental origins of multi-factorial diseases and disorders. She is a Scientific Director of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort (NFBC) research program and has an active role in research training as Director of Postgraduate Studies at School of Public Health, IC. Professor Järvelin has published over 700 original papers. She has been nominated on several prestigious visiting and collaboration awards, has received an award of Excellence in Genetic Epidemiology at Imperial College London, been honoured by the title, Epidemiologist of the Year in Finland and invited to join the Finnish Academy of Sciences.

Challenging life course approaches and their implications: New research concepts

Mircea Onofriescu is a Professor at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr.T. Popa", Iasi and Head of Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital “Cuza-Vodă”, Iasi. He has an MD, PhD in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gestational Diabetes and Maternal-Fetal Influences. Ability in Materno-Fetal Medicine, Ultrasonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hysteroscopy, Laparoscopy in Gynecology, In Vitro Fertilization. He is the President of the Romanian Society Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Romanian Society Reproductive Medicine. He is a Member of 10 international scientific associations and 12 Romanian scientific associations. He has experience in clinical trials, which include two international studies and six national grants. He has published 15 books as an Author and Co-Author.

Obesity in obstetrics

Mohamed Eddouks is Professor at Moulay Ismail University, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Errachidia, Morocco. He is a researcher in Physiology and Pharmacology with a Master Degree in Metabolic and Molecular Endocrinology from University of Paris vi, a specialized certificate in Endocrine Pharmacology from University of Paris vii and PhD degrees in Physiology and Pharmacology from University of Liege, Belgium and Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco. After his post-doctoral fellowship at Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of Montreal, Canada, he is working for the last 16 years on medicinal plants. His work on antidiabetic and antihypertensive plants is well recognized globally. His research focuses on ethnobiological as well as pharmacological issues in the use of Moroccan medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, obesity and hypertension. His contribution to this field includes four international books and more than 80 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters of international repute. He is Guest Editor of American Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Lead Guest Editor of an annual special issue published by Evidence-Based and Complementary Alternative Medicine, Regional Editor of the Following journals: American Journal of Food Technology, Journal of Applied Sciences, Trends in Applied Sciences Research and Singapore Journal of Scientific research, Member of Editorial Board of several international journals. He has been honored with the first Prize of Scientific Research in 2008 by the Moroccan Association of Research and Development and the first Prize of the Federation of Arab Scientific Councils in 2016. He has been the Dean of Polydisciplinary Faculty of Errachidia from 2008 to 2012.

His research focuses on ethnobiological as well as pharmacological issues in the use of Moroccan medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, obesity and hypertension.

Sanjay Chatterjee has completed his MBBS (1979), MD (1983), Dip.BMSc, Certificate on Diabetology Care from Newcastle University, Australia

Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance. Cardiovascular complications Clinical Research in Diabetology Good Clinical Practice Certification for clinical trials – 2015 (last) Principal Investigator of several Multi-center, International Trials

experienced bariatric surgeon and the medical director of ICBS – Israeli Center of Bariatric Surgery for the last 12 years.council member off the Israeli association of metabolic and bariatric surgery

gastroenterology,bariatric surgery

Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams University,Head of the Clinical Nutrition Department International Medical Centre.

Nutrition

Haleama Al Sabbah is an Associate Professor and Researcher in Public Health Nutrition. She completed her Ph.D in Public Health Nutrition (Medical Sciences) in 2008 from the Faculty of Medicine,/ Gent University, Belgium.

Diabetes self-management, nutrition-related behaviors, overweight and obesity, body weight dissatisfaction, weight control behaviors.

HOD/Consultant Nutritionist at The Kidney Centre PGTI, President,Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society(PNDS)2013-2017.

Nutrition , Diet plans .

He is Professor of the School of Endocrinology of Pisa.Physician surgeon specializing in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases and in Nuclear Medicine. Director of Thyroid Care Centers in the cities of Pisa, Milan, Rome, Benevento, Lecce and Palermo. He deals with the treatment with 131-I (radiometabolic therapy) for patients with hyperthyroidism, in its various forms, and with differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Endocrinology, Nuclear Medicine and thyroid carcinoma.

Sunil Mathur, Ph.D., M.Phil., M.Sc., MBA, is a Professor at the Georgia Regents University. Dr. Mathur is the author of the book “Statistical Bioinformatics using R”, published by Academic Press, USA in 2010. Dr. Mathur is an academic editor of PLOS ONE, Special Issue Editor and Editorial Member of Journal of Translational Medicine & Epidemiology, Editorial Board Member of Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health, Editorial Board Member of Austin Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology, Associate Editor of International Journal of Statistics and Systems, and Global Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics and reviewer for several international journals. Dr. Mathur is a reviewer of grant applications for the Department of Defense and NIH. Dr. Mathur’s research interests are in both biostatistical applications and methodological development of biostatistics. His research interests include childhood obesity, cancer research, public health, nonparametric statistics, likelihood procedures, genomics, biostatistics, and epidemiology. Dr. Mathur is working in the area of pediatric obesity, the number of children who are overweight and obese is increasing rapidly world-wide, and the World Health Organization has declared obesity as one of the largest epidemics of modern times. In order to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity, there is a pressing need to understand the association among different factors (genetic and non-genetic) and childhood obesity. Dr. Mathur is working to establish the association of several factors and obesity among children and examine the moderating role of birth weight, race, and maternal smoking status during pregnancy.

Childhood obesity Cancer research Public health Nonparametric statistics Likelihood procedures Genomics Biostatistics Epidemiology

Vaclav Bunc has earned his PhD from TU Prague in 1979. He is a Vice Dean of Faculty of PE and Sports at Charles University Prague. His main research topics are: obesity management, application of mathematical methods and models in PE and sport, evaluation of physical fitness, exercise physiology, functional and physical testing in laboratory and field, body composition, BIA methods and moving regimes for prevention. He has published more than 350 papers in Czech and internationally reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute.

obesity management, physical fitness, exercise physiology

Prof. Lucia Pacific Pediatrics Assistant Professor of Sapienza University of Rome; Currently Professor holds the position of Executive Level I and Head of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Hepatology in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Neurology, Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Rome. Her research interest are: Pediatric Hepatology (cholestasis, jaundice, metabolic diseases of the liver); Fatty liver in children; Nutrition; Markers of inflammation and cardiometabolic risk in children with visceral obesity; Pediatric Gastrointestinal infections Lucia Pacifico graduated in Medicine and Surgery (1977) at the University "Sapienza" of Rome with honors, specializing in Pediatrics (with honors), with specialization in Neonatology with honors at the "Sapienza" University of Rome. Her later obtained a degree in Medicine and Surgery recognized in the United States (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates - 1979; Visa Qualifyng Examination- 1980). Her holds the License to a doctor surgeon recognized in the United States (Board of Medical Examiners - 1982).

Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition

Cristiana Pop is currently a full Professor at Bucharest Economic Studies University. She has her expertise in “Teaching physical education in higher education and training athletics mainly for university contests”. Her main research interests are in “Education quality and social issues related with health, physical activity, eating behaviors and wellbeing”. She has authored “The role of physical activity in promoting well-being (2015), Athletics for Students (2013)” and other few books promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. She is member of Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, member of Romanian Athletic Federation (women commission) and has research collaboration with Romanian Academy Anthropological Institute Research Center. She is serving as Senior Editor and Editorial Board Member of several reviews in education, health and sport sciences domain.

Eating behaviors and wellbeing, Healthy lifestyle

Professor Mehmet Emre Atabek has completed his Ph.D. at the age of 37 years from Erciyes University and postdoctoral studies from Selcuk University School of Meram Medicine. He is the director of Pediatric Endocrinology, a premier pediatric endocrinolgy and diabetology service organization. He has published more than 120 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute. He has been interested in searching metabolic problems of obese children in most of his articles. His articles have been cited more than 1100 citations by another article in Web of Science so far. He continues to work as head of the Department of Pedaitric Endocrinolgy, Necmettin Erbakan University.

Pedaitric Endocrinolgy, Diabetology

Lynn Romejko Jacobs' prior appointment (1980) to S.M.U. found her developing a passion and interest in adult fitness as the physical supervisor at the Dallas Cardiac Institute working to rehabilitate patients who had undergone heart surgery. She also spent two years as an Athletic Director for the oil corporation, the Western Company of N.A. in Ft. Worth, Texas. Designing employees' fitness programs along with coordinating incentives and benefits within the company were strategic to the success of this experience. These two experiences prepared her for a continued growth in adult fitness and wellness. Lynn joined the faculty at SMU in 1980 as an Assistant Professor and now currently enjoys the appointment of Full Professor . During her early years she designed and implemented a well received exercise program for the faculty and staff, the "Out to Lunch Bunch". She assisted Dr. Birdie Barr in implementing a comprehensive wellness program with employee benefits in the early 1980's. Teaching highlights during this period of the '80's focused on: ballroom/folk dance, corporate fitness practicum and internships for the Physical Education majors on the Corporate Fitness Track. In the 1990's, Lynn took part in a spearhead committee to design the current "CHOICES for Living Program" along with Dr. Birdie Barr and Dr. Peter Gifford. This committee designed our current wellness program that delivers two general education requirements for all SMU students-Concepts of Wellness and CHOICES II activity classes. The mission of this program is to:"empower students to make meaningful choices". Also, during this time (1990), Lynn initiated the wellness experience out at the SMU in Taos, Fort Burgwin Research Center in Taos, New Mexico, one of the SMU auxiliary campuses. She designed and developed the course "Mountain Sports" which is still sought after by many SMU students when studying at the Taos campus. She also initiated the indoor cycling course,"spinning" for the CHOICES II activity curriculum. Along with Dr. Peter Gifford, Lynn helped to create and develop a new major, Applied Physiology and Sport Management (September 2007-present). During this time, she was named the Director of Applied Physiology and Enterprise (concentration of the major, Applied Physiology and Sport Management). She taught the courses in Nutrition and Applied Physiology and Enterprise along with supervising the majors' internships for the Applied Physiology and Enterprise concentration. Lynn is also the advisor for these majors. Awards Lynn finds meaningful to her spanning years of 43 teaching are: Distinguished University Citizen Award, Southern Methodist University (provost's office, May 17, 2008- given once a year to faculty that have distinguished themselves through service within the university and out in the community); Hope Award for teaching excellence, S.M.U., 2003; Sam Taylor Fellowship scholarship, October, 1982 and the Outstanding Big Sister Award for Tarrant County, 1981. Dr. Peter Gifford and Lynn designed a research project, (Fall, 2009). The topic: "Reality versus Perception: Percent Body Fat and Body Mass Index Scores in College Student". Some of Lynn's earlier research relates to her current research pursuits: "An Analysis of the Somatograms of the Reference Woman, Young Caucasian Women (ages 20-24) and Young Hispanic Women Currently Residing in Texas", AAHPERD Research Poster Consortium Session, April 1994, Denver, CO. Lynn's long term commitment to the SMU wellness program can be exhibited in several of her publications and presentations: "Did Wellness Work at SMU?" Health Values, Vol. 10 No. 5, September/October, 1986 (co-authored with Dr. Marilynn Barr), "SMU Wellness: the Holistic Approach" seminar at Hunt Oil Corporation, Dallas, TX. 1998, "SMU Wellness" , presentation at GTE Corporation Headquarters, Irving, TX. November 1993, "Physical Education to Wellness: Undergraduate Wellness Requirement" AAHPERD National Convention, Washington D.C., 1993, and 7th Annual Hawaii International Conference on Education, "Wellness and the College Student: Innovative Instructional Strategies and Meaningful Student Outcomes"(Gober, 2008), Academic, International, published in proceedings, January, 2009. This international conference presentation has been requested to be submitted as a possible publication to the Research in Higher Education Journal. Lynn Jacobs' Teaching Philosophy "I absolutely love the dynamic exchange between student and teacher not knowing quite how any session in the classroom will end up. The possibility of me as the teacher changing a space in the world so that the students I taught are different than they were before I taught them amazes me. I do have an unshakable belief in the individual's capacity to learn and change. Teaching is igniting one to think and live differently. This belief has kept me in the profession for thirty- six years. Yes, it is a transformative experience through a creative relationship. Both teacher and student are transformed; both are learning partners and facilitators of the process. No longer in education is the scenario the sage on the stage; it is the guide on the side. Teachers can no longer hide behind the podium." Education: B.A. Southern Methodist University, 1974, Texas Secondary Teaching Certificate in Physical Education, Health and Speech Arts M.A. Southern Methodist University, 1978 Ph.D. Texas Woman's University, 1989, Kinesiology (exercise science emphasis) Dissertation: "An Analysis of the Somatograms of the Reference Woman and Young Caucasian Women (age 20-24 years)" Reference Woman of the 1940's (Behnke's) with Reference Woman of the 1980's. The research focuses on comparing body type differences expressed through somotagrams (circumference measurements). Current Professional Licensures and Certifications: "Primary Group Exercise Certification", Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, National. (February 2007 - Present). Lead adults in group exercise with safety and sound biomechanical and physiological principles "Adult and Child CPR&Airway Management", NOLS-Wilderness Medicine Institute, International. (March 30, 2008 - March 30, 2010). Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. This certificate is used while working with students in a physical setting. "Wilderness Safety", NOLS, International. (March 30, 2008 - March 30, 2010). Safety, rescue and lifesaving procedures to use in the wilderness. This certificate was used to teach in the SMU in Taos program. "Spinning License/Certification", Madd Dogg Athletics, International. (July 2005 - July 2009). I am certified to teach spinning on specialized indoor bikes and train people to improve their cardiovascular endurance. Volunteer Work: Mentoring of a Sudanese refugee family of nine through Texas Catholic Charities (2002-current). Activities include fieldtrips, teaching sports, art, cooking and involving the S.M.U. wellness students who receive credit for their required out of class experience portion of the Concepts of Wellness Course. Soupmobile: raising money for this homeless meal delivery program and dispensing the food (2003-2006) Meal on Wheels: delivering food to the clients through Highland Park Methodist Church(2000-2002).

Obesity , weight management

Joycelyn A.M. Peterson, (Dr.Joy) is a registered dietitian, presently professor and chair of Nutrition and Dietetics, Department and Dietetic Internship Director at Oakwood University, Huntsville, Alabama and was associate professor, chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies for over 5years. Her professional experience includes nutrition consultant, nutrition educator, public health speaker and in-service trainer for hospital staff and community agencies, program planner for international and state-wide public health nutrition initiatives, teaching and conducting research at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Grant writer receiving over $ 2 million from private funding. She is founder/director of the Vegetarian Institute of Nutrition and Culinary Arts (nonprofit) and Dimensions in Food and Nutrition, Inc. (for profit). She is a contributing writer for newspapers and health magazines and has also published three books and many articles. Dr. Peterson completed Nutrition and Dietetics degrees at New York Institute of Dietetics (A.S.), Oakwood University, B.S., Loma Linda University (M.P.H., Dr. P.H.), and Johns Hopkins University (post-master’s studies in international nutrition). Joy recently had her dissertation for her doctoral thesis published in the Annuals of Nutrition Metabolism, August, 2011. She continues to conduct nutrition, health, and vegetarian cooking seminars internationally. Her long-term goal is to provide dietetic and nutrition research and leadership training where ever God leads.

Food and Nutrition

IFSO 2002-3 President; 2011 ASMBS Outstanding Achievement Finalist; SECO (Sociedad Española de Cirugía de la obesidad) Spanish Bariatric Society Founder

Bariatric surgery

Genoveva Islas, MPH, directs Cultiva La Salud, which works to address poor nutrition and physical inactivity in the San Joaquin Valley by creating healthier environments. Genoveva has extensive experience in obesity and chronic disease prevention She has also managed health education and cultural and linguistic services in the medical managed care arena. She has instructed at the junior college level and lectured in the California State University system. Genoveva is the board chair of the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California and a board member of the California Food Policy Advocates, Community Water Center and California Institute for Rural Studies. She sits on the steering committee for California Convergence and advisory boards for various non-profit organizations. Genoveva was appointed, by Governor Brown, to the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley and to the California Health Benefit Exchange board. She received her master's degree in public health from Loma Linda University.

Nutrition & Diet, Food Security, Obesity Prevention,Health Equity & Social Justice

Sunil Mathur is Professor and Director of SCSC PhD (Statistics) from University of Delhi, India

Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Dr. Ramesh Ghimire is an economist at Atlanta Regional Commission. He has a Ph.D. in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics from the University of Georgia, USA and a M.S. in Development and Natural Resource Economics from the University of Life Sciences, Norway. He has published nearly 20 research papers in highly respected international peer reviewed journals, such as Ecological Economics, Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Environment and Development Economics, World Development, and Water Resources Research.

Dr. Ghimire is interested in understanding how natural resources and amenities help improve public health, human well-being and overall quality of human life.

Professor Lee was trained as a gastro-intestinal surgeon in Taiwan. However, he not only dedicated his time to clinical service but also continuously looked at developing innovative surgical techniques and performed multiple clinical studies. Since 1990 he has moved conventional gastric surgery into the era of laparoscopic surgery. He later developed laparoscopic bariatric surgery for the treatment of severe obesity in Asia in 1997, helping thousands of the Asians with obesity thereafter. He innovated in the surgical treatment of diabetes using laparoscopic gastro-intestinal or metabolic surgery in 2005. Through his effort, this innovation will in turn help millions of diabetic patients worldwide. He is one of the expert committee in IDF 2012 statement about diabetes surgery.

Obesity and diabetes are both world epidemics. They are closely related but very difficult to treat. These two diseases were previously neglected in Asia. The nominee is dedicated to the surgical treatment of these diseases. He not only created a new laparoscopic surgical field but also performed the most such surgeries in Asia. It is not easy for a busy surgeon to dedicate his time to clinical study and achieved such a high position in medical science. Diabetes is the most important metabolic disease in Asia now and is developing quickly. The nominee is the pioneer in the surgical treatment of diabetes. He not only innovated in this field but also performed several important prospective randomized trials. He was invited as the primary investigator for the International Diabetes Surgery Study and also organized the Asian multi-institutional diabetes surgery study. He has become a leading worldwide expert in diabetes surgery. This is no simple feat for a local surgeon from a small country like Taiwan.

Biography Dr. Zhou received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine. He performed postdoctoral work at the University of Washington and the Rockefeller University before joining the faculty of the University of Kentucky. Dr. Zhou is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences and the Director of Center for Metabolic Disease Research at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Zhou’s research focuses on molecular mechanisms of cardio-metabolic disease.

Nutritional Science, Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease, Metabolic Disease

Professor Mehmet Emre Atabek has completed his Ph.D. at the age of 37 years from Erciyes University and postdoctoral studies from Selcuk University School of Meram Medicine. He is the director of Pediatric Endocrinology, a premier pediatric endocrinolgy and diabetology service organization. He has published more than 120 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute. He has been interested in searching metabolic problems of obese children in most of his articles. His articles have been cited more than 1100 citations by another article in Web of Science so far. He continues to work as head of the Department of Pedaitric Endocrinolgy, Necmettin Erbakan University.

Pediatric Endocrinology

Dr Blumenfeld is director of the “Women’s Health Centre”, and in charge of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the Kupat Holim Meuhedet Health Fund. He is also a senior physician of reproductive endocrinology and infertility in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the RAMBAM Medical Center in Haifa, Israel. Dr. Zeev Blumenfeld is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in the Faculty of Medicine at Technion (Israel Institute of Technology). He teaches obstetrics, gynaecology, reproductive endocrinology, reproductive physiology and infertility to medical and post-graduate students. He has published over 190 papers on reproductive health, mostly from a clinical perspective. He has been the board member, reviewer or advisor for a large number of organizations and journals.

Prevention of premature ovarian failure (POF) in young women receiving gonadotoxic chemotherapy. Reproductive Endocrinology Inhibin & Activin in Human Reproduction Hypophysiotropic and Neuroregulatory Modulation of Fetal Human Pituitary. Infertility and Assisted Reproduction (ART) Immunologic Problems in Infertility

Dr. Landolfi was employed in a Human Performance Lab at the University of Toronto for nine years, then worked at the Centre for Science, Math, and Technology Education (Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning) for three years - also at the University of Toronto. In addition, he has also taught science and physical education in the public school setting. Dr. Landolfi is currently a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at University of the Fraser Valley where he teaches “Active Health,” “Contemporary Health Issues,” and “Professional Experience in Kinesiology” in addition to supervising Undergraduate Theses. Dr. Landolfi’s research interests include Health Physical Activity, Coach Development and Training, and School-Based Physical Education. He has presented at National and International conferences and has published in various scholarly as well as practitioner journals.

Health Physical Activity

Oral B. Ospanov did his PG at University of Kazakhstan, later he worked as a surgeon at the hospital “MSC-10”, Omsk, Russia.Next he was worked as Associate Professor, Karaganda State Medical Academe, Karaganda, Kazakhstan.He was promoted and worked in different positions Chief scientific worker of the Department of the Surgery of National Research (Scientific) Medical Center of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan and Chief scientific worker of the Department of the Surgery of National Research (Scientific) Medical Center of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan.Finally he became President of Association of Endoscopic Surgery of Kazakhstan (AESK).

Endocrinology, Obesity surgery,laparoscopic operations (surgical procedure) of general and abdominal surgery.

Hildegardes C. Dineros is a pioneer and leader in the field of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in the Philippines. He has been invited to speak and present his work both in the local and international community. His areas of expertise include Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery, Laparoscopic Metabolic Surgery (treatment for Type 2 Diabetes), Advanced Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery, Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, and Complex Wound Care. He takes care of both foreign and local patients and he has the most number of advanced bariatric surgery procedures in the country with remarkable success. Dr. Dineros is a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), Regular Member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), International College of Surgeons (FICS), Philippine College of Surgeons (FPCS), Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Society of Asia (ELSA) and Philippine Association of Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeons (PALES).

Basic and Advanced Laparoscopic Procedures Cholecystectomy, Biliary Surgery, Resections for Performed Cancer of the GUT, Lap Splenectomy, Laparoscopic Exploration

Muhammad A Jawad is a board certifi ed through the American Board of Surgery and serves as the Medical Director of Orlando Regional Medical Center’s Bariatric Program. He has been an expert in Laparoscopic Surgery since 1989, where he has been performing complicated biliary, colon and endocrine surgery. He has performed more than 4,000 laparoscopic bariatric surgical cases since 2000, safely and with great success. He specializes in the laparoscopic gastric bypass, the adjustable Lap- Band, and sleeve gastrectomy procedures. He has presented more than 45 presentations both nationally and internationally on laparoscopic and bariatric surgery.

Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgery.

Damien Byas is serving as an Associate Faculty member in a Master of Public Health (MPH) Program. He is currently working as a senior research fellow for the Centre for Organizational Research in Chicago, IL. He is currently serving as an Associate Faculty Member in a Master of Public Health (MPH) Program. He is the president of the North American Scientific Committee on Cardiovascular Health, a part-time Public Health Researcher, Senior Research Fellow, and an adjunct Professor for an MPH program. He has done his PhD in University of New Mexico and he is expertise in Global Health Research Epidemiology Biostatistics Quantitative Research.

Global Health Research Epidemiology Biostatistics Quantitative Research.

Shougang Wei serves as Professor, PhD supervisor and Deputy Director in Department of Children’s and Women’s Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Peking, China. He has been engaged in the study of child and adolescent health, mainly focused on the field of childhood obesity about its health risks, pathogenic factors, and preventive and treatment measures.

Childhood obesity about its health risks, pathogenic factors, and preventive and treatment measures.

Dr. Kebret Kebede received his M.D. from Aristotle University in Greece and has practiced medicine both in Europe and in the United States. An active scholar, Dr. Kebede has presented his work at the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society and the American College of International Physicians. As a biology professor at Nevada State College, Dr. Kebede draws heavily on his medical experiences to provide pre-nursing students with practical, real-world perspectives on medicine. Along similar lines, he helps students understand the myriad mechanics of the human body through intense and thorough study of cadavers as well as associated pathology. Dr. Kebede is deeply committed to providing students with a multicultural education and has presented his work on incorporating diversity into anatomy and physiology education to a national audience. Dr. Kebede is also devoted to giving back to the global community and actively participates in worldwide medical missions aimed at providing much-needed medical care to impoverished and underserved communities in developing countries. By bringing Nevada State College students on these medical missions, Dr. Kebede aims to instill this commitment to serving our global community in our future health care providers.

Anatomy and Physical Education

The Wu Lab has expertise in metabolism and integrative physiology and nutrition. Currently, the research in Wu Lab is focused on elucidating roles of inflammation-metabolism interactions in overnutrition-associated insulin resistance, adipose tissue inflammation, and hepatic steatosis and liver inflammatory response. The Wu Lab is also interested in exploring roles of inflammatory and signaling molecules in regulating atherosclerosis, and in studying myeloid cell functions in metabolic diseases. Both cellular and integrative approaches are employed by the Wu Lab. In particular, the ongoing projects in the Wu Lab involve a number of mouse models in which gene(s) are over-expressed or disrupted in a cell-specific manner. The long-term goal of Dr. Wu’s research program is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of obesity and over nutrition-associated metabolic diseases including insulin resistance, diabetes, and fatty liver disease so that novel dietary and/or pharmacological approaches can be developed for preventing and/or treating metabolic diseases. Using molecular, cellular, and integrative approaches, the Wu lab is focused on investigating the interaction between metabolism and inflammation.

Obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

Prof Kennedy has considerable experience in public health nutrition and in supporting the development of research capacity and culture within academic departments and organisations. She is keen therefore to enhance the research profile of individual colleagues and also the Department of Clinical Sciences and Nutrition moving into the future. She is keen to optimise her public health skills and links to expand the research profile within the department and to make collaborative links across faculties and with relevant external organisations and universities.

• Nutrition Inequalities and Food Poverty • Novel approaches to promoting nutrition and health • Diet, Nutrition and Health

She was born on 6th May 1962 in Granada (Spain). She completed her Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery by the University of Granada (UGR) in 1986 and Ph Doctorate by the UGR in 1989. She is a Professor of Paediatrics at UGR since 1989 until now. She did her Research fellowship since 1992 at the Research group of “Infant Nutrition and Metabolism” (PAICTS187). She is a Specialist in Paediatrics, Expert in Neonatology (1997) and Paediatric Endocrinology and Nutrition (1998), expert Evaluator of the 5th, 6th and 7th EU Framework Programmes, since 1999 (EUROPEAN COMMISION). She has more than 120 papers & chapters in International Journals and books, more than 400 abstracts and some conferences in National and International Congresses and meetings. She also has directed 21 Ph Doctorates. She is a Co-ordinator of the FP7 NUTRIMENTHE EU Project (Ref. 212652) (2008-2013) (www.nutrimenthe.eu) and coordinates de Interuniversity Master: “Genetic, Nutritional and Enviromental Factors for Growth and Development” (www.nutrenvigen-gd.com). She has participated and is still involved in 4 Research Projects from the EU 5th and 6th Framework Programs (NUHEAL, EARNEST, CASCADE, EDEN) and in the Leonardo da Vinci Project 2000-2003. Member of the INMA Spanish Network of Excellence –(FIS-Ref. G03/176), Andalusian Excellence Research Project (PREOBE- P06-CTS- 02341), and different projects funded by the Ministries of Industry, Health and Education and Sciences {REMODEL (FIS) nº 04/2690, EVASYON (FIS) nº 05/2369, CIBER in Epidemiology, nº CB06/02/0049, 2006: Topic: Environment & Health in infancy}. She is the Director of the Excellence Centre for Paediatric Research EURISTIKOS (www.euristikos.eu), sited in the Biomedical Centre for Research (CIB) of the Health Science Technological Park (PTS) of Granada, Spain. She awarded National and International awards: Infant Nutrition Nestlé Awards in 1987 & 1989; “Garcia-Duarte” Award 1990; Granada’s Medical College Award, 2000, 2003 & 2004; Juan Antonio García-Torres Award 2003; Pfeiffer Paediatric Endocrinology Award, 2004; 1st Leonardo da Vinci Maästricht Award 2004 and 1st Award to the best Educational Innovative Project of the University of Granada, 2003. She is an active member of the following Societies: International Paediatric Association (IPA), European Society for Perinatal Medicine, World Association of Perinatal Medicine (WAPM), Early Nutrition Academy (ENA), Spanish Nutrition Society (SEN), and Spanish Society for Research in Paediatric Nutrition and Food (SEINAP), European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Spanish Association of Paediatrics (AEP); Neonatology Section of the AEP (SEN). She has participated as a referee of different international journals such JPGN, Journal of Pediatrics, Biology of Neonate, Nutrition, British Journal of Nutrition, Early Human Development, Environmental Research, Nutrition and Metabolism.

Infant Nutrition and Metabolism, Paediatric Gastroenterology, Nutrition and Food, Paediatric Endocrinology.

Dr. Norman Pollock is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Georgia Regents University's Medical College of Georgia. He has training in the fields of clinical nutrition, bone biology, endocrinology, and biostatistics. He has clinical trial experience conducting dietary and exercise interventions in children and adults at risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. He is currently funded by NIH to study the influence of the hormone osteocalcin, a bone-derived protein, on energy metabolism in overweight children at risk for diabetes. Additional research projects by Dr. Pollock are the following: (1) vitamin K supplement trial to effect a change in the carboxylation of osteocalcin in order to determine the importance of osteocalcin and its isoforms on glucose metabolism in children at risk for diabetes; (2) a prospective cohort study of children 8 -17 years to determine the influence of cardiometabolic risk factors on bone mineral accretion and bone structural development; (3) drug trial to provide evidence that the stress-related hormone angiotensin II (Ang II) is a contributing factor linking mental stress to the development of hypertension and osteoporosis, particularly in salt-sensitive individuals.

How fat and bone metabolism affect energy regulation, emphasizing on factors such as diet, physical inactivity, metabolic diseases, hormonal imbalances, and genetic influences that are synonymous to both obesity and poor skeletal health.

Gaston Kapuku is an Associate Professor of Paediatrics and Medicine (cardiology). He is a cardiologist and cardiovascular physiologist with interest in hemodynamics, genetics and effects of gene-environment interaction on the expression of cardiovascular disease. His research involves the identification of early bio-behavioral markers (e.g., chronic stress, inflammation, natriuretic hormones) of cardiac function abnormalities (i.e., diastolic dysfunction) in relation to hypertension and coronary artery disease.

Diastolic Function and Congestive Heart Failure, Gene-Environment Interaction and Preclinical Markers of Cardiovascular Disease, Health Disparity.

Ajay Kumar Mishra is a full Professor at the Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit at College of Science, Engineering & Technology, University of South Africa, Florida Science Campus, South Africa. He received his B. Sc, M. Sc., degrees in 1997 and 2001 respectively from Purvanchal University Jaunpur, India and M. Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in 2003 and 2007, respectively, from The University of Delhi, India. From March 2006 to September 2009, he was postdoctoral fellows at various South African Institutes/Universities. In addition, he was appointed as “Senior Lecturer” in October 2009 at the Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, South Africa where he was promoted to “Associate Professor” in November 2011 until December 2014. Recently, he was appointed by University of South Africa as “Full Professor” since January 2015. He is also working as “Adjunct Professor” at Jiangsu University, China. His research interests include synthesis of multifunctional nano-materials, nano-composites, biopolymer and/or petrochemical based biodegradable polymers, polymers based materials/composites, smart materials, CNT and graphene based composite materials and water research. He has authored over 100 scientific papers. He has hosted several visiting researchers/scientists/postdocs in his group. He has also developed a number of collaborations worldwide. He has delivered a number of including Plenary/Keynote/Invited Lectures. For his outstanding research profile, he was awarded a number of international awards. Prof. Mishra also served as Associate Editor as well as member of the editorial board of many peer-reviewed international journals. He has edited several books by the renowned publishers and also reviewer of many international journals. He is serving as member advisory board of a number of international scientific societies, conferences and workshops.

Synthesis of multifunctional nano-materials, nano-composites, biopolymer and/or petrochemical based biodegradable polymers, polymers based materials/composites, smart materials, CNT and graphene based composite materials and water research

Wenjun Li is Associate Professor of Medicine and Senior Statistician at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He is interested in identifying racial and socioeconomic disparities in health, and helping public health agencies to prioritize their prevention or research efforts. His Health Statistics and Geography Lab focuses on assessing neighbourhood environmental impact on obesogenic behaviours and health outcomes. His current projects involve research into obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, nutrition, tobacco use, asthma, traumatic injuries, elderly falls and fall injuries. He also conducts methodological research on survey sampling, small area estimation, spatiotemporal modelling and randomized clinical trials.

Identifying racial and socioeconomic disparities in health, and helping public health agencies to prioritize their prevention or research efforts.

Don Schalch completed his M.D. at the Univ. of Cincinnati, OH, in 1960 and medicine residency and fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at the Univ. of Rochester, NY, in 1964, whereupon he joined the faculty. He was visiting scientist at Erasmus Univ. in Rotterdam and at Kantonspital in Zürich in 1972-73, and joined the Univ. of Colorado Medical School facutly in Denver, CO in 1974. In 1982, he became chief of endocrinology at the Univ. of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. He has published 101 papers, been reviewer for 3 journals, and became emeritus professor in 1999.

Obesity: Associated Health Problems

Maria Fernanda Cury-Boaventura has completed his PhD on Human Physiology at the age of 26 years from University of São Paulo and postdoctoral studies from University of São Paulo. She is professor and researcher at Institute of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences since 2007. She has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute. Medical School (HMS). At MGH, she is also affiliated faculty at the Mongan Institute of Health Policy and an Associate at the Disparities Solution Center. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and a Fellow of the Obesity Society. Dr. Stanford received her BS and MPH from Emory University, her MD from the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine, and her MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Obesity & associated health problems, Health Policy, cardiovascular risk factors.

Maarten Bak is a psychatrist since 1999, trained Maastricht Univesity Hospital. He has compledted his PhD in 2004: ‘Coping with psychosis; Blueler’s right’. He is director of the Medication monitor, assessing effects and side effects of long term antipsychotc use. The side effects monitored are metabolic effects, movement disorders and sexual side effects. His scienticfic wordk centers around effect and metabolic side effects of antipsychotics. He has published over 50 papers in reputed journals.

He is director of the Medication monitor, assessing effects and side effects of long term antipsychotc use. The side effects monitored are metabolic effects, movement disorders and sexual side effects. His scienticfic wordk centers around effect and metabolic side effects of antipsychotics. He has published over 50 papers in reputed journals

Thais Borges Cesar is an Associate Professor of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil. She has a BS in Biology and Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. She did post-doctoral at the Boston Universit and at the Citrus and Subtropical Products Research Laboratory, ARS-USDA. Dr Cesar’s scientific focus is investigating the nutritional and metabolic properties of citrus fruits in clinical studies and animal models, regarding to the effect of its bioactive compounds as a protection factor against the development of chronic diseases.

. Dr Cesar’s scientific focus is investigating the nutritional and metabolic properties of citrus fruits in clinical studies and animal models, regarding to the effect of its bioactive compounds as a protection factor against the development of chronic diseases.

Mark Lemstra has eight university degrees including doctorates in epidemiology, clinical epidemiology, public health and psychiatry. He is the owner of multi disciplinary medical and rehabilitation clinics in Saskatchewan. Mark is an adjunct professor at the University of Saskatchewan.

Public Health and Epidemiology.

Dr. Landolfi was employed in a Human Performance Lab at the University of Toronto for nine years, then worked at the Centre for Science, Math, and Technology Education (Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning) for three years - also at the University of Toronto. In addition, he has also taught science and physical education in the public school setting. Dr. Landolfi is currently a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at University of the Fraser Valley where he teaches “Active Health,” “Contemporary Health Issues,” and “Professional Experience in Kinesiology” in addition to supervising Undergraduate Theses. Dr. Landolfi’s research interests include Health Physical Activity, Coach Development and Training, and School-Based Physical Education. He has presented at National and International conferences and has published in various scholarly as well as practitioner journals.

Health Physical Activity

Gongbing Shan obtained his BSc in Physics in China and his MSc and Ph.D. in Biomechanics from the University of Münster, Germany. After his PhD, Dr. Shan went to the University of Vermont/USA and started his PostDoc research on population health, supported by the NIH – National Institute of Health, USA. He is now a Professor (Biomechanics) in the Department of Kinesiology, the University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Dr. Shan is the founder of a state-of-the-art Biomechanics Lab at the University of Lethbridge. The lab is equipped with a high-speed 3D motion capture system, wireless EMG, force platforms & bicycle pedal force sensors along with other equipments personally developed by Dr. Shan. In the past decade, Dr. Shan’s research has been supported by Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Covenant Health Research Center (CHRC) and Southern Alberta Intellectual Property Network (SAIPN)

Public Health

Dr. Xiaowen Bai is an associate professor of Anesthesiology and Physiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin in the United States. Dr. Bai's research interests involve stem cells, with a particular emphasis on the application of stem cells in modeling diabetic disease to study the protective strategies against the diabetes-induced heart injury and developmental neurotoxicity. Dr. Bai is an author or co-author of more than 50 publications including research articles, book chapters, reviews, editorial, and edited book. Currently, she is the Principal Investigator of an R01 and Stem Cell Core Director of a Program Project Grant; and functions as a co-investigator on another two Projects of the Program Project Grant. Dr. Bai remains a member of several professional societies. Dr. Bai serves as an editorial board member or a reviewer for a number of journals including the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Regenerative Medicine, and Disease Models & Mechanisms.

Stem cells, Diabetic disease

Joycelyn A.M. Peterson, (Dr.Joy) is a registered dietitian, presently professor and chair of Nutrition and Dietetics, Department and Dietetic Internship Director at Oakwood University, Huntsville, Alabama and was associate professor, chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies for over 5years. Her professional experience includes nutrition consultant, nutrition educator, public health speaker and in-service trainer for hospital staff and community agencies, program planner for international and state-wide public health nutrition initiatives, teaching and conducting research at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Grant writer receiving over $ 2 million from private funding. She is founder/director of the Vegetarian Institute of Nutrition and Culinary Arts (nonprofit) and Dimensions in Food and Nutrition, Inc. (for profit). She is a contributing writer for newspapers and health magazines and has also published three books and many articles. Dr. Peterson completed Nutrition and Dietetics degrees at New York Institute of Dietetics (A.S.), Oakwood University, B.S., Loma Linda University (M.P.H., Dr. P.H.), and Johns Hopkins University (post-master’s studies in international nutrition). Joy recently had her dissertation for her doctoral thesis published in the Annuals of Nutrition Metabolism, August, 2011. She continues to conduct nutrition, health, and vegetarian cooking seminars internationally. Her long-term goal is to provide dietetic and nutrition research and leadership training where ever God leads.

Vegetarian nutrition consultant, public health speaker, and program planner for international and state-wide public health nutrition initiatives, conducting research at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Adelia Bovell-Benjamin is currently a Professor of Food and Nutritional Sciences in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences (CAENS), Tuskegee University, Alabama, U.S.A. At the University of California, Davis, Bovell-Benjamin earned a PhD in Nutrition with a Designated Emphasis in International Nutrition and a minor in Epidemiology. She also holds a M.S and B.S. degrees in Nutritional Science and Food and Nutrition from Queens and Brooklyn Colleges of the City University of New York, respectively. She holds postdoctoral certificates in Measuring Health Disparities, Leadership Development, and Qualitative Research from the University of Michigan, University of Georgia, and Burke Institute, respectively. Dr. Bovell-Benjamin has held several positions internationally and nationally – at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago; as a Community/Public Health Nutritionist in Tobago; as teacher at all levels of the school system in Trinidad and Tobago; and as a clinical dietitian in New York. Her research focuses on product development (emphasis on sweetpotato), sensory science; and diet and nutrition issues, the food environment and cancer prevention in African Americans. She has worked extensively with the sweetpotato in terms of postharvest technology, cultural aspects, sensory and nutritional aspects. She has also written extensively on the sweetpotato.

International nutrition lipid oxidation Food product development with emphasis on sensory science Nutritional, dietary and cancer prevention issues among African Americans

Ivonne Ramirez, has a degree in Nutrition from the Metropolitan Autonomous University – Campus Xochimilco (UAM-X), a Master on Nutrition and Ph.D. on Population Nutrition Sciences, from the School of Public Health of Mexico (ESPM). In 2015, her doctoral thesis received distinction as "The best thesis in public health" of that year. She is a science researcher at the Center for Nutrition and Health Research of the National Institute of Public Health, member of the National System of Researchers, awarded level I. Current active member of the College Professoriate on the postgraduate on nutrition, and adjunct coordinator of the Doctorate in Population Nutrition Sciences of the ESPM; and member of the technical group on breastfeeding in the state of Morelos. She has participated in the National Nutrition Surveys of Mexico since 1999 to 2016; on impact assessments of governmental programs such as "Oportunidades”, now called “Prospera" carried out by the National Institute of Public Health; and on the Federal Policy on nutrition and supply of Mexico. Now a days, she is conducting two research projects each with one study cohort, assessing different early-life determinants related to development of obesity and metabolic disorders in childhood.

Her subjects of interest in research are: Maternal and child nutrition, childhood obesity, breastfeeding and complementary feeding, as well as the evaluation, magnitude and distribution of the population dietary intake.