ANSN Virtual Symposium Speakers
Hunter Waldman, PhD, CSCS
Hunter Waldman, PhD, is a physiologist and researcher focused on nutrition, cognition, and performance optimization. His work explores how targeted supplementation, such as Astaxanthin, enhances brain function, metabolic health, and recovery in various populations.
Drew Gonzalez, PhD, SCCC, CISSN, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, EP-C
Drew E. Gonzalez, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Director of the Occupational, Performance, and Nutrition Laboratory (OPNL) at Sam Houston State University. His research focuses on tactical athlete nutrition, supplementation, and occupational health, with over 45 publications and affiliations with Texas A&M and the Huffines Institute for Sports Medicine & Human Performance.
Gaven Barker, PhD
Originally from Marietta, Georgia, Dr. Gaven Barker is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at the University of North Georgia. His research explores nutritional interventions to enhance health and performance, with a focus on tactical populations and women, bridging applied practice with advancing evidence-based strategies in exercise science.
Amrita Sahu, PhD
Amrita Sahu, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of PM&R and core-faculty of McGowan Institute at University of Pittsburgh. Her research uses interdisciplinary and pre-clinical approaches for developing therapeutics to improve muscle health and healthspan in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals exposed to environmental stressors.
Siobhan Malany, PhD
Siobhan Malany is a scientist with a background in drug discovery and biotechnology. She has founded a successful biotech company and is recognized for her contributions to pharmaceutical innovation. Alternatively, Karly [Last Name] is a researcher specializing in AI applications in drug development.
Karly Caples, PhD Candidate
Karly Caples is a graduate student researcher in Dr. Siobhan Malany’s laboratory, where she investigates the effects of astaxanthin on muscle cell oxidative stress response and exercise adaptation. Her work utilizes a cutting-edge tissue chip model of human cells to explore how astaxanthin supports muscle health and recovery. Karly is passionate about advancing research that bridges cellular biology and exercise science to improve human performance and well-being.
Callum Queen, PhD
Callum Queen is a finaly year PhD student at Edge Hill University. Following the completion of my undergraduate degree in Psychology (BSc Hons) and postgraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology (MSc) I joined Edge Hill University in October 2022. In collaboration with AstaReal, he is currently researching the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on cognitive function before and after physical fatigue and mental fatigue in older adults.
Zachary Clemens, PhD
Zachary Clemens, PhD, is a second-year postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. His background includes experience in aging and regenerative medicine and a doctorate in environmental health. His current research focuses on understanding and ameliorating the factors that contribute to declines in muscle quality and performance with aging.