Drew Gonzalez, PhD, CISSN, CSCS
Dr. Drew Gonzalez is a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor and Director of the Occupational, Performance, and Nutrition Laboratory at Sam Houston State University, and a Research Associate with the Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory at Texas A&M University. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Exercise Science from Texas State University and his doctorate from Texas A&M University, where he also completed his postdoctoral training. With over 45 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, Dr. Gonzalez’s research bridges sports nutrition and exercise physiology with a particular focus on tactical athletes including firefighters, law enforcement, and military personnel. He serves as the NSCA Texas State Director and is a co-author of the 2026 International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand on dietary antioxidants and exercise performance.
Daniele Cardinale, PhD
Dr. Daniele Cardinale is Head of the Sport Physiology and Performance Laboratory within the Department of Elite Sport Support at the Swedish Sports Confederation, and an affiliated researcher at both The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH) and the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Rome “Foro Italico,” his Master’s in Sport Science from Tor Vergata University of Rome, and his PhD in Exercise Physiology from GIH, where his research focused on mitochondrial respiratory function and its role in regulating oxygen uptake and endurance performance. Dr. Cardinale has worked extensively as a physiologist within the Swedish elite sport system, providing physiological and biomechanical testing and strength and conditioning support to national coaches and athletes.
Mike T. Nelson, PhD, MSME, CSCS, CISSN, FISSN
Mike T. Nelson, PhD, MSME, CSCS, CISSN, FISSN, specializes in metabolic flexibility, physiologic flexibility, and human performance. He has 25-plus years of experience, teaches at the Carrick Institute, created three leading certifications, and has consulted with elite military and professional sports organizations and elite performers worldwide. Learn more at MikeTNelson.com.
Hunter Waldman, PhD, CSCS
Dr. Hunter Waldman is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Director of the Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory at the University of North Alabama, where he joined the Department of Kinesiology in 2019. He holds a doctorate in Exercise Physiology from Mississippi State University with a concentration in Nutrition, and prior to his academic career served as a Sweat Scientist for the Gatorade Sport Science Institute in Florida. Dr. Waldman’s research centers on exercise and nutrition interventions to optimize metabolic health, cognitive function, and performance across diverse populations including tactical athletes, females, and clinical groups. He is one of the leading researchers on astaxanthin in active nutrition, with studies demonstrating its effects on DOMS reduction, exercising heart rate, mitochondrial adaptation, and endurance performance.
Susan Hamrahi, ND
Dr. Susan Hamrahi is a Naturopathic Doctor with over 18 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, currently serving as Scientific Communications Specialist at AstaReal USA. Her career has focused on clinical and scientific communications tailored for the healthcare community, with deep expertise in nutraceuticals — particularly lipids and carotenoids including astaxanthin. Prior to AstaReal, she served as Director of Medical Education at Guardion Health Sciences and held leadership roles in medical education at Acumen Health Holdings and Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals. At AstaReal, Dr. Hamrahi oversees scientific education initiatives including nutritional training, publications, and content development, and is committed to advancing evidence-based practices among healthcare professionals.
Karen Hecht, PhD
Dr. Karen Hecht is the Vice President of Science at AstaReal Inc., leading research on the world’s most studied natural astaxanthin from algae. She earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh, completed postdoctoral training in algal molecular biology at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and holds a biochemistry degree from the University of Toronto. Dr. Hecht co‑chairs the WIN Science Committee and serves on scientific advisory groups for CRN and Agro Food Industry Hi‑Tech. Dr. Hecht has become one of the most recognized voices in the natural astaxanthin space, presenting at international conferences and contributing to numerous peer-reviewed publications including the 2026 ISSN position stand on dietary antioxidants and exercise performance.
Jackie Kaminski, MS, RDN, CISSN
Jackie Kaminski, MS, RDN, CISSN, is Founder of The Fight Nutritionist and a nationally recognized sports dietitian specializing in performance nutrition. She has worked with Olympians, world champions, and professional athletes across combat sports, the NFL, NBA, swimming, track and field, and weightlifting. Jackie has served as Head Dietitian for the Enhanced Games and is a frequent speaker for ISSN, NASM, and Nova Southeastern University.