Committee Members

Muna Shakhshir has over 15 years of experience. She returned to work as a clinical dietitian at
Nablus Speciality Hospital in 2006 after earning her B.Sc. in Nutrition from the University of
Jordan. She established the An-Najah National University Hospital’s Nutrition Department in 2013
and has been in charge of it ever since. She received her M.Sc. in Public Health from An-Najah
National University in 2020. She has written 27 publications in this time. She is a PhD student in
clinical nutrition at Universiti Sains Malaysia; her research program centered on quality of nutrition
care and clinical nutrition. She is also passionate about raising community awareness of nutrition.

Dr. Holland is a Professor at the School of Public Health (SPH) and a Director of the SPH Biorepository and the Children’s Environmental Health Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley since 1993.  She has a background in genetics with extensive experience in molecular epidemiology, cytogenetics and epigenetics. Dr.Holland’s main scientific interest is in biomarkers of children’s environmental health and the relationship of early life exposures with obesity, neurodevelopment and other health outcomes.  Since 1998, she has been involved with the CHAMACOS, a Mexican-American birth cohort study from Salinas Valley, CA. She has been also a co-PI for the longitudinal study of air pollution in children (CHAPS)  for the last 20 years. SPH Biorepository was established in 2003 and contains more than 500,000 biological and environmental samples from 46 completed and ongoing studies reflecting collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco, Children’s Hospital, Oakland, Public Health Institute, Stanford University and many other research organizations in the United States and abroad. Dr. Holland has been an invited speaker at many national and international meetings and has organized and chaired several Symposiums on Molecular Epidemiology of Children’s Environmental Health and/or Environmental Epigenetics. She is a founding member of the International Consortium on Micronucleus Assay in Human Populations (HUMN, since 1997), and an active participant in the Pregnancy and Children Epigenetics (PACE, since 2013) consortium. Dr. Holland served on many NIH and EPA grant review sections. She has published more than 200 papers and book chapters.

Dr. Yongmei Lu is a Professor of Geography and the Associate Dean of Research at the College of Liberal Arts, Texas State University. Dr. Lu served as the Chair of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies during August 2018 – December 2023. Dr. Lu received her PhD degree from University at Buffalo – The State University of New York in 2001. Both of her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree are from Peking University. Dr. Lu’s research interests include GIScience and the application of geospatial methods to examine urban development issues, including urban gentrification, food security, environmental exposure and health, and crime. Dr. Lu has published extensively, including ~90 peer-reviewed papers, edited book volumes, and special journal issues. Dr. Lu’s research has been supported by federal, state, and local funding agencies.

Dr. Min-Hsiung Pan, a Distinguished Professor at the Institute of Food Science and Technology at National Taiwan University, holds multiple positions including institute director and director of the NTU experimental farm. His research philosophy is based on the idea that “The ancients were good doctors, the upper doctors treat diseases before they occur, the middle doctors treat diseases that are about to occur, and the lower doctors treat diseases that have already occurred.”
For many years, Dr. Pan has dedicated himself to studying the application of natural products in preventive medicine. His research focuses on understanding and preventing various diseases such as colitis, colorectal cancer, skin cancer, liver fibrosis, obesity, and aging. He also explores the possible intervention timing and related mechanisms of different natural products. Dr. Pan has published 325 academic papers in the field of natural substances and chemical prevention of diseases.

Distinguished Professor Yuan-Soon Ho graduated from the Institute of Biochemistry of National Taiwan University and is committed to studying the carcinogenesis of breast cancer induced by smoking. Since graduating from the research institute, he has published over 180 scientific papers.  He is currently a Distinguished Professor at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of China Medical University (2022-). Professor Ho currently serves on the editorial boards of several international journals, including PLOS One, Scientific Reports, Food Science & Human Wellness, and The Journal of Food and Drug Analysis (Associate Editor). Served as society cadres such as: Director of the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Taiwan Tea Association (2012~), Executive Director of the Cancer Medical Society of the Republic of China (2015~2017), Director of the Cancer Medical Society of the Republic of China (2017-2019), Republic of China Academic member of the Cancer Medical Society (2021~), director of the Toxicology Society of the Republic of China (2020~). Professor Ho’s primary research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer formation, carcinogenesis, and the development of anticancer therapeutics. In collaboration with clinical researchers, Professor Ho has contributed to studies on smoking-induced carcinogenesis, interactions among carcinogenic membranous proteins, and associated signaling pathways.China Medical University Hospital

Yu-Sheng Shen is an assistant professor at Department of Earth and Life Science, University of Taipei. He is also an assistant professor at Master’s Program in Environmental Education and Resources, University of Taipei. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute. (Up to 100 words)

Matthew Robinson earned his PhD from the Florida State University School of Criminology and
Criminal Justice in 1997 and is Full Professor of Justice Studies at Appalachian State University in
Boone, North Carolina. He has published more than 25 books in his fields of study (including his
book titled, Food Crime), as well as more than 100 other publications in academic journals and
book chapters. He is Past President of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Association and the
Southern Criminal Justice Association. And he was ranked the 19th most influential criminologist
in the world by Academic Influence.

Sansanee is in the final year of her PhD studies at the University of Glasgow, UK. She serves as a nursing lecturer specializing in Community Health Nursing at Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Saraburi, part of the Praboromarajchanok Institute, Thailand. Her expertise lies in community health nursing, with a research focus on managing chronic diseases in community settings

Tomasz Holecki Academic teacher whose interest in science and research are focused on healthcare management, public management and public health, with special emphasis on the role of local government. MA in political sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Social Sciences, Specialty – local self-governments. PhD, University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Social Sciences, Specialty – political scieUniversity of Silesia nces, social politics and policy. Post-graduate College of Management. University of Economics in Katowice. Direction studies „Management and marketing”. Habilitation in Health Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice.

René Gato Armas, born in Cuba, on January 1968, is a leading medical entomologist of the the Sterile Insect Technique Group at the Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kourí.” With advanced degrees in Family Medicine, Microbiology, and Entomology, he has spearheaded over 20 international projects, including IAEA and WHO initiatives on vector control. He has participated in relevant global scientific events. Author of more than 20 publications, his work focuses on innovative methods for controlling mosquito-borne diseases, contributing significantly to public health advancements.

Dr. Hossein Haghani is a leading researcher in CO2 capture and sustainable energy, currently based in the Department of Chemical Technology at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. With a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, he specializes in molecular dynamics simulations and the thermodynamic properties of fluids, focusing on ionic liquids. His work advances gas absorption and separation technologies, particularly in natural gas sweetening and CO2 capture. Dr. Haghani has collaborated with prestigious institutions worldwide, contributing to high-impact publications and driving innovation in computational chemistry and sustainable energy. An active participant in global scientific forums, he has received numerous accolades for his research excellence.

Eri is an epidemiologist, veterinarian, and PhD candidate in Environmental Health. Her interests include One Health, zoonoses (infectious diseases that are transmitted between animals and humans), health emergencies, and global health capacity building. Her dissertation focuses on social and behavioral factors that drive the transmission of Taenia solium (a parasite known as pork tapeworm) in southern Rwanda. Eri will conduct quantitative and qualitative (mixed-methods) analyses to investigate pig-keeping and hygiene practices, risk perception of zoonoses, and acceptability of pig vaccination and treatment in the community.
Prior to joining Johns Hopkins University, she conducted surveillance and response for COVID-19, Ebola and other zoonotic diseases at the World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarters in Geneva, WHO Western Pacific Regional Office in the Philippines, and WHO Fiji Office. She also worked on a USAID-funded, early-warning virus surveillance project, named PREDICT, at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. She obtained her degree in veterinary medicine from Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University in Japan, Master of Public Health (Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases) from Yale School of Public Health and completed a One Health fellowship at the University of California, Davis.

Franka Mohammed has a Masters in Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Business School, London and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies. She is the Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Trinidad Eye Hospital in Trinidad & Tobago. Since 2017, She has led relationship management interventions and influenced leaders to adopt new approaches to make eye care more accessible to patients in our Region She has invested her time and energy into forming bonds, bridging gaps and leveraging relationships to make an impact on a nation’s accessibility to eye care.

Emile Twagirumukiza is the Renal Program Coordinator at King Faisal Hospital, a position he has held since April 2024. He is a dedicated public health specialist and project manager recognized for his strong research skills and leadership qualities. He holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and Disease Control from Mount Kenya University Rwanda and pursue Master of Business Administration from the University of Kigali. Emile earned his Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine and Community Health from the University of Rwanda. He is an active researcher with published works.

Dr. Victoria Mathew Mwakalinga is a Lecturer at the School of Spatial Planning and Social Sciences at Ardhi University (ARU) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A DAAD and CARTA Alumni, she holds a BSc and MSc from the University of Dar es Salaam and a PhD from the University of Witwatersrand. Her interdisciplinary research explores the nexus between urban planning, public health, and geospatial health, focusing on infectious and lifestyle-related diseases. Dr. Mwakalinga leads several projects, including assessing spatial quality’s impact on malaria transmission in urban settlements, studying green and blue ecosystem services under climate variability, and investigating the linkages between the built environment, lifestyle choices, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).  She also works on sustainable food systems for urban communities in Tanzanian cities.With 13 peer-reviewed publications, a book chapter, and experience as a journal reviewer, Dr. Mwakalinga is committed to advancing research that bridges urban planning and public health for sustainable cities.

Joanna Woźniak-Holecka Academic teacher whose interest in science and research are focused on health promotion, health education and public health, especially health programs and behavioral lifestyle factors. MA in biology, Jagiellonian University. PhD, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Specialty – medical biology. Habilitation in Health Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice.

My name is Owekisha Hermas Kwigizile, born and raised in the beautiful country of Tanzania. I have always had a passion for working on the field of Agricultural Sciences and hence my academic life would have eventually led to Agricultural research work in the field of Crop science and Molecular Plant Pathology particularly in the field of Food Mycology (Aflatoxins in maize). During that lifetime, I would have attained a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture (BSc.) and then I went on to the breeding for disease resistance research where I completed the Master of Science (MSc.) in Crop Science (Majoring plant pathology) followed by the PhD in Sustainable Agriculture (Molecular Plant Pathology) at School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering (LiSBE), The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology. I went on to work as the Mycologist at the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute where a problem within my field was realized, As such, I explored the problem of aflatoxin contamination in maize crop and soil which pose significant risks within food and feed systems hence affects public health of consumers and country economic status. Therefore; it is this topic I would be very interesting to share and discuss mostly.

Dan Ferguson has over thirty years of experience in higher education, non-profit management, health care and human services. He has a real interest in organizational culture and change management. In Dan’s current role as the Director of the Washington State Allied Health Center of Excellence, he is working to assist the community college system in increasing its capacity to be responsive to the health workforce needs of the health care industry and to the communities that they mutually serve. On a personal note, Dan has lived in Washington state for over 20 years, loves international travel, particularly to Taiwan (ask him why) and is an avid tennis player.

Dr. Hou is a distinguished Family Physician in Singapore. He earned his Doctor of Medicine with distinction from the University of New South Wales, and later pursued advanced training in family medicine (Master of Medicine (FM)) and internal medicine from the National University of Singapore. He is also a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians Singapore. In addition to his role as a clinical leader, Dr. Hou actively contributes to the Community Care Team under the Regional Health System Office, reflecting his commitment to enhancing geriatric care and population health.

Eduardo Araújo is a clinical and forensic psychologist with a PhD in Psychology. He has contributed to numerous research projects on violent and deviant behavior, authored and co-authored publications, and serves as a reviewer for leading journals in his field.

Dr Hadi Sarvari is presently a sinior researcher at Birmingham City University. His area of research focuses on Construction Safety and Health as well as suatainability. He also serves as a researcher at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and as an Assistant Professor in Construction Management at the Islamic Azad University Isfahan (Iran). His teaching and research interests include Construction Contract Management, Management Information Systems, Construction Project Planning and Control, Engineering Systems Analysis, Maintenance Management, and Evaluation of Performance in the Construction of infrastructure projects. In 2018, he was awarded the Best Lecturer Award in the Educational field. He was also awarded as a distinguished researcher in 2021. He authored and co-authored several scientific articles and books in the following fields: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, Safety and Risk management, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Maintenance Management. His work has appeared in the Journal of Habitat International, Building Engineering, International Journal of Construction Management, Journal of Facilities Management, Iranian Journal of Fuzzy Systems, Sustainability, Buildings, Applied Sciences, Energies, Administrative Sciences, and Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, among others. He is a reviewer and editorial board member in several international journals (e.g., Safety Science, International Journal of Construction Management, Frontiers in Built Environment, Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, and Malaysian Journal of Civil Engineering) and leading conferences (e.g., European Safety and Reliability Conference).

Rebeca Mira Sánchez is Official Master’s Degree in Bioethics by the International
University of Valencia VIU, Spain (2019). Final Master’s Thesis in Bioethics:
“Environmental factors in neurodevelopment. Econeurotic approach”.Currently student
of the PhD program in Biolaw: Bioethics, health and human rights, at the International
Doctoral School EIDUM of the University of Murcia, Spain. Lead author “The landscape
of research on environmental factors in neurodevelopmental disorders: endocrine
disruptors and pesticides: a review”. Vice-President of Environmental Sciences and
Neurodevelopment Institute ICMYN, Murcia, Spain.

Dr. Syed A. Gillani’s journey into medicine was shaped by a personal tragedy—the loss of his father to a stroke, a condition that lacked adequate care facilities in Pakistan. This profound experience ignited his passion for medicine and research, inspiring him to seek ways to improve stroke care and overall medical practices.

Graduating from Shifa College of Medicine in Pakistan, Dr. Gillani’s quest for advanced training led him to the United States. At Houston Methodist Hospital, he completed his Neurology residency, benefiting from the guidance of esteemed mentors including Dr. Stanley H. Appel, Dr. Ashizawa, Dr. Jun Li, and Dr. John Volpi. His ambition to specialize in stroke neurology and neuro-intervention drove him to further his training at the University of Missouri under the mentorship of Dr. Adnan I. Qureshi, a leading authority in the field.

Today, Dr. Gillani is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge through research and improving clinical practices. His daily efforts are focused on translating scientific discoveries into actionable advancements that enhance patient care. Driven by a deep-seated commitment to public health, Dr. Gillani strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and contribute to the betterment of global healthcare.

Michail Kalogiannakis is an Associate Professor at the Department of Special Education at the University of Thellay in Greece. He is also associate tutor at School of Humanities at the Hellenic Open University. He graduated from the Physics Department at the University of Crete and continued his post-graduate studies in France. His field of specialization is science education at early childhood, ICT in Education, Public Healt etc.

As a graduate medical oncologist, having studied at Yerevan State Medical University and Harvard Medical School, I have always been driven to make a significant contribution to the fight against cancer. Throughout my career, I have encountered challenges when working with young cancer patients, which has motivated me to delve into basic research and undertake more impactful endeavors. Currently based in Hong Kong, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in the City University of Hong Kong Drug Discovery Lab, where my focus lies on developing novel anticancer treatments and unraveling the underlying mechanisms driving cancer progression. Additionally, I am proud to serve as the CEO of the Institute of Cancer and Crisis (www.cancerandcrisis.org). I am enthusiastic about fostering connections within the field and collaborating with like-minded individuals to work towards a brighter future collectively. My ultimate aspiration is to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by translating impactful findings into clinical trials.

Dr. Hussein Al-Othman holds a PhD in Sociology from Mississippi State University, USA. Currently serving as Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (2019-2020), he previously held roles as Vice Dean, Acting Dean, and Assistant Dean in the same college. Dr. Al-Othman has extensive experience in academia and management, including leadership positions at the University of Sharjah and Mutah University. His contributions span research with over 30 published papers and multiple ongoing projects, alongside securing numerous research grants. Recognized for teaching excellence, he established doctoral and master’s programs in Applied Sociology and led initiatives in academic accreditation and quality enhancement. Dr. Al-Othman has also made significant community contributions, advising on social strategies and serving as a consultant to international organizations.