Heather Brady, PhD, RD is a faculty member at the University of Colorado. Heather received her PhD in Nutritional Epidemiology from the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center. She has a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology from Kansas State University and Bachelor of Science degrees in both Nutrition and Biology. Dr. Brady has actively been involved in patient care for over seven years with a specialty in weight loss, cardiac rehab, and oncology. Her research interests include nutrition, alternative medicine and physical activity as they pertain to chronic disease prevention.                                                                                                                                                      

     In addition to her academic interests, Heather enjoys volleyball, cycling, and running, particularly marathon distances. She has a special interest in sports nutrition and often helps coach individuals who are training for their first marathon or running event.

 

Carole A. Conn, PhD, RD is a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) and a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. She completed a Master’s degree in exercise physiology at Michigan State University, and a Doctoral degree in exercise science/kinesiology from the University of Michigan. Previously a medical research scientist at the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, she is currently a member of the nutrition faculty at the University of New Mexico.
     Dr. Conn has published studies of the influence of nutrition and exercise on inflammation and on growth since 1988. The focus of her current research is the influence of nutrition and exercise on growth of children and the prevention of chronic diseases, with the most recent work done in Mozambique. Dr. Conn frequently presents her research, as well as emerging topics in nutrition and health, to medical professionals both nationally and internationally.

Allan Higginbotham, PhD, RD has a PhD in nutrition from Auburn University, and he holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in food science from the University of Georgia and Auburn University, respectively. 
At SIUC, Dr. Higginbotham teaches courses in nutritional physiology, diet assessment, and community nutrition. His research is centered on physiological mechanisms controlling food intake and energy balance, and he is currently working on determining the satiety signals imparted by dietary protein. 

     Dr. Higginbotham has presented his research as an author of several research articles in scientific journals and presentations at national scientific meetings.

Sharon Himmelstein, PhD, MNS, RD, LD has her Master's degree in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and her PhD in Health Education/Health Promotion from the University of New Mexico. She has worked in a variety of clinical and research areas including: metabolic bone disease, body composition, sports nutrition, and pediatric pulmonary disease.                                                                                                                                        

     Dr. Himmelstein has been teaching nutrition at the college level since 1991 and has taught at the University of New Mexico, the University of Phoenix, and currently teaches at Central New Mexico Community College. Dr. Himmelstein has also provided seminars to health professionals for the past eight years on Women's Health, Bone and Joint Disease, Obesity, Diabetes, Prediabetes, Inflammation, Chronic Pain, Diabesity, and Heart Disease.

Jennifer Olive, PhD, is a clinical researcher in the areas of type 2 diabetes, muscle and joint health, and cardiovascular disease. Her research has focused on understanding the effects of disease, exercise, and aging on metabolism and the vascular system. She has focused on high risk individuals for disease including those suffering from spinal cord injuries and has worked with the University of Washington, Frazier Rehab Institute, the University of Louisville, and the Shepherd Center.                             
     Dr. Olive was an assistant professor at the University of Louisville, and was the director of the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Laboratory. She has published scientific articles in these areas and regularly presents material at various scientific meetings both nationally and internationally. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Exercise Science from Wake Forest University. She received her PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Georgia.

Ginger Schirmer, PhD, RYT obtained her Masters of Science in Exercise Science from Georgia State University and her doctoral degree in Nutrition with an emphasis in biochemistry from Auburn University. Dr. Schirmer is a nationally recognized speaker and lectures extensively to medical professionals and has authored numerous educational books. Dr. Schirmer has written over 60 educational courses for medical professionals including this course. Dr. Schirmer has over 15 years experience in the field of exercise physiology.           

     Dr. Schirmer has undergone mat and equipment certification in Pilates and has extensive knowledge in exercise therapy. Dr. Schirmer is Yoga certified in compliance with the Yoga Alliance. Dr. Schirmer has been selected for Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, and Who’s Who in America for over five consecutive years.

Mary B. Seger, NP, PhD with an Integrative Medicine Practice at Otsego Memorial Hospital. She is certified as a Menopause Practitioner through the North American Menopause Society. Dr. Seger is also certified as a Perfect Health Teacher, an exploration of mind/body medicine and Ayurveda, through the Chopra Center for Wellbeing.                                                        

     Dr. Seger has written the book Invite Joy Into Your Life ~ Steps for Women Who Want to Rediscover the Simple Pleasures of Living. Mary is a national speaker on topics including Peri-Menopause and Menopause; Anxiety and Depression; Heart Disease in Women; Botanical Medicine and Finding Joy In Your Life based on her book.

 

Annell St. Charles, PhD, RD obtained her doctoral degree from the University of Tennessee in Nutrition Science. Dr. St. Charles has over 30 years of clinical experience in the field of nutrition and health education. 
     Dr. St. Charles's research interest has focused primarily in the area of wellness and health promotion and has authored a book on functional foods and dietary supplements.  Dr. St. Charles has presented numerous presentations on women's health, mind-body medicine, hormones and weight management, and other topics to medical professionals nationally and serves as a nutrition consultant to companies and organizations.

 

Gina Willett, PhD, RD obtained a Master's Degree in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine and a Doctoral Degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  She also received a Master's Degree in Health Education from the University of Oklahoma.  Dr. Willett served as an officer in the United States Air Force for 7 years, working as both a clinical dietitian and health promotion coordinator.
     She has been an assistant professor at the University of Richmond in Virginia and has an extensive research background in the fields of diabetes and chronic degenerative diseases of aging.  Dr. Willett lectures extensively to health professionals nationally on the topics of diabetes and weight managment and developed this continuing education course.