Team

I am a third-year PhD student in Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology. My research focuses on investigating how varying levels of folic acid and riboflavin influence endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Beyond mechanistic science, my work is guided by a philosophical orientation toward medicine and human biology, seeking not only to extend healthspan through medical innovation, but also to help enliven the human spirit by fostering vitality, agency, and fulfillment alongside physical health.

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Robert is currently pursuing his Ph.D in plant breeding and genetics with a focus on utilizing modern molecular tools to aid traditional breeding. He takes a unique transdisciplinary approach to breeding by embedding Science-In-Action-Storytelling into his work to better communicate the science and bridge the divide between farmers, scientists and the general public.

A central pillar of his research is understanding the underlying genetics of basil downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii) resistance, aromatic volatiles and chilling tolerance in sweet and Thai basils (Ocimum basilicum). Additional goals include the development and commercialization of stable downy mildew resistant sweet and Thai basils with enhanced chilling tolerance and superior aroma and flavor.

Robert comes to the Simon lab with experience in population genetics and taxonomy of flowering and Japanese dogwoods, popular ornamental trees in North America and some parts of Europe. He completed his master’s dissertation in the Molnar lab where he used novel microsatellite markers to genotype a germplasm collection of over 350 different accessions. Additionally, he formalized the botanical names of two hybrid species developed by Dr. Elwin Orton at Rutgers.

I am a Ph.D. student in Nutritional Sciences at Rutgers University. My research focus on the role of the gut microbiota in metabolism and human health. Bacteria span from Earth’s earliest life forms to the present day, offering a living record of evolution that echoes the conference’s exploration of human origins, adaptation, and modern mismatch. Also, it reflects on how ancient biological system interact with contemporary environments and shape the future human health.

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I am a PhD student in the Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences program at Rutgers University. My research focuses on how early-life nutritional environments influence brain circuits that regulate feeding behavior and energy balance. By examining these circuits, my work aims to identify mechanisms that contribute to long-term vulnerability to overeating and metabolic dysfunction. My goal is to inform future targeted strategies to treat and prevent metabolic disease.

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I am in the Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences department researching Comparative Animal Nutrition. My project specifically looks at the synchronistic relationship between plants and animals. I know the natural world all around us holds a greater depth of wisdom than humans could ever truly know, and for me this conference represents a communal re-awakening to that knowledge.

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I am a 4th year Ph.D. candidate in the Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences program. I earned my B.S. in exercise science from Rutgers University. Under the supervision of Dr. Tracy Anthony, my research aims to define the role of the integrated stress response in regulating hepatic autophagy in both anin-vivomouse liver setting, as well as in anex-vivo primary murine hepatocyte cell culture system. Outside of research, I also serve as the head teaching assistant for Systems Physiology Laboratory.

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