{"id":2043,"date":"2026-03-20T16:02:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T16:02:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.rutgers.edu\/gribconference\/?page_id=2043"},"modified":"2026-05-08T22:14:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T22:14:16","slug":"team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.rutgers.edu\/gribconference\/team\/","title":{"rendered":"Team"},"content":{"rendered":"
Brian Amriddinov<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

GRIB 2026 Chair<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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Robert Mattera<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

GRIB 2026 Co-Chair<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/div>\n
A central pillar of his research is understanding the underlying genetics of basil downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii<\/i>) resistance, aromatic volatiles and chilling tolerance in sweet and Thai basils (Ocimum basilicum<\/i>). Additional goals include the development and commercialization of stable downy mildew resistant sweet and Thai\u00a0basils with enhanced chilling tolerance and superior aroma and flavor.<\/div>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n
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\u00a0Andi Cheng<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

GRIB 2026 Assistant Chair<\/p>\n

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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\u2019s earliest life forms to the present day, offering a living record of evolution that echoes the conference\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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Linh Vu<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

GRIB 2026 Media & Marketing Chair<\/p>\n

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I am a first-year PhD student in Biochemistry and Physiology. Previously, I worked as a scientist in Material Science and Analytical Chemistry. I\u2019m eager to deepen my understanding of the science behind nutrition and human physiology, and to explore the many areas I have yet to learn. Being a part of this conference, I wish to transform my approach to sciences and refine my vision of how I wish to make a meaningful impact in the world.<\/div>\n
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Lori Scarpa<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

GRIB 2026 Finance Chair<\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Alexis Birch<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

GRIB 2026 Logistics Chair<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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Saad Farooq<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

GRIB 2026 Poster Subcommittee Member<\/p>\n

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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 an<\/span>in-vivo<\/span>mouse liver setting,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>as well as in an<\/span>ex-vivo<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>primary murine hepatocyte cell culture system. Outside of research, I also serve as the head teaching assistant for Systems Physiology Laboratory.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tomiwa Oyedokun<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

GRIB 2026 Poster Subcommittee Member<\/span><\/p>\n

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I am a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program at Rutgers University. I have a Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in Nigeria, and a Master\u2019s Degree in Food Technology and Human Nutrition from the University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland. I have previously worked as a nutritionist, providing nutritional counsel to people with diet-related diseases. Currently, I\u2019m investigating how cannabinoids influences lipid metabolism and modulate ulcerative colitis during post-menopause in Dr. Roopchand\u2019s Lab. Additionally, I teach Systems Physiology Laboratory at the Biological Sciences Department at Rutgers University. Following my doctoral program, I would like to pursue a career in industry to explore how bioactive compounds can be used to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. I enjoy watching movies and soccer.<\/p>\n

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Jeffrey Douyere<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

GRIB 2026 Poster Subcommittee Member<\/span><\/p>\n

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I am a fourth-year PhD student in the Food Science program. I earned my B.A. in Biochemistry from Earlham College and previously worked as a Food Safety Specialist, where I gained experience in environmental monitoring. I am currently a member of Dr. Roopchand’s lab, where my research<\/span>focuses on the estrobolome, including<\/span>the use of substrate-specific enzymes for estrogen deconjugation, as well as the development of fermented<\/span>pulses as a dairy-free yogurt<\/span>alternative. In addition to my research, I serve as a Teaching Assistant for the Biological Research Laboratory course. My work explores the connections between people, food, and the natural <\/span>world- an interest that aligns with the themes of this conference.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Camara Blasingame<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

GRIB 2026 Media & Marketing Subcommittee Member<\/p>\n

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I am a first-year PhD student in Applied & Community Nutrition at Rutgers University. My academic interests focus on community-focused nutrition research, food systems, and science communication, with an emphasis on how nutrition science can inform equitable health outcomes.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Spencer Fields<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

GRIB 2026 Logistics Subcommittee Member\/ GRIB 2026 Poster Subcommittee Member<\/p>\n

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Spencer<\/span> is a PhD Candidate working in the Bello lab researching kratom and its physiological effects including potential risks and therapeutic uses. He graduated with a BS in Finance from the University of Central Florida and enjoys swimming in spring-fed freshwater rivers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Hayley Palmer<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

GRIB 2026 Logistics Subcommittee Member<\/p>\n

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Hayley is a PhD student in the Food Science Department at Rutgers University, working under the mentorship of Dr. Diana Roopchand. Her research focuses on the use of phytocannabinoids for cardiometabolic improvement in postmenopause. She received her B.S. in Food Science from the University of California, Davis in 2017. Prior to entering graduate school, she worked in the food and dietary supplement industry in quality and regulatory roles. Most recently, she was a quality control analytical chemist for CV Sciences, a company that produces hemp-derived dietary supplements, cosmetics, and over-the-counter products. Hayley is also teaching assistant for the Biological Research Laboratory course and enjoys sharing her passion for biology. After completing her PhD, she plans to return to industry to pursue a career in research. In her free time, Hayley enjoys spending time outdoors and is an avid long-distance runner.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Adrian Becker<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

GRIB 2026 Conference Moderator & Musical Performer<\/p>\n

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I have a background in food science, nutrition, diabetes and obesity research, an MBA, and years of experience in the beverage industry. As a guitarist, singer, and someone with experience in the performing arts, I\u2019ve always been passionate about bridging the art of science with the science of art to create experiences that are thoughtful, human, memorable, and applicable in real life beyond academia.<\/p>\n

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Brian Amriddinov GRIB 2026 Chair I am a third-year PhD student in Nutritional Biochemistry and Physiology. 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