Committee

Dr. Tetsuji Yamada is a Professor of Health Economics in the Department of Economics at Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey. He is also an Associate Member of the Graduate Faculty for the M.A. and Ph.D. programs in Childhood Studies and a Faculty Member of the Center for Children and Childhood Studies at Rutgers. Dr. Yamada has taught a range of courses, including Health Economics, Economics of Health Behavior and Health Education, Health Care Finance, and Cost-Benefit Analysis. Currently, he serves as an Invited Research Scholar for the Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan; a Research Scholar for the Hosei Institute on Aging at Hosei University, Japan; and a Researcher with the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center’s Asia Health Policy Program at Stanford University. Previously, Dr. Yamada was an Associate Professor at Ritsumeikan University, Japan. He has served as a health economist at the International Leadership Center on Longevity and Society in New York, a research associate with the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), a health economics adviser to the World Health Organization (WHO), and a research scholar at both the University of Tsukuba in Japan and the Center for the Pacific Basin at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Dr. Yamada's research focuses on health economics, including topics such as cancer screening behavior, substance abuse, risky health behaviors among youth, teen pregnancy prevention, health care accessibility and disparities, unmet or delayed health care services, and the effectiveness of government health policies. His work extends to health marketing and international healthcare policy, particularly in the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Health Behavior and Public Health, Guest Editor for the Special Issue on Health Behavior and Public Health in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, and Section Editor for Business Economics at the IIOAB Journal. Selected Papers Perception of Childbearing in a Changing Socioeconomic Environment Challenges of Healthy Lifestyle, Health Disadvantages, and Justice in Aging: International Comparison

Dr. Kadhim Alabady, MBBS, MPH, MSc, DrPH, FFPH (UK), FRCP (Glasgow), is a distinguished public health expert and epidemiologist with extensive experience in research, academia, and health system leadership. A Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health, UK (FFPH), and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (FRCP – Glasgow), he holds a Doctorate in Public Health and Epidemiology (DrPH), along with Master’s degrees in Clinical Epidemiology (MSc) and Public Health (MPH) from leading universities in the Netherlands. Since 1999, Dr. Alabady has contributed to public health at various levels, including academia—serving at Erasmus University (Netherlands), Queen Mary University (UK), and the University of East Anglia (UK)—as well as international organizations such as the United Nations, national health authorities in Qatar and Dubai, and the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). A Grade A Registered Epidemiologist with the Netherlands Epidemiological Society, he has an extensive publication record covering mental health, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia, autism, COPD, population health, road safety, infectious diseases, and vaccination. His expertise continues to shape public health policies and research on both national and international levels.

Dr. Stef Stienstra is a distinguished international expert in the fields of medical and biotechnology, serving as a Scientific Advisory Board member for several prominent companies. He is a Senior Advisor on Public Health and Biodefense for the EU-financed ReSEMBiD project, executed by Expertise France. Dr. Stienstra is also a shareholder of Technofer B.V. in The Netherlands and a dynamic entrepreneur with 2N3S (Netherlands Network for Safety and Security Systems). A globally recognized authority in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) defense, Dr. Stienstra focuses on (micro)biological and chemical threats. He holds an appointment as a Visiting Professor at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and is a guest lecturer at the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany. His expertise in biodefense has made him a sought-after speaker at international forums and academic institutions worldwide. Dr. Stienstra's academic background includes dual degrees in Medicine and Biochemistry from The Netherlands, along with a doctorate. His extensive practical experience spans cell biology, immuno-hematology, infectious diseases, biodefense, and transfusion medicine. He has authored 41 peer-reviewed scientific publications, contributed to over 400 professional articles, and is the inventor of three patents. Dr. Stienstra's contributions to the scientific community and his commitment to advancing public health and global security position him as a leading figure in his field.

Roy G. Beran is an Australian consultant neurologist and accredited sleep physician with extensive expertise in neurology, legal medicine, and medical education. He holds multiple qualifications, including MBBS, MD, FRACP, and several postgraduate degrees. He is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in Neurology, Public Health, and Sleep Medicine. Professor Beran serves as a Conjoint Professor of Medicine at the University of New South Wales, Professor at Griffith University, and Conjoint Professor at Western Sydney University. He is a founding member and Vice President of the Australian Magnetic Resonance Imaging Association and Co-Head of Faculty for the Australasian College of Legal Medicine (ACLM), where he also served as a past president. He is the Immediate Past President and Australian Governor of the World Association for Medical Law (WAML). A prolific academic, he has authored over 400 publications, 17 books, and presented more than 450 papers globally. His research focuses on concussion, epilepsy, stroke, sleep disorders, neuroepidemiology, and medical education. In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015.

Dr. Rachel E. Spector is a renowned nurse educator, author, and expert in transcultural nursing. A former Associate Professor at Boston Colleges William F. Connell School of Nursing, she taught Community Health Nursing and Culture and Health Care for over 25 years. Best known for developing the CULTURALCARE model, Dr. Spector authored the seminal textbook Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness, now in its 9th edition. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Leininger Award in Transcultural Nursing, recognition as a Living Legend by the American Nurses’ Association - Massachusetts, and the Human Rights Award from the ANA. Dr. Spector’s research and teaching continue to inspire nurses to embrace cultural competence and advocate for equitable healthcare.

Professor Tingzhong Yang is the Director of the Research Center for Tobacco Control and the Research Center for Digital Health Theory and Management at Zhejiang University, China. He has advised the World Health Organization (WHO) on tobacco control and contributed to updating the CRDs section of the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013-2020. His research focuses on social and behavioral sciences in public health, with an emphasis on tobacco control and mental stress. He has led extensive tobacco control advocacy projects across China and published over 120 international papers and 170 Chinese papers. His work has been reported by WHO and featured in Nature journal. Dr. Yang has developed several social and behavioral theories, including the Theory of Effective and Reasoned Action and Digital Virtual Behavior Theory. He has authored and edited multiple books on health behavior and tobacco control, as well as a cultural stress management model used widely in China. He served as the Asian Editor for the American Journal of Health Behavior and is currently the editor of the Global Journal of Social Sciences Studies.

Dr. Milena Wojciechowska is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Health Law and Policy, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Toruń, Poland. Her work centers on health law, health policy, and the legal frameworks that govern healthcare systems. She is actively engaged in teaching, student supervision, and academic research, with a focus on the intersection of law, medicine, and public health. Dr. Wojciechowska contributes to projects and publications addressing patient rights, healthcare governance, and ethical standards in medicine. In addition, she provides academic consultations for students and colleagues, both on campus and online. Through her teaching, research, and collaborations, she plays a key role in advancing the understanding of health law and policy in Poland and internationally.

Prof. Maria Covadonga Vázquez Sánchez holds a Doctorate in Vision Sciences from the University of Santiago de Compostela, where she currently serves as an Assistant Lecturer in Optometry. Her research is primarily focused on the study of visual and auditory dysfunctions in the elderly, with a particular emphasis on dual sensory loss. She has published numerous articles on this topic and presented her findings at various international scientific conferences. Her ongoing research is conducted in nursing homes and institutions dedicated to providing comprehensive and specialized care for elderly individuals with dementia. In addition to her research, Prof. Vázquez Sánchez has served as the coordinator of several educational innovation projects in service-learning, aimed at providing visual and auditory care services to highly vulnerable elderly populations.

Dr. Peter Averkiou is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. He is actively involved in medical education, serving as the Co-Director of the Foundations of Medicine Courses, Director of the Service Learning Projects, Director of the Newborn Nursery Clinical Rotation, and Director of the Synthesis and Transition Course. Dr. Averkiou’s expertise lies in pediatric care and medical education, where he integrates clinical knowledge with a commitment to shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. His leadership in these key educational roles reflects his dedication to fostering a well-rounded, patient-centered approach to medical training.

Dr. Paraskevi Theofilou is a distinguished health psychologist, researcher, and academic with expertise in behavioral medicine and health psychology. Her research focuses on health-related quality of life, mental health (depression, anxiety), health locus of control, pain self-efficacy, fatigue, social support, patient satisfaction, and medication adherence in chronic illness. She is dedicated to understanding the psychological processes underlying patient outcomes and disease progression while also exploring healthcare quality and personnel management. With an h-index of 28, 3,306 citations, and a Research Interest Score of 1,677, her contributions to the field are well-recognized. Dr. Theofilou holds two Ph.D. degrees—one in Health Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and another in Personnel Management from the University of Peloponnese. She has also earned master's degrees in Health Services Management (Frederick University) and Social Exclusion, Minorities, and Gender (Panteion University), along with a diploma in Social Administration – Management of Health Services from the National School of Public Administration. Her academic foundation includes bachelor's degrees in Psychology (Panteion University) and Social Work (Technological Educational Institute of Athens). Currently, she serves as a Health Psychologist at "SOTIRIA" Hospital for Thoracic Diseases in Athens and as a Scientific Collaborator at the SCG Lab of Experimental and Applied Psychology, SCG - Scientific College of Greece. Previously, she has held significant roles, including General Manager of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Visiting Researcher at the Centre for Research and Technology - Thessaly (CE.RE.TE.TH), and Deputy Manager Administrative at "SOTIRIA" Hospital. In addition to her research and professional roles, she actively engages in academia, recently delivering a presentation on "Writing a Scientific Paper" at the University of Athens, School of Medicine. Her interdisciplinary background and extensive experience make her a valuable contributor to the fields of health psychology and healthcare management.

Prof. Dr. Nilgun (Dogan) Baydogan is a distinguished professor at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Energy Institute, Nuclear Researches Division, specializing in nuclear science, energy research, and health-related applications of nuclear technologies. She is widely recognized for her expertise in radiation safety, nuclear materials, and medical applications of nuclear techniques. Her research spans nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, medical imaging, and the development of radioisotopes for diagnostics and treatment, contributing to safer and more effective healthcare applications. She also focuses on radiation protection and the health impacts of nuclear energy, supporting public health and occupational safety. Throughout her career, Prof. Baydogan has collaborated on international projects, mentored young researchers, and advanced sustainable energy solutions, making significant contributions to both nuclear science and healthcare innovation.

Dr. Adam Dawria, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia, and Shendi University, Sudan. He is a public health epidemiologist specializing in communicable diseases, vaccine-preventable diseases, and epidemiological surveillance. With extensive experience in disease outbreak response, he has served as an epidemiologist with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Sierra Leone during the Ebola outbreak and as a Polio Consultant for WHO/CDC Nigeria. His research focuses on measles elimination, community health promotion, and public health interventions, with numerous publications in international journals. In addition to his research, Dr. Dawria is actively involved in curriculum development, quality assurance, and accreditation processes in higher education. He has contributed to the design and improvement of public health programs and serves as a member of various scientific and editorial boards. His participation in international conferences and scientific committees reflects his commitment to advancing public health education and policy on a global scale.