Featured Medical Research Experts

Dr. James Utley is a pioneering scientist at the forefront of cellular therapy, AI, and data science. A Johns Hopkins-educated Immunohematology expert and Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professional (CABP), he also holds advanced certifications in data science and machine learning. While serving as Technical Director at a major healthcare organization, Dr. Utley oversaw more than 150,000 successful cellular transfusions and spearheaded advancements that significantly improved patient outcomes. This experience included leading initiatives for the Department of Defense, where he revolutionized cellular transfusion practices. His innovative approach is further exemplified by his FDA-approved work and numerous publications in leading scientific journals. Dr. Utley is also known for his bold, hands-on approach to research, embodying the spirit of a "biohacker" by pushing the boundaries of CRISPR and genetic engineering through self-experimentation. This unique blend of rigorous scientific training and unconventional methods has earned him the moniker "the pirate" within the biohacker community.

Dr. James Lyons, M.D., is an internationally trained physician that was born in Germany. He is the son of a teacher and army veteran and was raised in Texas, but traveled extensively during his medical training. From medical rotations in French Hospital Systems, to his training in Miami at Ryder Trauma medical center and psychiatric training at TGK Prison, his depth of knowledge for those in acute crises is vast. In addition to his doctorate in medicine, Dr. Lyons also holds a Masters of Medical Sciences and coordinated research trials for schizophrenia pharmaceutical treatments in Dallas, TX. He completed his residency in Rural Michigan as a Family Medicine Physician, where he made home visits, and was rigorously trained in all aspects of medical care from delivering and caring for newborns, to end of life care. In his final year of training, he was named chief resident of this program. After 3 additional years practicing in rural east texas as a hospitalist in the acute setting, he, his wife, and their 4 children now reside back in Texas where he was raised, where his parents are retired, and where his sister works as a registered nurse in hospital leadership. Dr. Lyons continues to practice medicine in the acute setting as a hospitalist and emergency room physician in the greater Austin area. Aside from direct patient care, Dr. Lyons provides medical expertise and consulting while also being actively involved in performance improvement, infection control, and medical executive committees in the hospitals where he practices.

Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani is a Professor of Public Health at New Mexico State University (NMSU), known for his extensive research and expertise in global health and social epidemiology

** MEN'S HEALTH EXPERT OPEN TO MEDIA INQUIRIES **I have spent years studying men's issues, from relationships to sexual function to psychology and wellness. An Amazon bestselling author who has a mission in life to help other men with their problems. If you are having trouble in life with depression, physical health, bad relationships or anger, I want to help you have a better life.I have a long and troubled history and have had to overcome many hurdles to get to where I am. If I could do it, so can you, and I am happy to help.My DM's are always open for media requests and people looking for podcast guests.

Dr. Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at North Dakota State University, internationally recognized for his pioneering work at the intersection of digital epidemiology, pharmacovigilance, and artificial intelligence. His research harnesses advanced statistical modeling and AI to track and predict health behaviors, medication safety, and disease patterns in real time—bridging traditional epidemiology with next-generation digital health analytics. Dr. Bhagavathula has published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Annals of Epidemiology, JAMA Network Open, and Lancet Digital Health. His work has been widely cited and featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, where he discussed the real-world safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro). Recognized among the Stanford–Elsevier Top 2% of Scientists (2019–2024) and elected as a Fellow of the American College of Epidemiology, Dr. Bhagavathula is known for translating complex data into actionable insights that shape public health policy and clinical practice. His ongoing projects include NIH- and NSF-aligned initiatives on AI-powered overdose forecasting, digital twins for public health, and real-world drug safety surveillance using explainable machine learning. With a decade of experience spanning more than two dozen countries and collaborations with organizations such as WHO, USAID, and UNICEF, Dr. Bhagavathula brings a global, data-driven, and human-centered approach to solving modern health crises.

Dr. Chandril Chugh is a U.S.-trained, board-certified neurologist with over 17 years of global experience. He specializes in treating complex brain and spine conditions, including stroke, migraine, dementia, epilepsy, and brain trauma. He brings expertise in interventional neurology, using minimally invasive procedures to treat neurological emergencies and chronic disorders. Dr. Chugh also focuses on lifestyle-related issues like stress-induced anxiety, insomnia, and burnout—offering holistic solutions grounded in neuroscience. As co-founder of the Dr Good Deed Foundation, he has helped transform rural healthcare in India through teleclinics, health camps, and community outreach. Through social media and his digital series “Hello Doctor,” Dr. Chugh simplifies brain health and wellness for the public, making expert medical knowledge accessible and relatable to all.

Dr. Wanping Hu is a seasoned oncologist with over two decades of clinical experience and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology. A devoted mother of three, she began cooking daily and immersing herself in nutrition and alternative medicine to help heal her daughters’ chronic health conditions. Combining deep scientific expertise with a heartfelt commitment to holistic wellness, Dr. Hu bridges the worlds of modern medicine and ancient food wisdom. She is the inventor of FermentPro, a first-in-class home fermentation appliance that fuses traditional fermentation principles with cutting-edge technology to support optimal gut health. Guided by her belief that food is medicine, Dr. Hu is dedicated to making nutrition accessible and restoring health through both science and nature.

PhD graduate with 10+ years of experience as a food scientist, specialized in sensory analysis, R&D, data processing and analysis, and project management.Committed to excellence in food science through extensive research, education, and industry contributions. Focused on continuous improvement, fostering balanced workplaces, and effective teamwork.Based in Portugal, open to travel and relocations.

Dr. Jay Johannigman is a Cincinnati-based trauma surgeon with over 35 years of experience in trauma and critical care. A distinguished leader in both military and civilian medicine, he has made lasting contributions to Cincinnati’s medical landscape, most notably as the former Trauma Medical Director and Chief of the Institute of Military Medicine at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. During his tenure, he helped shape one of the region’s most advanced trauma and acute care programs, strengthening Cincinnati's role as a center of excellence in emergency medicine. A Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, Dr. Johannigman has served in eight combat deployments from 2003 to 2021. His military roles have included CCAT (Critical Care Air Transport) flight surgeon, Trauma “Czar,” Deputy Commander, and Director of Clinical Services in combat hospitals. His outstanding service has been recognized with numerous military honors, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Dr. Johannigman also played a key role in the U.S. Air Force C-STARS (Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills) program, helping to train medical teams in readiness and combat casualty care. He has served as Chief Medical Officer at Knight Aerospace, contributing to the design and implementation of airborne medical evacuation systems, and strengthening the ties between military innovation and civilian emergency response. Beyond his contributions on the battlefield and in the operating room, Dr. Johannigman is a passionate educator. He serves as Professor of Surgery at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland, where he helps train future generations of military and civilian physicians. Dr. Johannigman has held leadership roles nationally as well, including State Trauma Chair and Region Chief for the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. He remains actively involved in key professional organizations, such as the American Association for Trauma and the American College of Surgeons.

I’m a lifesciences compliance strategist with a passion for building real-world, right-sized programs in fast-moving environments. With deep experience in pharma and medtech, I specialize in translating regulatory complexity into practical, actionable frameworks. I’ve spent 7+ years navigating the gray areas of compliance—from training physicians on industry expectations to building startup programs from the ground up. I believe compliance should be ethical, functional, and human-centered—and that culture is built through clarity, storytelling, and respect, not fear. Outside of policy and audits, I speak regularly on startup compliance and love turning “boring” topics into memorable moments. I'm here to connect, create, and contribute.

Dr. B.J. Lehecka is a Full Professor of Physical Therapy at Wichita State University, holding a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Wichita State University and a PhD in Orthopedic and Sports Science. His expertise centers on orthopedic physical therapy and sports science, with a strong specialization in gluteal function, lower extremity endurance, and sports mechanics. Key Achievements Peer-Reviewed Publications: Dr. Lehecka is a prolific author with at least 29 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, including works on gluteal endurance measures (GEMs), muscle activation during bridges and yoga poses, and functional testing. Grant Activity: He has secured funding for research, including studies on bone density, lean muscle mass, and jump height in NCAA Division I athletes. Presenting Expert: He is a highly sought-after presenter, delivering numerous scientific and professional talks across the country and internationally, often focusing on "Butt Science" and "Hip Fitness for Tennis and Pickleball Athletes". Academics and Leadership: Dr. Lehecka currently serves as a Full Professor (Tenured) and has held numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the College of Health Professions Tenure and Promotion Committee. Awards: His teaching and research excellence have been recognized with awards like the Wichita State University College of Health Professions Excellence in Research Award (2024) and multiple teaching accolades.

Dr. Paul Durham is distinguished professor of biology and director of Missouri State University's Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences, a multidisciplinary laboratory that utilizes cellular/molecular, microbiological, biochemical and chemical techniques. A primary goal of his research is to determine the signaling pathways by which inflammatory and anti-inflammatory agents control neuropeptide gene expression in disorders involving the trigeminal nerve. Currently, he is studying the regulation of protein expression in cultured nerve and glial cells, human cell lines, in vivo animal models and clinical studies. A major focus of his research has been to elucidate the cellular/molecular mechanisms by which novel drugs and nutraceuticals modulate the excitability state of neurons and glial cells under pathological conditions in models of migraine, TMJ disorder and epilepsy. More recently, his laboratory has been investigating epigenetic mechanisms and changes in gut microbiota in response to changes in diet, sleep pattern, stress and chronic inflammation. Durham is frequently invited as a guest lecturer. He has authored or co-authored 80 peer-reviewed research publications, numerous book chapters and technical reports, and 160 published abstracts. He has received nearly $14 million in external grants to support his research. In addition, Durham has served on numerous National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections and advisory boards, and is currently a reviewer for 15 different journals.

In my role, I meticulously oversee various clinical projects, ensuring each phase is executed with precision and in compliance with GCP standards. Core Competencies: Clinical Trials Monitoring Clinical Safety Protocols Streamlined Clinical Operations Regulatory Compliance Mastery Educational Background: MSc in Molecular Science and Nanotechnology, Louisiana Tech University MSc in Medical Genetics, MGM University of Health Sciences With a robust educational foundation and a keen eye for detail, I have successfully navigated through different therapeutic areas and regions, delivering high-quality results consistently. My journey in the realm of clinical research is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep-seated commitment to advancing science and practice. Let’s Connect! If you are passionate about transforming health care and improving patient lives, or if you wish to exchange insights and collaborate on projects, feel free to connect with me. Together, let’s contribute to a healthier, more understanding world for individuals navigating through challenges.

*Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician (ABFM) with 14+ years clinical experience (based in Chicago, IL) *Named Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2024, 2025) *Medical Media Commentator seen on/in ABC 7, Fox 32, CBS 2, WGN 9, The Chicago Tribune , Chicago Sun Times, and Everyday Health; including a nationwide 25 interview satellite media tour (TV & radio, November 2025) *Premedical Student Mentor, Urban Bridges Medical Mentoring Program Dr. Rene is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP) with 14+ years of clinical experience. She provides comprehensive primary care for Medicare-eligible patients at Oak Street Health's Avalon Park location in Chicago, specializing in chronic disease management, preventive care, healthcare equity, and access for underserved communities. After overcoming 50 medical school rejections, Dr. Rene graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed residency training at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago. She developed the L.Y.M.I.T.S. Method—a framework for transforming limitations into your greatest strengths. She mentors aspiring physicians through the Urban Bridges Medical Mentoring Program. Dr. Rene has appeared as a medical expert on ABC 7, Fox 32, CBS 2, and WGN 9 Chicago and recently completed a 25-interview national satellite media tour. She is available for expert commentary on resilience in healthcare, medical education equity, resilience and overcoming failure, healthcare access for underserved populations, and diversity in medicine.

Michael Genovese is a physician and attorney based in New York City. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, a member of the American Medical Association, a Fellow of both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and a member of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. Dr. Genovese co-founded the multidisciplinary medical practice Long Island Mind and Body in New York while practicing as an attending physician at NYU/Winthrop University Hospital. He was a fellow at the NYU/North Shore University Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program, and he completed his residency training at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Before beginning his medical studies, Dr. Genovese earned a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He is a member of the New York Bar and the American Bar Association and is an advocate for attorneys and first responders seeking treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders. Dr. Genovese is passionate about advocating for people and families who struggle with addictions and is strongly connected to Ascendant’s mission to help those in need.

Dr. Ayesha Bryant, M.S.P.H, M.D. is a physician, clinical scientist, and associate professor dedicated to translating complex medical research into practical health solutions. With more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and multiple textbook chapters, Dr. Bryant is recognized for her contributions to perioperative outcomes research, preventive medicine, and quality-of-life improvement. She currently serves as a clinical advisor at Alpas Wellness, a drug, alcohol & mental health treatment center in Maryland. She completed her medical training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and Emory University, with additional training in epidemiology and public health. Her research has been featured at major national and international conferences, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Bryant’s expertise spans functional medicine, AI-driven healthcare algorithms, and national clinical data registry research. She is passionate about combining evidence-based medicine with real-world wellness strategies to improve patient outcomes and preventive care. In addition to her academic work, she has written for Rupa Health, where she shares insights on how readers can live healthier, more vibrant lives.

As a Mechanical Engineer and Business Analyst, I thrive at the intersection of engineering innovation and strategic problem-solving. With experience in business development, market analysis, and process optimisation, I’ve delivered impactful results—whether driving market expansion or improving processes in manufacturing. Passionate about leveraging technology and data to fuel growth, I’m always looking for the next challenge—optimizing operations, exploring new markets, or designing innovative solutions.

Dr. Angela DeRosa is a PhD-trained biomedical scientist and science communicator with 6+ years of experience analyzing, synthesizing, and communicating complex scientific and medical information. She is skilled in developing clear, accurate, and engaging content for diverse audiences including scientists, healthcare professionals, and the public. She is a published author with experience writing peer-reviewed articles, literature reviews, SOPs, and educational materials. Furthermore, Angela is certified in science communication through the Alan Alda Center at Stony Brook University, with a proven ability to adapt technical data into accessible deliverables.

Adonis Hakkim is a British entrepreneur, innovator, and the award-winning Founder & CEO of Welzo, one of the UK’s fastest-growing health technology companies. Recognised by Forbes in its “30 Under 30 Europe, Science & Healthcare list, Adonis is a leading voice in the future of AI-driven healthcare and modern entrepreneurship. Welzo is a UK based healthcare marketplace that sells supplements, vitamins and health tests, founded in 2022. With a passion for building scalable systems, Adonis has grown Welzo from concept to a company valued at over £42 million, employing 50+ people and serving thousands of customers across the UK. Under his leadership, Welzo has pioneered AI-powered diagnostics, digital supplementation, and data-led personalised healthcare, redefining how individuals access and manage their wellbeing. Beyond business growth, Adonis is known for his thought leadership in entrepreneurship, technology, and operational excellence. He frequently shares insights on scaling sustainable organisations, leveraging artificial intelligence to solve human problems, and building health systems designed for accessibility, efficiency, and ethical impact. Adonis’s approach combines deep technical understanding with a focus on human-centred innovation, proving that great technology should not only scale, but also serve.