Nursing Education and Research

Biography:

Dr. Dian Baker holds master's degrees in both child development and nursing. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at the University of California, Davis. Her research interests include health inequities, transdisciplinary education, developmental disabilities, and nursing history​.

Dr. Baker is recognized for her work in healthcare leadership and patient safety, particularly focusing on preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP). She has collaborated globally with hospitals and consults for major health programs, including the Veterans Health Administration’s National HAPPEN program and the CDC’s EpiCenter grant​

Abstract:

Dr. Dian Baker is renowned for her pioneering research in the prevention of Non-Ventilator Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia (NVHAP), a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections. With her extensive background in nursing and public health, Dr. Baker has conducted influential studies that emphasize the importance of oral care and the oral microbiome in preventing NVHAP. Her research extends to understanding how hospitals can implement effective prevention protocols to enhance patient outcomes. As an associate professor at California State University, Sacramento, and a collaborator with programs like the CDC’s EpiCenter grant and the Veterans Health Administration’s National HAPPEN program, Dr. Baker has made substantial contributions to healthcare policy and practices that aim to reduce infection rates and promote patient safety​.

Biography:

Dr. Julie M. Pullen is a distinguished researcher and academic known for her work in climate, oceanography, and urban resilience. She currently serves as Director of Product at Jupiter Intelligence, a company specializing in hyper-local weather, water, and climate impact projections. In addition, Dr. Pullen is an adjunct research scientist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and advises Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Environmental & Climate Sciences Department.

Dr. Pullen's career includes roles as an Associate Professor in Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, where she led multidisciplinary teams focused on oceanography, meteorology, and urban modeling studies. Her contributions extend internationally, including a Fulbright scholarship in the Philippines and a fellowship at Stanford's Center for International Security and Cooperation.

Abstract:

Dr. Julie M. Pullen is a leading researcher and academic specializing in climate science, physical oceanography, and urban resilience. Currently, she serves as Director of Product at Jupiter Intelligence, where she develops hyper-local weather, water, and climate impact projections. As an adjunct research scientist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and advisor to Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Environmental & Climate Sciences Department, Dr. Pullen plays a pivotal role in advancing environmental research and solutions.

Her previous tenure as an Associate Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology involved leading international, multidisciplinary teams to study integrated oceanography, meteorology, and urban climate challenges. A 2018 Fulbright Scholar in the Philippines and Fellow of the Explorers Club, Dr. Pullen's work primarily focuses on coastal urban forecasting, addressing issues such as flooding and heatwaves, to bolster climate adaptation and resilience

Biography:

Dr. Vincent Maida is an internationally recognized expert in palliative medicine and wound management, affiliated with the William Osler Health System in Toronto, where he has had a significant role in advancing palliative care services. A graduate of the University of Toronto with an MD (1982), he completed an MSc in Wound Management (2010) and holds multiple other certifications, including a clinical medical teachers certificate and a certification in patient safety and quality improvement. Dr. Maida's work has included founding the first palliative care unit at William Osler and contributing to the development of community services like Vaughan's home-visiting palliative service.

He is an active researcher and innovator, with over 30 original research publications and multiple textbook chapters to his name. His academic contributions have been cited internationally over 800 times, reflecting his impact in pain and symptom management, wound care, and medical education. Dr. Maida has presented globally across 17 countries and over 50 cities.

Abstract:

Dr. Vincent Maida is a leading figure in palliative medicine and wound care, with a career marked by exceptional contributions to healthcare and medical education. Based at the William Osler Health System in Toronto, he has pioneered advancements in palliative services, including the establishment of the region's first dedicated palliative care unit. His work encompasses over 30 original research publications and numerous textbook chapters, underscoring his expertise in pain management, symptom control, and quality end-of-life care. Dr. Maida's scholarly impact is reflected in over 800 citations of his research globally.

His commitment to patient-centered care and education has earned him significant recognition, including two Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medals. An active contributor to medical conferences, Dr. Maida has presented in 17 countries and more than 50 cities worldwide. He advocates for the fundamental right to quality end-of-life care and continues to mentor healthcare professionals, guiding them in delivering compassionate and effective palliative treatment

Biography:

Dr. Nadia Al-Kandary is an accomplished forensic pathologist and academic who currently serves as the Chairman of the Pathology Lab in Kuwait. She completed her PhD in Forensic and Investigative Science from the University of Lancashire, UK, in 2011. Her career with the General Department of Criminal Evidence at the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait began in 1996, marking a long tenure in forensic sciences.

Dr. Al-Kandary is notable for being the first medical scientist in the Middle East to achieve Criminal Laboratory Accreditation through the College of American Pathologists. Her professional involvement extends internationally, as she is a member of the World Suicidology Network (affiliated with the WHO) and has contributed extensively to the field through her research and publications. These works encompass diverse topics, including the medico-legal aspects of infant deaths and causes of death related to homicide, suicide, and accidents. Dr. Al-Kandary has also served on the editorial boards of nine medical and forensic journals and has been an invited speaker at various conferences in the Middle East and the U.S

Abstract:

Dr. Nadia Al-Kandary is a leading figure in forensic pathology and forensic laboratory management in the Middle East. With a PhD in Forensic and Investigative Science from the University of Lancashire, UK, she has been a dedicated member of the General Department of Criminal Evidence at the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait since 1996. Dr. Al-Kandary has made significant contributions to forensic science, being the first medical scientist in the Middle East to receive Criminal Laboratory Accreditation from the College of American Pathologists, a milestone that underscores her commitment to excellence in laboratory standards.

Her research spans a range of crucial topics, including the medico-legal aspects of infant deaths and various unnatural causes of death such as homicide, suicide, and accidents. Dr. Al-Kandary is also an active member of the World Suicidology Network under the WHO, showcasing her engagement in global efforts related to mental health and forensic studies. Beyond her research, she serves on the editorial boards of multiple medical and forensic journals and has been invited to speak at various international conferences, sharing her expertise and promoting advancements in forensic science​

Biography:

Dr. Hector Magno is a distinguished academic and researcher, recognized for his contributions to computer science and interdisciplinary studies that intersect with public health. He holds the position of Professor Emeritus at California State University, Long Beach, where he has left a lasting impact through his work in data analysis, research, and teaching. Beyond academia, Dr. Magno is involved in independent research, focusing on significant public health issues, including the evaluation of mass vaccination programs in the United States.

His studies on vaccination have provided critical insights into how such public health initiatives reduce morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases, emphasizing the broader societal benefits. Dr. Magno's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting the importance of health policies that protect communities reflects his dedication to both scientific inquiry and public welfare

Abstract:

Dr. Hector Magno is an accomplished computer scientist and academic whose work bridges multiple disciplines, including public health and data analysis. Affiliated as a Professor Emeritus at California State University, Long Beach, he has contributed significantly to the field through research, teaching, and mentorship. Dr. Magno has also engaged in independent scientific investigations, particularly focused on the benefits of mass vaccination programs in the United States. His studies have provided valuable insights into the reduction of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, showcasing the substantial public health impact of vaccination initiatives. His research not only highlights the empirical benefits but also encourages further exploration to refine and expand the understanding of vaccination’s role in disease prevention and health policy