Neela Sampat | Food Science and Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Neela Sampat | Food Science and Nutrition | Best Researcher Award 

Consultant, at Cambridge Weight Plan, Oman.

Dr. Neela A. Sampat is a distinguished Clinical Dietitian and nutrition expert with over 21 years of experience in the health and wellness field. Known for her research in nutritional biochemistry and community nutrition, Dr. Sampat’s work focuses on the molecular roles of nutrients and their impact on chronic diseases. As a Consultant & Divisional Head at Cambridge Weight Plan in Oman, she is dedicated to promoting optimal health through nutrition, counseling, and science-based dietary assessments. Dr. Sampat has gained recognition as a keynote speaker and published researcher, contributing valuable insights to international conferences on brain health and vitamin D. Her expertise extends to clinical settings, where she has managed weight loss and diet programs, helping patients achieve transformative results. Dr. Sampat is committed to advancing public health through impactful research, education, and innovative approaches in nutritional science.

Profile

ORCID

Education 🎓

Dr. Neela A. Sampat completed her Ph.D. in Food Science & Nutrition (2017-2022) from Sultan Qaboos University on a full scholarship, focusing on Vitamin D’s impact on neurocognitive health. She also holds an MSc, with an emphasis on clinical nutrition, from her earlier studies. Her doctoral research involved projects such as analyzing serum vitamin D levels in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and studying vitamin D knowledge and attitudes among university students in Oman. These projects underline her dedication to understanding nutrient roles in mental health and her commitment to improving public health education regarding nutrition. Dr. Sampat’s academic background, alongside her extensive research, equips her with advanced knowledge in nutritional epidemiology and the practical skills necessary for influencing nutritional science and policy.

Experience 💼

Dr. Neela A. Sampat brings a wealth of experience as a Clinical Dietitian and Consultant. Currently, she serves as the Divisional Head at Cambridge Weight Plan Oman, where she oversees the administrative functions and promotes health through strategic brand initiatives and public outreach. Her previous roles include Center Manager at VLCC International across various branches in Dubai and Muscat, where she led slimming departments, managed daily operations, and developed diet plans. As a Clinical Dietitian at American Hospital Dubai, she provided specialized dietary support in ICU, Cardiac, Endocrinology, and Dialysis units. Dr. Sampat’s career demonstrates her capacity for leadership, patient counseling, and effective health interventions across diverse clinical settings, all focused on achieving improved health outcomes through nutrition and lifestyle modifications.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Sampat’s research interests focus on the intersection of nutrition and mental health, particularly how nutrients like vitamin D influence neurocognitive functions in disorders such as ADHD, dementia, and depression. She also explores the biochemical mechanisms by which nutrients impact brain health, as well as broader topics in nutritional epidemiology and community health nutrition. Her studies often involve assessing vitamin D levels in various populations and analyzing attitudes toward sun exposure as a source of this nutrient. Through her work, Dr. Sampat aims to promote a deeper understanding of nutrition’s preventive role in mental and physical health, emphasizing the significance of accessible, science-backed nutritional education for both individual and public health.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Sampat has received numerous accolades for her contributions to nutritional science. She was awarded a full Ph.D. scholarship from Sultan Qaboos University in 2017, recognizing her research potential in food science and nutrition. She has also been an esteemed keynote speaker, presenting on topics such as Vitamin D’s influence on brain health at the Sultan Qaboos University Symposium and the Kuwait University Life Science Conference. Additionally, her research findings on Vitamin D were published in the Annual Report of the College of Agriculture and Marine Science at Sultan Qaboos University, a significant academic accomplishment. Dr. Sampat’s commitment to nutrition research and public health advocacy has earned her an esteemed reputation in her field.

Publications 📚

Dr. Sampat has published extensively on topics related to Vitamin D and neurocognitive health. Notable publications include:

  • “Association between Vitamin D Status and Neurocognitive Function in Dementia, Depression, Schizophrenia, and ADHD: Review & Synthesis” – Journal of Neurochemistry, 2019 [Cited by: Article].
  • “Impact of Vitamin D on Neurocognitive Function in Dementia, Depression, Schizophrenia, and ADHD” – Frontiers in Bioscience, January 2021 [Cited by: Article].
  • “Vitamin D: Public Health Status in the Gulf Region” – International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 4, October-December 2019 [Cited by: Article].
  • “Vitamin D Gulf Public Health Review” – Published for Public Health Reviews, 2019 [Cited by: Article].

Conclusion

Overall, Dr. Neela A. Sampat is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her long-standing commitment to nutritional science, extensive clinical experience, impactful research on vitamin D, and community involvement in nutrition education make her a commendable choice. Addressing the suggested areas for improvement could further amplify her research contributions and broaden her impact. With her existing strengths and potential for continued growth, Dr. Sampat presents a well-rounded and distinguished profile for this award.

Asal Ataie-Jafari | Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Asal Ataie-Jafari | Nutrition | Best Researcher Award 

Assistant Professor, at Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran.

Asal Ataie-Jafari is a dedicated nutrition scientist and academic with a profound focus on dietary health and metabolic research. Holding a Ph.D. in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Putra Malaysia, she has spent over two decades advancing knowledge in the field of nutrition. Asal’s research addresses a range of critical health issues, from cardiovascular risk management to the nutritional impacts of specific foods on chronic conditions such as diabetes. With a rich academic career at Islamic Azad University in Tehran, she has served as an Assistant Professor and contributed significantly to the medical and nutrition sciences literature. Currently based in Canada, Asal continues to lend her expertise as a nutrition consultant, actively influencing dietary practices and healthcare strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Profile

Education

🎓 Education: Asal Ataie-Jafari holds a Ph.D. in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Putra Malaysia (2008-2012), where she researched the nutritional influences on chronic conditions. She began her academic journey at Shaheed Beheshti University in Tehran, completing a Bachelor’s degree (1997-2000) and then a Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences (2001-2004), achieving top ranks in her entrance exams and among graduates. Her education has provided a solid foundation in both clinical and theoretical aspects of nutrition, preparing her for a career that bridges research with clinical applications. These studies have enabled Asal to make meaningful contributions to understanding nutrition’s role in managing and preventing non-communicable diseases.

Experience

💼 Experience: Asal Ataie-Jafari has held numerous influential roles throughout her career, including her current position as a Nutrition Consultant at Ambrosia Natural Foods in Canada (since 2024). She was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition at Islamic Azad University (2013-2024) and has worked as a clinical dietitian at Moheb Kousar Hospital in Tehran. Her experience extends to significant research roles, such as with the Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Center at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where she focused on non-communicable diseases and nutrition-related metabolic health (2004-2013). Asal’s diverse background in research and clinical practice has enriched her understanding of nutrition science, fostering her expertise in patient-centered dietary care.

Research Interest

🔬 Research Interests: Asal Ataie-Jafari’s research interests encompass the intersection of nutrition and chronic disease management, with an emphasis on dietary impacts on metabolic health and cardiovascular risk factors. Her work investigates the roles of specific foods, such as probiotic yogurt and wheat germ, in managing hyperlipidemia and diabetes. She is particularly interested in understanding how dietary components like antioxidants, vitamins, and natural substances contribute to improved health outcomes in patients with chronic conditions. Asal’s recent research also explores the influence of diet on psychological well-being in adolescents, a growing concern in public health, as evidenced by her contributions to large-scale studies like the CASPIAN studies on Iranian youth.

Awards

🏆 Awards: Throughout her academic journey, Asal Ataie-Jafari has been recognized with numerous honors, highlighting her commitment and excellence in nutrition sciences. Notable awards include achieving 3rd rank in her Bachelor’s program among graduates in 2000 at Shaheed Beheshti University and securing the first rank in the M.S. entrance exam from the Ministry of Health & Medical Education in 2001. She continued her success by graduating at the top of her Master’s class in 2004, a testament to her hard work and dedication. These accolades underscore Asal’s impressive academic achievements and establish her as a leading figure in her field.

Selected Publications

📚 Publications: Asal Ataie-Jafari has contributed extensively to the field, with publications focusing on the effects of nutrition on metabolic and cardiovascular health. Some notable works include:

  • “Cholesterol-lowering effect of probiotic yogurt in mildly to moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects” – Ann Nutr Metab, 2009, cited by 95 articles. Link
  • “Adherence to the DASH eating plan in coronary bypass candidates” – Nutrition & Dietetics, 2012, cited by 76 articles. Link
  • “Effects of wheat germ on hyperlipidemic patients” – Nutr Food Sci, 2009, cited by 45 articles. Link

Conclusion

Dr. Asal Ataie-Jafari presents a strong profile as a candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her consistent research focus, significant academic contributions, and applied professional experience align well with the award’s criteria. By addressing areas for growth, such as expanding her research’s global influence and continuing to publish recent findings in high-impact journals, she would enhance her already solid candidacy. Dr. Ataie-Jafari’s work continues to offer meaningful contributions to nutritional science and public health, warranting serious consideration for this award.