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Science is at the foundation of everything Abbott does, and our nutrition experts are pioneering research, education, and advancements to nourish bodies at every stage of life.

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Aundrea Parker, MS, RDN

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AUNDREA PARKER, MS, RDN

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Aundrea Parker, MS, RDN is a Research Scientist and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) at Abbott, where she supports pediatric nutrition. With more than 20 years of experience as a practicing dietitian, she has worked with diverse patient populations across pediatric and adult clinical settings. Prior to joining Abbott in 2022, Aundrea served as a neonatal nutritionist, specializing in the nutritional care of vulnerable infants and supporting optimal growth and development during early life.

In her role at Abbott, Aundrea supports product innovation and scientific communication for Abbott's infant nutrition portfolio. She also contributes to nutrition education initiatives that help translate emerging science into practical, evidence-based applications for healthcare professionals and caregivers.

Aundrea is passionate about advancing the science of infant nutrition in supporting healthy growth and development.

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Avinash Pokala, PhD, MS

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AVINASH POKALA, MS, PhD

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Avi Pokala is a Senior Scientist on the Pediatric Nutrition Science Research and Development Team at Abbott. Dr. Pokala focuses on scientific research, clinical trials, and innovation initiatives focused on hydration for both children and adults, particularly as it relates to oral rehydration solutions.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition sciences from The Ohio State University, where he worked with dietary recall data and weighed food records. He later completed his PhD in Human Nutrition through Ohio State’s interdisciplinary PhD program. His graduate research centered on human clinical studies investigating the effects of food bioactives on cardiometabolic and gut health in metabolically compromised individuals. He has several publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has given guest lectures to both undergraduate and graduate students on topics related to nutrition research.

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bridget-cassady

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BRIDGET CASSADY, PhD, RDN, LD

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Bridget Cassady, PhD, RDN, LD, is a doctorate-level Senior Research Scientist and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) at Abbott. She supports the Global Adult Therapeutic Nutrition business with an emphasis on critical care and surgical patients.

Prior to joining Abbott, Bridget worked in various roles in the global food and healthcare industry and brings over a decade’s worth of experience in research and development to her current role. Her expertise includes adult medical nutrition therapy, biochemistry and physiology, aging, and cognitive sciences. Bridget is passionate about improving the standard of care in the aging population and her collaborative research efforts highlight the importance of nutritional therapies for older adults. She enjoys research and innovation and is the author of numerous scientific abstracts, peer-reviewed publications, and book chapters.

Bridget graduated from Winona State University, with a bachelor's degree in cell and molecular biology with a minor in biochemistry. She earned her PhD through the Interdepartmental Nutrition Program and Ingestive Behaviors Research Center at Purdue University. Bridget completed her dietetic internship through Iowa State University.

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Dominique R. Williams

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DOMINIQUE R. WILLIAMS, MD, MPH

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Dr. Dominique Williams is the Adult Nutrition Medical Director at Abbott, a global healthcare company. Her responsibilities include supporting the U.S. and global adult nutrition business in respect to Abbott’s adult nutrition products.  This includes collaborating with clinical teams on Abbott studies and driving the development, submission, and execution of investigator-initiated studies to ensure the completion and publication of studies. Dr. Williams also leads medical strategy and content review, including moderation for national and international advisory meetings and symposia with cross-functional teams.

Dominique is double board certified in Obesity Medicine and Pediatrics and is an active member of the Obesity Medicine Association. Dominique is a dedicated educator, nutrition scientist, and clinician with more than 19 years of experience in patient-centered care, holistic mentoring, and curriculum development.

In addition to her clinical work, she is a mentor to undergraduate and medical students, resident physicians, and junior faculty, including serving as Faculty Co-Advisor for student groups in the College of Medicine. Dominique has publications on the topics of mentoring, equity-focused initiatives in graduate education, and the care of children and adolescents with obesity. She also works on several hospital initiatives to address health disparities and is a member of the Section on Minority Health Equity and Inclusion in the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dominique obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University, her medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine, and her Master of Public Health in Nutrition from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

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Elizabeth J. Reverri, PhD, MS, RD, FAND

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ELIZABETH J. REVERRI, MS, PhD

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Beth is a Senior Research Scientist at Abbott, where she has worked in the Nutrition Science & Innovation group since 2017. Her research focuses on infant and toddler nutrition, with particular expertise in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and their role in early-life health. She has authored and presented nutrition research at international scientific meetings.

Beth has held leadership roles within the American Society for Nutrition and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is recognized for her contributions to the field through multiple honors, including an Abbott President’s Award. In 2025, she was named a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is also deeply committed to mentorship and has guided numerous students in nutrition science and dietetics.

Prior to joining Abbott, Beth had worked as a Nutrition Instructor, Postdoctoral Researcher, and Registered Dietitian providing clinical care to adult and pediatric populations. Beth earned her PhD in Nutritional Biology and a minor in Endocrinology from the University of California, Davis. She completed her Dietetic Internship, an MS in Clinical Nutrition, and a BS in Dietetics from Boston University. Ultimately, she aspires for her work in the nutrition field to contribute to the nutrition education of healthcare professionals and consumers.

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hakim-bouzamondo

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HAKIM BOUZAMONDO, MD

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Hakim Bouzamondo, MD, MSc, MBA, is Divisional Vice President of Global Research and Development for Abbott’s Nutrition business. He is responsible for pediatric and adult nutrition, product development, clinical and preclinical research, innovation, and education. Hakim redefined the Division’s science research platforms, focusing on gut/immunity, brain/cognition, muscle/metabolism, and created a user experience team to better address rapidly evolving consumer needs.

Before joining Abbott, Hakim spent 15 years in the pharmaceutical and the consumer packaged goods industries. He contributed to the development and launch of new products in multiple therapeutic areas and led the life cycle management of major $1B+ cardiovascular brands.

Hakim joined Abbott in 2014 and has since driven the launch of multiple science breakthrough technologies, including human milk oligosaccharides and numerous market-driven innovations. He’s also leveraged science platform’s microbiome expertise and has been actively leading Abbott’s global malnutrition research program.

Hakim is a medical doctor by training. He received a MSc degree from Paris University where he also completed his pharmacology post-doctoral trainings (pharmacokinetics, pharmacovigilance, trials methodology and psychoactive drugs pharmacology). He also completed an executive MBA in the United Kingdom.

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John Stutts

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JOHN STUTTS, MD, MPH

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Dr. John Stutts is the Pediatric Medical Director at Abbott. His responsibilities include supporting the pediatric nutrition portfolio through external engagement of key opinion leaders, health care practitioners, and pediatric societies. He also oversees clinical trials and works closely with Abbott Nutrition Health Institute, an online unbranded nutrition education site for health care practitioners.

John has more than 23 years of clinical experience as a Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Associate Professor at the School of Medicine at the University of Louisville. He has also been a part of many clinical trials in his tenure including several studies with the Norton Children’s Medical Pediatric Clinical Research Unit. John has a long history of clinical service and focus on education. He is a past member of the Professional Education committee for the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and currently serves as a member of the Public Education committee for NASPGHAN.

With a passion for education and teaching through the spoken word, John is a highly sought-after global speaker and lecturer. On three separate occasions, John was selected by the NASGHAN Foundation as a representative Grand Rounds Speaker/Liaison on focus topics for the organization.

John received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Louisville. He completed his Pediatric Residency, Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship and Master of Public Health from Vanderbilt University.

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Katie Robinson

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KATIE ROBINSON, MPH, PhD, PD, LD

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Katie Robinson leads the Medical Science Liaison Team within Medical Affairs at Abbott.

Dr. Robinson completed her bachelor’s degree in dietetics at Iowa State University and her dietetic internship at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). During her time at UIUC, she also earned a Master of Public Health and a doctorate in nutritional sciences, taught multiple undergraduate and graduate courses and assisted with coordinating the undergraduate didactic program in dietetics. She then completed postdoctoral training at University of Iowa’s Diabetes Research Center. Her research investigated the impact of nutrition and genetics on outcomes of behavioral and surgical weight loss interventions.

Dr. Robinson is a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician and has served as a workgroup member for the Evidence Analysis Library of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is an advocate for dietitians in research and continues to publish in the areas of obesity, malnutrition and critical care nutrition.

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Michelle-Johnson

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MICHELLE JOHNSON, RD

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Michelle Johnson is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist and Research Scientist in Pediatric Nutrition Science & Education, where she provides global clinical and scientific leadership for Abbott’s infant nutrition products.

At Abbott, Michelle is involved in pediatric clinical research, new product development and provides scientific support for Abbott infant nutrition products and medical nutrition education. Prior to joining Abbott in 2014, Michelle was a neonatal and pediatric nutritionist for 17 years in multiple neonatal intensive care units and pediatric hospitals in the U.S. Her areas of expertise include neonatal and pediatric clinical nutrition. 

Michelle is an editor for the Pocket Guide to Neonatal Nutrition, 3rd edition, author for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on the topic of neonatal nutrition, and is an author of consumer articles and peer-reviewed scientific publications on infant and preterm infant nutrition. She is passionate about nutrition care of the preterm infant and the importance of nutrition for improved outcomes.

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Refaat-Hegazi

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REFAAT HEGAZI, MD, MS, MPH, PhD, MBA

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Dr. Refaat Hegazi is divisional vice president of Global Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, and Health Economics and Outcomes Research at Abbott. As a physician scientist, Dr. Hegazi oversees a team of nutrition experts and medical directors who advance education, clinical research, science, and clinical development of nutrition products.

He is passionate about leading his team to uncover the role of nutrition in health and disease. He has interest in studying the correlation between nutrition, immune, and glycemic responses to develop therapies to manage chronic and acute diseases. Dr. Hegazi joined Abbott in 2009 and helped develop a global diabetes nutrition care model that encompassed transcultural differences in diets and lifestyle. Also an expert in malnutrition, he has contributed to advances in the treatment of malnutrition through healthcare coalitions and educational programs.

Dr. Hegazi is a graduate of Mansoura University Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt. He earned a Master of Occupational Health and Industrial Medicine from Mansoura University Faculty of Medicine in Mansoura, Egypt. He also has a Master of Public Health from the Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, he has a PhD in Nutritional Epidemiology from the Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh and Master of Business Administration from Franklin University. He completed his Post-Doctoral fellowship in Gastrointestinal Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Dr. Hegazi is certified by the American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists and has authored 74 peer reviewed articles and seven book chapters.

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Sara-Thomas

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SARA THOMAS, PhD, RDN

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Sara Thomas is a registered dietitian and a senior research scientist supporting the United States Nutrition Science and Innovation team at Abbott. Sara provides clinical and scientific expertise for Abbott’s adult nutrition products and specializes in nutrition to support healthy aging, diabetes, and obesity. Previously, Sara worked in various roles in the field of nutrition including academic, government, and industry settings. Her previous nutrition research experience includes carotenoids, adult obesity, and dietary supplements. Sara earned her master’s degree and PhD in Nutrition Science and completed her dietetic internship at the Ohio State University and conducted her post-doctoral training at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center.

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Steven-Hertzler

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STEVEN HERTZLER, PhD, RD

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Steve Hertzler is a senior scientist of clinical research with Abbott’s Global Scientific and Medical Affairs team. He supports the scientific research and product development for adult nutrition products.

With 25 years of experience as a dietitian, researcher and professor, Steve drives the development of new adult products by advising on key nutrients and therapeutic formulations to support healthy aging and recovery from health setbacks.

Steve joined Abbott in 2007; he is the author of multiple chapters on nutrition and has published more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific research articles. He’s been a speaker for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, addressing muscle health, diet and ingredients including HMB.

Prior to joining Abbott, Steve was a faculty member at The Ohio State University in the Division of Medical Dietetics and the Department of Human Nutrition. Steve earned his Ph.D. in Human Nutrition from the University of Minnesota and his bachelor’s degree in Community-Medical Dietetics at Viterbo College.

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Suela-Sulo

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SUELA SULO, MSc, PhD

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Suela Sulo, MSc, PhD, is a health outcomes researcher and implementation scientist currently leading the Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Real-world Evidence, and Policy work for Abbott’s global nutrition research and development. Since joining Abbott in 2016, Suela has helped design and disseminate numerous research studies and quality improvement programs, which support the development of pathways to care for at-risk or malnourished patients across different healthcare settings and demonstrate the impact of nutrition interventions on improving process and patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and advancing health equity. Suela’s work has been instrumental in the development and inclusion of the first ever nutrition-focused quality measure in the US government pay-for-performance payment program.

Prior to joining Abbott, Suela was the manager of Patient-Centered Outcomes Research for one of the largest healthcare systems in the US, where amongst conducting research studies and programs in different therapeutic areas, she also led the efforts to implement the first nutrition-focused quality improvement program developed to reduce 30-day readmissions, length of stay, and costs in hospitalized patients. This program has been implemented in hundreds of hospital systems across the US and internationally, and has contributed to important advancements in nutrition policies globally.

Suela received a Bachelor and Master of Science in psychology and counseling from University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, and a Ph.D. in organizational leadership with concentration in healthcare and human services from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, USA.

Suela has over 15 years of research experience and has published more than 100 articles and book chapters in the areas of medicine and medicine education, nutrition, healthcare management, psychology, and health policy.

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Suzette-Pereira

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SUZETTE PEREIRA, PhD

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Suzette Pereira, PhD, is a Volwiler Research Fellow at Abbott, and an internally and externally recognized expert in the field of muscle, sarcopenia, and nutrition, with a robust background in molecular biology and biochemistry. Over her career, Dr. Pereira has conducted pioneering research towards developing novel nutrition therapies to address muscle loss due to aging (sarcopenia), chronic disease, hospitalization, and malnutrition. Her research has propelled the science behind HMB, the lead innovation in Ensure that drives sales and differentiation. Dr. Pereira pioneered the use of HMB in hospitalized and sarcopenic patients through her groundbreaking clinical studies. She is also responsible for developing an innovation pipeline for Ensure, with the goal of transforming global healthcare and addressing malnutrition.

Suzette actively collaborates with external key opinion leaders and scientists across Abbott divisions. She has collaborated with Abbott Diagnostics division on the development of malnutrition and sarcopenia biomarkers to transform global health care. She served as Abbott’s representative to external organizations such as the ‘FNIH- Sarcopenia Biomarker Consortium’ and the ‘Aging in Motion Coalition’, committed to driving research and awareness of sarcopenia. She is also active in educating consumers and health care professionals on the importance of muscle and nutrition through various media outlets.

Prior to joining Abbott, Suzette completed a doctorate in microbiology at The Ohio State University (Columbus), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in microbiology. She has coauthored 70 peer-reviewed manuscripts and ~230 patents/patent applications.

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Tricia Hart, PhD, MS, RD, LDN, CSCS

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TRICIA HART, MS, PhD, RD, LDN, CSCS

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Tricia Hart is a registered dietitian and a nutrition scientist supporting the Pediatric Nutrition Team at Abbott. Tricia contributes to research, education and innovation for rehydration and Abbott’s infant and pediatric products.

She has conducted nutrition and exercise studies involving the general population, athletes, and individuals at increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. Her doctoral research focused on diet quality, fatty acids and risk factors for cardiometabolic disease. Tricia also has experience as a clinical dietitian.

Tricia earned her doctoral degree in Nutritional Sciences from Penn State University. She completed her master’s degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science and her dietetic internship at Lipscomb University. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition Science from Kent State University.

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