Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University of Kentucky

David Blanchett

Current Director - PGIM (Formerly Prudential Investment Management); Adjunct Professor of Finance
Education

Texas Tech University

Ph.D, Finance

Lubbock, Texas, United States of America

University of Chicago

MBA, Finance / 2010

Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

University of Kentucky

BBA, Finance

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
Research Expertise
Pharmacology (medical)
Life-span and Life-course Studies
Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
Geriatrics and Gerontology
Finance
And 9 more
About
David Blanchett, PhD, is Adjunct Professor of Wealth Management at The American College of Financial Services. A world-renowned thought leader in the fields of wealth management and retirement, Blanchett is a leading contributor to the Wealth Management Certified Professional® (WMCP®) designation program. In addition to his role with The College, Blanchett is the managing director and head of retirement research at QMA, a division of Prudential Financial, and formerly at Morningstar Investment Management, LLC. In his roles, Blanchett works to enhance consulting and investment services and conducts research primarily in the areas of financial planning, tax planning, annuities, and retirement. 

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Jason Keeler, PhD

Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, with a broad knowledge of human physiology focused in sport, exercise, and environmental physiology.
Education

University of Kentucky

Ph.D. Exercise Physiology , Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America

University of Kentucky

Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning, Graduate School

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America

University of Kentucky

M.S. Exercise Physiology , Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America

Indiana University Bloomington

B.S. Exercise Science; minor Psychology, School of Public Health

Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
Experience

Indiana University

Postdoctoral Fellow / December, 2020 — Present

Kentucky State University

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science / August, 2017 — January, 2021

University of Kentucky

Graduate Teaching Assistant / August, 2011 — May, 2017

Research Expertise
exercise physiology
tactical population health and performance
integrative physiology
Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
And 8 more
About
Experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in higher education and human research. Currently, I am a postdoctoral research fellow in Dr. Zachary Schlader's Environmental and Integrative Physiology Lab at Indiana University School of Public Health. Prior to coming to IU for a post-doc, I was an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) of Exercise Science at Kentucky State University, where I also served as the Faculty Senate President. My research has culminated in a myriad of conference presentations, abstracts, and journal articles with primary focuses on integrative physiology, tactical population physiology, and student health. In 2021, I received the President’s Award for Best Overall Oral Presentation at the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society Annual Meeting (2021) and was awarded the Environmental & Exercise Physiology Section Dr. Charles (Tip) Tipton Postdoctoral Research Award from the American Physiological Society (2022). My current research interests are focused on tactical population health/performance, splenic adaptations to environmental stimuli, and cognitive function during varying environmental stimuli. I am a certified strength and conditioning specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

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Elena Ostrakhovitch

Scientist II at University of Kentucky, Department of Neurology with publication on cell metabolism, redox regulation and cell death
Experience

The University of Kentucky, College of Medicine Department of Neurology

Scientist II

Buck Institute for Research on Aging

Scientist II

The University of Kentucky, College of Medicine Department of Neurology

Postdoc

Frontiers in Bioscience, Research Institute in Aging and Cancer

Staff scientist

The University of Western Ontario, London ON, Canada

Heinrich-Heine-University, Institute of Physiological Chemistry I

research scientist

Russian State Medical University, Department of Molecular Biology

Sr. Scientist

Research Expertise
cell biology
cell reprogramming
metal toxicity
redox regulation
About
. I received training at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry I, Medical school, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf. My mentors were Professor Afanas’ev I.B., Professor Korkina L.G., Professor Helmut Sies, and Dr.  Lars-Oliver Klotz. Later I received training at the University of Western Ontario, Canada. My supervisors were Professor Cherian at the Department of Pathology and Professor Li at the Department of Biochemistry. I was Staff Scientist at the non-profit Research institute in Aging and Cancer, Irvine, California, where I spent 7 years as a research scientist focusing on the role of redox-active hydrogen sulfide in redox homeostasis in cancer and age-associated molecular changes. I relished the scientific freedom and the opportunity to mentor junior scientists. I have become interested in age-associated neurodegeneration. I left the staff scientist position and moved to Kentucky University in Lexington, KY. I accepted a postdoctoral scholar appointment with the Department of Neurology to study early molecular changes linked to Parkinson’s disease development. In 2021 I accepted the Scientist II position at Buck institute on research on aging. Under the supervision of Professor Melov, I work on understanding the mechanisms of senescence, lysosmal dysfunction, role of autophagy in cellular senescence and targeting of senescent cells with senolytics, and the development of organoids as an in vitro model of muscle atrophy in aging. In 2023, I moved back to Lexington, KY where I accepted the position of Scientist II to continue the research on alpha-synuclein and its role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA). I am highly motivated to develop new approaches to solve the most challenging problems we face in modern-day science. I continue learning and integrating new technologies. I have experience in lab and project management, coordination of collaborations, and organization of meetings. I have extensive experience in experimental design, laboratory maintenance, and scientific data analysis. I published:  4 book chapters, 6 review articles, and over 41 original research articles. That statement is validated by my publication record, which can be easily found at [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed)

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Francisco M Prados Estevez

Research Scholar
Experience

Cambridge International Center Shanghai Normal University

physics Teacher and head of Department / August, 2008 — June, 2010

A physics teacher and head of the department of Physics

University of Kentucky

Postdoc / 2010 — February, 2014

Postdoc In Experimental Nuclear physics

Research Expertise
Experimental Nuclear Physics
About
Francisco M Prados Estevez is a highly educated and experienced physicist with a diverse background in both academia and teaching. He earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics in 2006 from a prestigious institution, and also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Physics from the University of Granada. Dr. Estevez has a strong passion for teaching and has been a physics teacher and head of the department at the Cambridge International Center at Shanghai Normal University. He has also served as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Kentucky, where he worked on various projects related to nuclear physics. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the field, Dr. Estevez is well-equipped to teach and mentor students in the complex field of physics. He is known for his excellent communication skills and ability to make complex concepts easy to understand for his students. In addition to his teaching and research experience, Dr. Estevez has also published numerous articles and papers in reputable scientific journals, showcasing his expertise in the field. Dr. Estevez is dedicated to advancing the field of physics and inspiring the next generation of scientists. He continues to be an active member of the physics community, attending conferences and workshops to stay updated on the latest advancements in the field. With his impressive education and experience, Dr. Estevez is a valuable asset to any institution or organization in the field of physics.

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Mary-Grace C. Danao, Ph.D.

Value-added food processing engineer known for her expertise in high pressure processing, freeze drying, and optimization of food safety and shelf-life in value-added food systems
Education

Ph.D., Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering / August, 2005

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America

University of Kentucky

M.S., Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering / December, 2001

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America

University of Florida

B.S., Agricultural and Biological Engineering / May, 2000

Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
Research Expertise
High pressure processing
near infrared spectroscopy
food processing
food engineering
About
**Dr. Mary-Grace C. Danao** is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology and a value-added food processing specialist with The Food Processing Center at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. In her role, she leads applied research and extension efforts focused on high pressure processing (HPP), high pressure homogenization, and freeze-drying technologies to enhance food safety, product quality, process optimization, and shelf-life for a wide range of food products. Since 2017, Dr. Danao has coordinated the HPP & Engineering Services Laboratory at the Food Processing Center, where she and her team conduct microbial challenge studies, process validation, and shelf-life analyses to support food manufacturers in complying with USDA and FDA regulatory requirements and bringing innovative products to market. She also contributes to UNL’s academic mission by teaching in areas such as pet food manufacturing as part of the Food Technology for Companion Animals program, helping prepare students for careers in food processing and technology. Dr. Danao’s work bridges fundamental food engineering research with practical industry applications, enhancing value-added processing capabilities for both Nebraska and U.S. food companies.

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Eduardo Rienzi

Research associate, Environmental consulting
Education

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America

Soil Sciences / November, 2011

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
Experience

University of Kentucky, Dept Plant and Soil Sciences

Post doctoral position / January, 2012 — August, 2014

Researching, teaching and consulting in Soil erosion and soil management

Research Fellow / September, 2014 — June, 2018

Researching, teaching and consulting in Soil Sciences and Precision Agriculture

ER Consulting

Environmental consulting / January, 2020 — Present

Researching and providing sustainable solutions in environmental issues; providing consulting in Sediment and Soil erosion management problems

Research Expertise
soil sciences
soil and water conservation
spatial and temporal statistics
Agronomy and Crop Science
Soil Science
And 12 more
About
I have background in Biology with a Master Science in Soil Conservation and International Specialist diploma in Watershed Restoration from CIDA Granada, Spain. Being my doctorate in Soil Sciences, and my minor in Civil Engineering, I was working for more than 15 years in issues related with sediment transport, pollution and other associate subjects like Carbon transport, heavy metal pollution, etc. The solutions provided always must be ecological friendly, with emphasis in soil restoration. In addition, I published several articles in Catena, Soil Science Society of American Journal and Soil and Tillage Research, with several chapters in books related with advanced statistics and autoregression models.

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Partha Goswami

Farmington Hills, Michigan
Technology strategist & thought leader, experienced in emerging trends such as software defined vehicle and disruptions by CASE (Connectivity, Autonomous, Services, Electrification), product development, and future roadmap development.
Education

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

MBA, General Management / 2002

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America

Iowa State University

Ph.D., Aerospace & Engineering Mechanics (Minor in Computer Science) / September, 1991

Ames, Iowa, United States of America

University of Kentucky

MS, Engineering Mechanics / 1988

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

B.Tech., Mechanical Engineering / 1983

Kharagpur

University of Houston

Certificate in Foresight / July, 2016

Houston, Texas, United States of America
About
Partha Goswami has 30+ years of experience in the automotive industry in R&D, Planning and technology strategy. In his most recent role in GM as Professional Fellow of technology trends, he was responsible for identifying emerging tech-trends and their evolution. Currently, Dr. Goswami provides consulting and advisory service as Principal at PG Mobility Analysis LLC. He is also a consulting partner at Automobility Advisors and serves as a director at 3IS, Inc. Dr. Goswami regularly speaks at industry forums on technology, including the future and impact of new concepts such as software-defined vehicle development. He is actively engaged as advisor in several industry groups, as a judge for startup in GAMIC, Michigan and is involved with SAE in various capacities. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics from Iowa State University, MBA from University of Michigan and a certification as a foresight professional from University of Houston.

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Surya Aryal, PhD

Research Scientist
Experience

Meso Scale Discovery (United States)

Scientist

University of Kentucky

Graduate student, teaching and research assistant / 2017 — 2022

Research Expertise
Analytical Chemistry
Bioassay Development
Extracellular Vesicles
Single Molecule Biophysics
About
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Piya Palamure

PhD
Education

University of Kentucky

PhD, Experimental Nuclear Physics / April, 2023

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
Experience

University of Kentucky

Teaching Post-Doctoral Scholar, Physics / August, 2023 — May, 2024

• Actively supported the teaching coordinator as a lead post-doc in implementing rigorous teaching and learning experiences. • Assisted instructors in course preparation and grading assignments adhering to university grading standards.

Research Expertise
Nuclear and Particle Physics

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Dr. Katie Founds

Sociology Ph.D. with extensive teaching and qualitative research experience
Education

University of Kentucky

Ph.D., Sociology / December, 2020

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America

M.A., Theology / August, 2008

Pasadena, California, United States of America
Experience

Kennesaw State University

Assistant Professor, Limited Term

University of Kentucky

Lecturer/Adjunct Faculty

University of Saint Francis

Adjunct Faculty

About
Dr. Katie Founds is a highly qualified sociologist with a passion for teaching and research. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Kentucky in 2020. Her dissertation focused on the impact of stigma on residents of low-income housing. She also holds a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary.. Dr. Founds has extensive experience in academia, having held positions as an Assistant Professor, Limited Term at Kennesaw State University, a Lecturer/Adjunct Faculty at the University of Kentucky, and an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Saint Francis. She has taught courses on a variety of sociological topics, including race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, social inequality, and research methods. In addition to her teaching experience, Dr. Founds has also conducted research on a range of social issues. Her work has been presented at national conferences. She is particularly interested in examining the ways in which social structures and systems perpetuate inequality and the potential for social change through education and activism. Dr. Founds is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for her students and is always looking for innovative ways to engage them in critical thinking and analysis. She is excited to continue her career in academia and make a positive impact in the field of sociology.

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Brynn Angeletti, M.S.

Food scientist with advanced experience in protein and lipid chemistry, antioxidant functionality and applied food research.
Education

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

M.S., Food Science / May, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America

University of Kentucky

B.S., Food Science / May, 2023

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
Research Expertise
Proteins
Lipids
Carbohydrates
Hempseed

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Tyler Hammond

University at Buffalo
Education

University of Kentucky

Ph.D., Neuroscience / May, 2022

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America

University of Kentucky

M.D., Medicine / May, 2024

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
Research Expertise
Gut-brain axis
electronic fetal heart rate monitoring
hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

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Erika Wallgren

DSW candidate with a concentration and research experience in military behavioral health.
Education

University of Kentucky

DSW, Military Behavioral Health / May, 2026 (anticipated)

Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis

MSW, Military Behavioral Health / May, 2024

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America

Fitchburg State University

M.S., Applied Communication / May, 2010

Fitchburg, Massachusetts, United States of America
Experience

University of Kentucky

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