Brain Blog Team

John Nolan, PhD

Professor John Nolan is a Fulbright Scholar and currently holds a Chair for Human Nutrition Research at the School of Health Science, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland. Prof Nolan is the Founder and Director of the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland (NRCI) and is also the Principal Investigator of the Macular Pigment Research Group (MPRG, a specialized research group within this centre). HOWARD CHAIR IN HUMAN NUTRITION, FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR, ERC FELLOW, was born and raised in the Republic of Ireland, where he studied Science at the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT). It was at WIT where Professor Nolan obtained his primary degree and also completed his PhD. He then worked at the Medical College of Georgia in the US as part of the Fulbright Scholar Program. Upon successful completion of the Fulbright Scholarship, he returned to Ireland, where he established the Macular Pigment Research Group. This group of scientists have spent 18 years studying the role of nutrition for the eye and brain, with some

His research group studies the role of nutrition for vision, cognitive function and prevention of age-related disease. In 2011, Prof Nolan won a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) research grant to study the impact of nutritional supplementation on visual function via two major clinical trials (CREST 281096; Central Retinal Enrichment Supplementation Trials). These trials identified how targeted nutrition can improve visual function for the general population, and for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Current studies at the NRCI are investigating the link between nutrition and brain health and function, and over the last number of years the Nolan and team have published novel papers on how targeted nutrients enhance cognitive function for the general population and improve quality of life for patients suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. Nolan’s work has had a major societal impact for patients suffering with AMD and for enhancing vision of the general population; for recognition,  the CREST project was recently selected for presentation at a high-level conference entitled ‘EU Research & Innovation in Daily Life’, which took place at the European Parliament in Brussels to highlight the impact of EU-funded research and innovation in daily life. 

Prof Nolan has published 106 peer-reviewed scientific papers on his area of research (4926 = citations, H index = 43). In 2014, he successfully edited a CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group book publication entitled “Carotenoids and Retinal Disease.” He has also edited a special issue in the prestigious Journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research (MNF) “Nutrition for the Eye and Brain”. Professor Nolan has editorial roles at the European Journal of Ophthalmology and the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. A major career highlight is his role as Chair of the International Brain and Ocular Nutrition Conference (BON Conference), which is held at Downing College, Cambridge University (www.bonconference.org). See www.profjohnnolan.com for further details and access to his scientific publications and full academic profile.

Ríona Mulcahy, MD, PhD

Professor Ríona Mulcahy was appointed Consultant Physician in General and Geriatric Medicine at University Hospital Waterford in 2000 and Undergraduate Dean, Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland in 2011. Her areas of specialist interest include Dementia, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease and Poly pharmacy in the Elderly. She has also extensive ongoing research including collaboration with Professor John Nolan in Waterford Institute of Technology looking at the role of nutrition in Dementia and Age related Macular Degeneration.

Edward Shehab

Edward J. Shehab is a US born entrepreneur. In 2003, he co-founded Titan Global Oil Services to support the major international oil producers in their fracturing and oil field service needs. The success of that strategy availed to Titan the ability to expand and support the “majors” in their drilling, well site and work-over management needs.  Titan now has offices in the United States and internationally to include: Canada, Russia and Iraq. Prior to co-founding Titan, Edward had an extensive corporate career in the financial industry. First serving as an executive officer and treasurer of a publicly held financial institution.  His responsibilities included the development of all investment, hedge and FOREX strategies, as well as the creation and trade of all asset securitizations. In addition, his responsibilities included, the expansion of capital through numerous public offerings and the creation and public offering of a R.E.I.T. Upon the successful sale of the bank, Edward then went on to co-found EMM Capital Management a boutique private equity investment firm specializing in the energy sector which included numerous investments in oil, natural gas and bio fuel syndications. With the founding of Titan Global Oil Services, Edward sold his interests in EMM to concentrate on the building and the expansion of Titan. He possesses a Bachelors of Science Degree in Finance from the University of Detroit, and attended law school at the University of Detroit School of Law. He has served and does serve on numerous public and private boards of directors.

Sara Uffelman

Sara is a graduate of the University of Michigan and has also studied Design and Marketing at Central Saint Martins University of the Arts, London. She is an expert in Adobe Creative Suite and maintains extensive knowledge of web design, product design, and branding. She has spent the past 4 years studying nutritional supplementation and the science behind supplemental carotenoids (Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-Zeaxanthin) underneath the Avantius Group company.

Debbie Hampton

Debbie Hampton is the author of Sex, Suicide and Serotonin:Taking Myself Apart, Putting Myself Back Together (Inspirational Series). She recovered from decades of depression, a suicide attempt, and a resulting brain injury to become a leading blogger in the brain-health arena, inspirational writer, and well-known voice in the mental health community. Her work has been featured on MindBodyGreen, TinyBuddha, Elephant Journal, and Huffington Post and has attracted a raving fan base on social media. Debbie writes about lifestyle, behavior and thought modifications, alternative therapies, and mental health practices she used to rebuild her brain and life to continue to find joy and thrive and tells you how to do the same. Learn more about Debbie or read her full article on her blog the thebestbrainpossible.com.

Ericka Gro

Ericka Gro is a content writer by passion and profession. She started her journey with Techvando, a digital marketing company that helps websites grow their business. She primarily writes for guest post articles falling under various niches. The main area of her interest and expertise in healthcare. She enjoys reading and writing about healthcare, mindfulness, and well-being to educate people about being happier and lively. Her work has been published on many high authority websites. She believes that writing is of effective ways to communicate at better levels.

John Lauer

John has extensive background in medical device sales, medical disposables, medical business development, global sales training and sales leadership development. He brings 25 years of leadership experience between Stryker Corporation and Medtronic where he demonstrated his skill set as a strong leader and decisive problem-solver with the ability to develop and scale Startup & Enterprise Sales organizations within the Medical Device-Technology space including Orthopedic, Spine & Capital Equipment. John also has a wide net of national contacts including Hospital C-Suite, KOL Physicians (Ortho, Spine, PCP's), Sales Leaders, Sales professionals and Industry C-Level Executives.  John currently serves as Vice President of Sales with Safe Balance, a medical technology startup and has brought consistent and exponential growth for the company along with entry into new markets and expanded reach nationally. ​John is a graduate of Central Michigan University- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing.  

Experience: Culture Change Agent,-Performance based work environment, Strengths in Hiring Direct and 1099 Sales & Leadership Talent. Inside Sales Team Development, Sales Strategy development, P & L proficient, Acquisition experience, Capital, Disposables, Business Development, Sales Operations, Global Sales Training & Sales Leadership Development Certifications. Talent Based Hiring Certified- Gallup.

Ava Rosinski

Ava became an advocate for Memory Health® while looking for a healthy nootropic to boost her brain function while studying.  A fellow student recommended Memory Health® and Ava became hooked.  Ava graduated from Grand Valley State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising and Public Relations.