Dr. Edward Walker, PhD, is a scientist and lecturer, who believes that developing a healthy relationship with food is key for long-term wellness. He works at The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research, undertaking commercially focused research of nutraceutical products for human health applications, with a focus on clinical validation of lab-based results. He is also a guest lecturer at the University of Auckland on the topic of nutraceuticals and functionals foods. Over the last 13 years Edward’s primary research focus has been the investigation of plant-based appetite suppressants that may reduce hunger and support healthy food choices. This work led to the development of a novel NZ hops-based appetite suppressant, that shares an overlapping mode of action with a new class of effective GLP-1 based anti-obesity drugs.

Dr. Myles Spar, MD, MPH, is a leading authority in personalized performance medicine as an author, teacher, researcher, TEDx talk speaker, advisor to NBA players, and an Ironman athlete. He is also National Director and VP of Medical Services for AndHealth, a digital health company utilizing root cause medicine and participatory care to reverse chronic illness. Dr. Spar is board-certified in Internal Medicine and a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School. Additionally, he completed fellowships in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona and in Health Services Research at UCLA. Dr. Spar is currently on faculty of AIHM (Academy for Integrative Health and Medicine) and AWCIM (Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine) at the UofA. He is the immediate past chair of the American Board of Integrative Medicine and a speaker at the Integrative Healthcare Symposium. Dr. Spar was awarded the prestigious Bravewell Leadership Award for his work in Integrative Medicine with the underserved.

Laurie Hofmann, MPH, has dedicated over 20 years to advancing the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and the field of functional medicine. A founding Board member, she went on to serve as Vice-Chair, Executive Director, CEO, and Board Chair, guiding IFM through significant growth with vision, discipline, and compassion. She led the development of IFM’s 2016–2020 Strategic Plan, strengthened global functional medicine education and certification, and was instrumental in launching international programs and co-creating the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, the first major patient-centered functional medicine clinic. Laurie is now a co-founder and partner at OvationLab/VirtualPractice and advises multiple health and professional education initiatives. She enjoys time outdoors, traveling, writing, and studying conscious leadership.

Dr. Lexi Gonzales, ND, MS, IFMCP, is a clinician, educator, and implementation strategist working at the forefront of functional and longevity medicine. Trained in biochemistry, systems biology, and translational research, she develops practical frameworks that strengthen clinical reasoning and elevate patient care. As Senior Clinical Implementation and AI Specialist at OvationLab, she designs models and educational systems that help practitioners integrate emerging technologies with clarity and consistency. Her clinical background spans primary care within an insurance-based integrative model, multidisciplinary practice at Vida Integrated Health, and private functional medicine practice with a focus on hormonal and metabolic optimization, endometriosis, and fertility. She also served as IFM’s inaugural Medical Education Resident and later as Clinical Content Developer.