Meet Your Speakers

Hi, I’m Kinta! I’m a PhD candidate at Arizona State University, diving deep into exercise and nutritional sciences with a focus on physiology and metabolism. At the Athleat Field Lab, I work as a research associate, coordinating studies, mentoring students, and contributing to publications that help shape the future of sports nutrition and performance. As a former college athlete, I’ve always been passionate about the science behind human performance—how we move, fuel, and recover. Whether it’s exercise testing, strength programming, or helping athletes make informed choices about nutrition, my goal is to bridge the gap between research and real-world application.

Nicole Clements grew up a 4th generation hog and hay farmer in Missouri. That’s where 

her passion for agriculture began, and she continued nurturing that passion through a

 bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Ruminant Nutrition from Northwest Missouri State 

University. But during that Master’s program, she realized the need for education and 

advocacy about agriculture to the public. The average consumer is 5 generations 

removed from the farm, and their understanding of how and why we grow food is 

minimal through no fault of their own. She set out on a track to ensure her voice was 

used to tell the stories of agriculture and help people understand where that food on the 

shelf really comes from. Armed with a passion for education and experience throughout 

various sectors of the agriculture industry she continues her advocacy journey now as 

Executive Director of Maricopa County Farm Bureau.

Dr. Zachary Zeigler is a Full Professor in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology at Grand Canyon University and serves as a Methodologist for the College of Doctoral Studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Activity, Nutrition and Wellness from Arizona State University, where he conducted groundbreaking research on exercise response in prehypertensive adults.

Dr. Zeigler is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and his research focuses on obesity management, cardiovascular health, and the physiological effects of exercise interventions. He has published extensively on topics including weight cycling, arterial stiffness, post-exercise hypotension, and COVID-19's impact on weight management.

As the author of "The 24-Hour Weight Loss Program" and "The Weight Loss Bible: A Scientific Way to Lose Weight and Keep It Off," Dr. Zeigler brings both academic rigor and practical application to weight management discussions. His current research includes a randomized trial examining the Lumen device versus dietary counseling on weight loss and arterial stiffness in college students with obesity, making him particularly well-positioned to address innovations in weight management approaches, including GLP-1 agonists.

Social media is now a powerful force shaping how we think, feel, and behave—and with the rise of AI, recognizing and applying science-based evidence has never been more critical. This presentation explores how social media influences our health behaviors, with unique impacts across genders and age groups. We’ll examine its effects on individuals and society at large, including how online voices like influencers and podcasters are challenging our understanding of scientific truth. Finally, we’ll discuss practical strategies to protect your well-being, strengthen social connections, and apply these insights within your health-related profession.

Dr. Havenar is an Associate Professor in the Exercise Science Department at Grand Canyon University. With a diverse background in psychology, counseling, and physical activity, Dr. Havenar holds a B.S. in Psychology, a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Wellness.

As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Dr. Havenar has extensive experience as a sports performance coach and health and wellness consultant. Their work focuses on bridging the gap between exercise science and behavioral psychology, enhancing both instructor and student engagement while exploring the psychosocial aspects of health behavior change.

Dr. Havenar is dedicated to applying evidence-based strategies to optimize performance, improve well-being, and foster lifelong health and fitness habits.