After Doubling Research Investment, USANA Announces New R&D Hires

Admin   |   22 March, 2016   |   845   |   3980

In the midst of ramping up its scientific research, USANA Health Sciences Inc. has announced three new additions to its research and development team.

The past year has seen the nutritional company double its investment in research, in pursuit of what it calls “precision health goals.” The latest round of hires includes Kevin Spelman, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Research and Development. Spelman, a 29-year veteran of the natural products industry, also serves as an Advisor for the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine.



“My mission, as Executive Vice President of the R&D department, is to continue in Dr. Myron Wentz’s footsteps and apply cutting-edge science to guide the production of the most advanced and efficacious products on the market,” said Spelman, whose research has focused on the molecular biology of brain and ovarian cancer, the immune system and chemical analysis of natural products.



Rachel Brewer, Ph.D., also is joining the Salt Lake City-based company as a senior scientist specializing in microbiome research. Brewer’s credentials include a study, conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, on the impact of diet and nutrition on aging and longevity. Her work has garnered awards from organizations such as the American Society for Nutrition and the Society for Heart and Vascular Metabolism.



A second senior scientist joining the team, Steven Glidewell, Ph.D., brings expertise in genetics. Glidewell’s work in human medical genetics and genomics has ranged from studying the possible role of DNA variation in the development of diseases, to providing forensic analysis of DNA and other biological evidence.



“I’ve always wanted to be involved in unlocking the potential of genetics for personalization,” said Glidewell. “I’m thrilled USANA has given me the opportunity to apply my research towards optimizing nutritional health choices.”