The University of the Southern Caribbean is proud to host the 2026 edition of its Research Conference in collaboration with Network of International Dietitians of Color (NOIDOC), focusing on the theme “Bridging Cultures and Advancing Global Nutrition, Health and Technology: A Caribbean Connection.”
This interdisciplinary conference explores how emerging technologies, innovative nutritional strategies, and evidence-based healthcare practices intersect to improve population well-being. Participants will examine both challenges and opportunities at this dynamic interface, highlighting local and global perspectives, including experiences from countries of the African diaspora.
To expand international engagement and promote dialogue among nutrition professionals in the African diaspora, enhancing global health equity through innovation and technology.
Title of Presentation: “From Breadfruit to Bytes: Leveraging
Technology and Global Health Policy to Advance Nutrition
Equity in Caribbean and EMR Communities.”
Prof. Moonesar hails from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad
and Tobago and France, and he also serves as Managing Director
at “I AM Consulting” (Trinidad & Tobago), a Scientific Policy Advisor with the International Vaccine Institute and World Health Organisation- EMR region; former President (Chapter Chair) and Executive Board member of the Academy of International Business – Middle East North Africa (AIB-MENA). He is also a Registered Dietitian.
Title of Presentation: “Dietary Guidance: From the U.S. to across the Globe”
Alison Brown, PhD, RDN is a public health nutrition researcher committed to addressing diet-related health disparities through research, community empowerment, and systems change. Dr. Brown’s past research explored immigrant health and diet and cardiovascular disease outcomes.
Currently, she serves as a Program Director at the National Heart Lung Blood Institute where her work centers on the social determinants of health and nutrition health disparities. Dr. Brown currently serves as Director-at- Large for Food & Nutrition Policy on the American Society for Nutrition’s Board of Directors, and a member of the American Heart Association’s Nutrition Committee and Lifestyle Membership Committees.
Title of Presentation: “Prescription to Plate: Applying Culinary Medicine to Translate Nutrition into Practice.”
Dr. Mechelle Acero Palma is the Director of Education of the Asian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, President, Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine and the President of Remnant Institute Inc., a Center for Health and Education. She is also a Lifestyle Medicine Consultant and Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) facilitator at Bacolod Adventist Medical Center and Lifestyle Center of Southern Oklahoma.
She is the Medical Director of Health and Gospel Ministry. She is a founding director of the Lifestyle Medicine department of Antique Medical Center and pioneered the development of Lifestyle Medicine Education curriculum in two universities in the Philippines.
Title of Presentation: “Expanding How We Understand Health: Evidence and Opportunity”
Kate Gardner Burt, PhD, RDN is an associate professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Nutrition Sciences at Lehman College, City University of New York. She teaches courses in cultural humility and foodways, community food systems, and leadership. Dr. Burt’s research explores how systemic racial bias and whiteness impact the dietetics profession and dietary recommendations.
Title of Presentation: “From Breadfruit to Bytes: Leveraging Technology and Global Health Policy to Advance Nutrition Equity in Caribbean and EMR Communities.”
Prof. Moonesar hails from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago and France, and he also serves as Managing Director at “I AM Consulting” (Trinidad & Tobago), a Scientific Policy Advisor with the International Vaccine Institute and World Health Organisation- EMR region; former President (Chapter Chair) and Executive Board member of the Academy of International Business – Middle East North Africa (AIB-MENA). He is also a Registered Dietitian.
Title of Presentation: “Dietary Guidance: From the U.S. to across the Globe.”
Alison Brown, PhD, RDN is a public health nutrition researcher committed to addressing diet-related health disparities through research, community empowerment, and systems change. Dr. Brown’s past research explored immigrant health and diet and cardiovascular disease outcomes.
Currently, she serves as a Program Director at the National Heart Lung Blood Institute where her work centers on the social determinants of health and nutrition health disparities. Dr. Brown currently serves as Director-at- Large for Food & Nutrition Policy on the American Society for Nutrition’s Board of Directors, and a member of the American Heart Association’s Nutrition Committee and Lifestyle Membership Committees.
Title of Presentation: “Prescription to Plate: Applying Culinary Medicine to Translate Nutrition into Practice.”
Dr. Mechelle Acero Palma is the Director of Education of the Asian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, President, Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine and the President of Remnant Institute Inc., a Center for Health and Education. She is also a Lifestyle Medicine Consultant and Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) facilitator at Bacolod Adventist Medical Center and Lifestyle Center of Southern Oklahoma.
She is the Medical Director of Health and Gospel Ministry. She is a founding director of the Lifestyle Medicine department of Antique Medical Center and pioneered the development of Lifestyle Medicine Education curriculum in two universities in the Philippines.
Title of Presentation: “Expanding How We Understand Health: Evidence and Opportunity”
Kate Gardner Burt, PhD, RDN is an associate professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Nutrition Sciences at Lehman College, City University of New York. She teaches courses in cultural humility and foodways, community food systems, and leadership. Dr. Burt’s research explores how systemic racial bias and whiteness impact the dietetics profession and dietary recommendations.
The conference will take place virtually on March 25th and March 26th.
Student Registration Fee: $10 USD | $68 TTD per day.
General Registration Fee: $25 USD | $170 TTD per day.
Registration Instructions
To ensure a smooth registration process, please follow the steps outlined below:
BANK DEPOSIT / LOCAL ONLINE BANK TRANSFER (TTD)
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 6.8 TTD
ONLINE PAYMENT (TTD)
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 6.8 TTD
Steps:
Please click the button below to register for the Conference. Please remember the email you register with is where your link to the webinar will be provided.
