MuscleTech Scientific Advisory Board

Advancing Innovation and Education in Muscle Health & Human Performance

About The Initiative

A collective of leading experts in nutrition science, physiology, and clinical research dedicated to advancing evidence-based innovation and
education in the field of muscle health and human performance. The inaugural meeting took place during SupplySide 2025 in Las Vegas, marking the
beginning of an ongoing collaboration to drive education, innovation, and impact in the performance nutrition space.​

Meet The Board

MuscleTech Scientific Advisory Board Founding Members

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Abbie E. Smith-Ryan / Ph.D., CSCS*D, FNSCA, FACSM, FISSN

Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan is a Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she leads a cutting-edge research lab focused on body composition, metabolism, sports nutrition, and exercise performance—with a special emphasis on women’s health across the lifespan. With more than 220 peer-reviewed publications and numerous books and chapters, Dr. Smith-Ryan is recognized globally for advancing evidence-based strategies that bridge the gap between science and real-world application. Her work has earned honors including Research Pioneer by Women in Nutraceuticals (2025) and Outstanding Sports Scientist of the Year (2022) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. As a former collegiate athlete and mom of two, Abbie is passionate about making complex science practical and actionable—helping people optimize health, performance, and quality of life through exercise and nutrition.
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Darren G. Candow / Ph.D., CSEP-CEP, FISSN

Darren G. Candow is a Professor and Director at the Aging Muscle and Bone Health Laboratory, Director of Research for the Athlete Health and Performance Initiative and past Associate Dean–Graduate Studies and Research in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina, Canada. The overall objectives of Dr. Candow’s research program are to develop effective lifestyle interventions involving nutrition (primarily creatine monohydrate supplementation) and physical activity (resistance training) which have practical and clinical relevance for improving properties of muscle, bone and brain health/function. Dr. Candow has published more than 150 peer-refereed journal manuscripts (the most worldwide involving creatine supplementation), received – $2 million in research support, and supervised over 20 MSc and PhD students. In addition, Dr. Candow serves on the editorial review boards for the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition; Nutrients; Frontiers; Advanced Exercise and Health Sciences and Scientific Reports and as a Scientific Advisor for AlzChem, Create and Iovate. Dr. Candow is also a Fellow of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and a Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology-Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Dr. Candow was recently listed on Stanford University’s Top 2% Scientists list for 2025.
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Douglas Kalman / Ph.D., CSEP-CEP, FISSN

Douglas S. Kalman currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Nutrition Department within the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Kalman has also taught
undergraduate and graduate courses at FAU, FIU, NYU, CW Post, and NYCC. Along with Dr. Susan Hewlings, he co-leads the consultancy Substantiation Sciences.​

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Historically, Dr. Kalman was a co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for the trade association, the Natural Products Association (NPA). Earlier in his
career, Dr. Kalman was the VP of Scientific Affairs for Nutrasource, a nutrition-centric Contract Research & Services Organization. He has worked six Olympic Games and with numerous teams and individuals across collegiate, professional, and elite sport
levels.​

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Dr. Kalman has been involved in more than 400 clinical trials and projects within the food, beverage, dietary supplement, and pharmaceutical industries. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts, written more than 100 abstracts/poster
presentations, and authored or co-authored five academic textbooks.​

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Outside of his passion for nutrition and health, Dr. Kalman enjoys time with his family, exercising, and being of service to others.​
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Michael B. Schwartz / M.D.

Dr. Michael Schwartz is a distinguished physician specializing in internal medicine and sports medicine, with a deep commitment to athlete safety. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Cardiorespiratory Science from the State University of
New York at Stony Brook in 1986, before obtaining his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1990. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Yale University School of
Medicine/Norwalk Hospital in 1994 and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine.​

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Dr. Schwartz is a leading figure in combat sports medicine, serving as the Chief Ringside Physician for Professional Boxing and MMA under the Mohegan Sun Athletic Commission, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Athletic Commission, and
the State of Connecticut. He also co-chairs the medical advisory board for the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC), where he plays a pivotal role in shaping fighter-safety protocols.​

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A respected advocate for athlete protection, Dr. Schwartz has authored numerous publications on fighter safety and has testified before Congress in support of enhanced protections for combat-sports athletes. His dedication was
recognized in 2011 with his induction into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, underscoring his significant impact on the sport.​

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Dr. Schwartz has been honored as a “Castle Connolly Top Doctor” by his peers and currently practices internal medicine at the Princeton Longevity Center in Shelton, Connecticut.​
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Susan Hewlings/ Ph.D., R.D.

Susan J. Hewlings is Co-Founder of Substantiation Sciences and Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs at Radicle Science. With over 20 years of experience spanning academia, clinical research, regulatory strategy, and
scientific consulting, Dr. Hewlings has played a pivotal role in translating complex scientific data into actionable insights for the dietary supplement, food, beverage, and medical industries.​

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Her expertise lies in bridging the gap between evidence generation and product innovation—supporting research design, claims substantiation, scientific communication, and market positioning for leading global brands. A
passionate advocate for scientific integrity and consumer trust, she brings deep experience in sports nutrition, protein metabolism, real-world evidence, and the evolving regulatory landscape for functional ingredients.​

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Dr. Hewlings holds a Ph.D. in Nutrition, an M.S. in Exercise Physiology, and a B.S. in Nutrition from Florida State University. She is a registered dietitian and completed a research fellowship in protein metabolism at the
University of Texas Medical Branch.​
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William Wallace / Ph.D.

William Wallace, Ph.D., is a nutrition scientist and product development technical specialist with nearly a decade of experience spanning discovery research, formulation, clinical study design, and regulatory strategy in the nutraceutical and
dietary supplement industry. He has directed end-to-end product lifecycles across multiple organizations, integrating scientific affairs, regulatory compliance, and consumer-facing communication to support evidence-based innovation.​

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William currently serves as a Product Development and Scientific Affairs department head, where he oversees innovation strategy, manages cross-functional R&D and regulatory processes, authors SOPs, and leads scientific communication
efforts. His previous roles include Chief Science Officer of a rapidly growing sports nutrition company and Discovery Research Scientist at Life Extension, where he contributed to clinical protocol design, ingredient evaluation, and
development of substantiation frameworks for new products.​

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His background includes extensive collaboration with academic research centers, authorship of peer-reviewed publications and white papers, and service on multiple scientific advisory boards. He is also the creator and host of the Daily
Value podcast, where he provides clear, evidence-driven education on nutrition and supplement science.​

New Series Breaks Down Emerging Trends in Muscle, Recovery, and Metabolic Health

Coinciding with the launch of the Scientific Advisory Board, Iovate also debuted its digital educational series exploring emerging topics
in muscle, recovery, and metabolic health. The ongoing series is available on the MuscleTech YouTube channel, and is designed to
make complex scientific concepts more accessible to consumers, practitioners, and industry professionals.​

Ringside with Dr. Michael Schwartz and Raza Bashir

In this episode ‪Dr. Michael Schwartz‬ from the MuscleTech Scientific Advisory Board and Iovate/MuscleTech Chief Innovation Officer Raza Bashir talk about cardiovascular health, foundational supplements for fighters, battling inflammation, optimal hydration and even GLP-1 medications.

Beyond the Label with Dr. William Wallace and Raza Bashir

In this episode, Dr. William Wallace from the Iovate Scientific Advisory Board and Iovate/MuscleTech Chief Innovation Officer Raza Bashir cover breakthroughs around creatine, peptides, methylxanthines, and the ongoing controversy over lead in protein supplements.​

"Iovate's advisory board brings together some of the brightest minds in nutrition, research, and science. I am excited to have these members join me as we strengthen our foundation in muscle health and foster open dialogue around the latest discoveries in performance nutrition. Their collective expertise will help Iovate remain at the forefront of innovation while contributing meaningfully to the broader conversation on health, wellness and longevity."

Raza Bashir / Chief Innovation Officer at Iovate