Samara Sterling, PhD, RD, DipACLM, is a Nutrition Scientist with a focus on the use of plant-based nutrition for the prevention and management of chronic diseases. She serves as the Research & Nutrition Director for The Peanut Institute where she leads scientific affairs, research protocols, grant management, and is actively involved in regulatory issues and nutrition policy. She is also a principal investigator and director for clinical nutrition and lifestyle interventions focused on addressing issues surrounding nutrition and health equity. Dr. Sterling also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Vegetarian Nutrition at Andrews University. She regularly speaks for both national and international audiences and is passionate about translating science into consumer-friendly messages. She is described as a natural leader and mentor with the ability to engage patients, research participants, and community members in ways that motivate them to make changes in their health.