Joan Vernikos

Joan Vernikos PhD (1934-)was born to Greek parents in Alexandria, Egypt. A pharmacologist from the Univ. of London, she taught medical students at Ohio State University before being recruited by NASA in 1964. Former Director of NASA's Life Sciences (1993-2000) she is a recognized leader in the field of stress management and coping and a pioneer of space medicine.A woman of many talents, she and her husband Geoffrey Hazzan had a chocolate truffle shop, GEOFFROI, in London in the 1980s where she invented the first all white chocolate truffle in Europe.Stories of that challenge and the recipes she created are in their 2012 book 'Adventures in Chocolate' under her married name, Joan Hazzan, co-authored with her husband.

Her NASA research led to the discovery of a revolutionary link between gravity and healthy aging. Her first book in 2004, 'The G-Connection: Harness Gravity and Reverse Aging' with a forward by John Glenn is now published in five languages and received the 2009 Book Award of the International Academy of Astronautics. 'Stress Fitness for Seniors' followed in 2009. 'Sitting Kills, Moving Heals: How Simple Everyday Movement Will Prevent Pain, Illness and Early Death -- and Exercise Alone Won't'(2011) emphasizes that the key to lifelong health is more than just traditional gym exercise, but a natural lifestyle of constant, natural movement that resists the force of gravity.'Sitting Kills, Moving Heals' won the Finalist Award in the General Health section of the 2012 Indie Excellence Awards. 'Designed to Move: The Science-backed Program to Fight Sitting Disease & Enjoy Lifelong Health' (2016) is for everyone who wants to feel healthier and stronger - at any age. Her latest, 'Stress Beyond 50: Tools & Wisdom for a Happier, Longer Life' (2018)', Recipient of numerous other awards for science and leadership, Dr. Joan is a popular motivational speaker, health coach and consultant to organizations. (www.joanvernikos.com/aboutjoan). Her mission - to stem the trend in poor health in sedentary and stressed out America by helping people live their entire life with fun, health and vigor. In 2018 she was inducted into the International Astronautical Federation Hall of Fame.