Meet the Experts
Nu Skin's leading-edge research and development in science is only possible with the involvement of our many in-house scientists, distinguished scientific advisory board members, and many key consultants.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. And again. At Nu Skin, science is just part of our DNA. It’s what makes us tick—constantly innovating in ways that help you discover the best you. To do that, we bring together diverse disciplines, foster limitless new avenues of inquiry and innovation, and engage in continuous scientific exploration. And we constantly raise the bar on proven, inside-out scientific approaches to beauty and wellness in ways that integrate powerfully into your life. Because connecting beauty and wellness means next-level results for you.
Our Senior Science Team
Joe Chang
Chair, Scientific Advisory Board
“The world never stands still; it’s constantly changing. If you don’t, you will essentially be left behind. It’s part of the innovator’s DNA to evolve and constantly observe the world around you.”
About Joe
Dr. Joseph Y. Chang, Ph.D., better known at Nu Skin as just “Joe,” was appointed chief scientific officer and executive vice president of product development in 2006.
With more than 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries, Joe has comprehensive knowledge of both sectors. Before the acquisition of Pharmanex® by Nu Skin Enterprises in 1998, he served as the vice president of clinical studies and pharmacology at Pharmanex®.
Before Pharmanex®, Joe served as president and chief scientific officer of Osteoarthritis Sciences, Inc. from 1991 to 1994 and Binary Therapeutics, Inc. from 1994 to 1997. He has also held various research management positions at Wyeth-Ayerst, Rhone Poulenc Rorer, and other biotechnology companies, where he researched natural products for arthritis and immunosuppressive treatment. He received a B.S. degree from Portsmouth University and a Ph.D. from the University of London.
Helen Knaggs
Head of Global Product R&D
“My vision is to incorporate my knowledge of skin biology and health into developing products and technologies that will benefit a wide consumer base. The field of ingredient philosophy and science is ever-expanding. I am very passionate about finding the latest information to develop great products for key skin and wellness concerns facing people today.”
About Helen
Dr. Helen Knaggs is Nu Skin Enterprises' Head of Global Product Research and Development. In this role, she oversees the design and development of all personal care products, beauty devices, and wellness products. She leads a global R&D team, maintains the current portfolio, and supports innovation and new product launches. Additionally, Helen chairs Nu Skin's Women Rising Employee Resource Group, helping to launch initiatives that empower women within the workplace and around the community.
Helen has more than 30 years of experience in product research and development, from receiving a BS in Biochemistry and Pharmacology, a Ph.D. from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Leeds, England, and an MBA from the University of Warwick, UK. She started her career as a research biochemist in the dermatology department of Leeds General Infirmary and then worked for Unilever in the United States and Asia. She has multiple scientific publications and patents.
Ganesh Diwakar
Senior Scientist
“My vision is to support people to become the best version of themselves. As a skin scientist, I have always endeavoured to develop innovative technologies and products with the latest scientific discoveries to enable people to maintain youthful-looking skin. I believe that skin is a window of overall health—my passion is finding innovative ingredients, devices, and supplements to help people improve their appearance and live a healthy and fulfilling life.”
About Ganesh
Dr. Ganesh Diwakar earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry in India, followed by postdoctoral research at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and the National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Maryland. His research focused on understanding signalling and genetic mechanisms at the molecular level in melanocytes in depigmentation disorders. Ganesh joined Amway, Inc. as a research scientist in 2008, where he led ingredient discovery and development. He later joined Mary Kay as an innovation scientist and built collaborative research programs on skin microbiome and natural sunscreen technologies.
Nu Skin was happy to welcome Ganesh in early 2020 as a Sr. Scientist. Since his arrival, he’s taken on diverse roles, which include engaging with our scientific advisory board members and conducting clinical research on ageLOC® personal care products, microcurrent devices, and Pharmanex® supplements. Ganesh also holds seven patents, 30 conference presentations, and 16 peer-reviewed publications, which include reputed journals such as the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Journal of Cell Sciences, and Melanoma Research.
Shelly Hester
Director of R&D, Pharmanex
“My goal every day is to develop products that are based on strong science. Nutrition is an exciting field to work in and new research is constantly emerging so we can better meet evolving needs. I’m passionate about translating science to help improve people’s health.”
About Shelly
Dr. Shelly Hester, Ph.D., R.D. has been a senior scientist with Global Pharmanex® Product Research since 2013.
Before joining Nu Skin, Shelly was a Post-doctoral Fellow at the University of Indiana and Purdue University in the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research. She completed her undergraduate education in food, nutrition and dietetics at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
She received her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois where her graduate studies were funded by Ruth L. Kirschstein-National Service Research Award (NSRA).
Shelly is also a registered dietitian. Through these experiences she has published her research in several journals and has presented her work at national conferences. She is a member of the American Society for Nutrition and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Deanna Carter
Director of R&D, Personal care
“I never want to stop innovating. I've been part of Nu Skin science almost from the beginning. I've watched our Pharmanex and personal care ideas grow from small seeds of thought to flourishing product lines that help our customers look and feel their best. I take great pride in the work we do together and the difference I get to make every day.”
About Deanna
Deanna Carter is a long-time Nu Skin icon. She began her career in 1988 as a product specialist. Thanks to her passion for innovation, Deanna established the flagship Pharmanex Medical Division, which she managed for two years. Deanna became a Personal Care Scientist in 2001, overseeing key brands such as Epoch®, AP 24®, Hair Care, and Nu Skin® Body. She formulated Dermatic Effects® and ageLOC® Dermatic Effects®.
In 2014, Deanna became the Director of Research and Development for Personal Care. In this position, she oversees the formulation lab scientists and development scientists.
While in this role, her team has been responsible for the release of numerous products, including ageLOC® LumiSpa and LumiSpa® iO, ageLOC® Nutriol® Scalp & Hair, ageLOC Boost®, Nutricentials® Bioadaptive Skin Care®, and ageLOC® WellSpa iO™.
Deanna studied business management, marketing, and nutrition. Her extensive product knowledge and critical historical perspective make her an invaluable asset to Nu Skin science.
Yiping Ren
Director of R&D, Greater China
“I believe that true scientific innovation combines fidelity to traditional knowledge with a curious passion for what comes next. I’m honored to draw upon thousands of years of skincare and gene history as I strive to bring innovativeand competitive Nu Skin products to market and meet consumer needs worldwide.”
About Yiping
Dr. Yiping Ren is the Director of R&D at Nu Skin’s Anti-Aging Research Center. She previously worked for Ruijin Hospital and had research experience in industries such as Philips Asia Research Center, GSK R&D China, and Gene Group Holdings, during which time she dedicated herself to translating advanced science and technologies to clinical practice and consumer needs.
Today, Yiping leads Nu Skin China’s R&D team, focusing on consolidating traditional Chinese medicine, anti-aging science, and gene science, striving to bring forth more innovative and competitive products for Nu Skin.
She holds a doctoral degree in cellular biology from the Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science. She is experienced in various fields, such as biological chemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, and immunology. With more than 20 years of research experience, she has 12 publications in peer-reviewed journals and participated in inventing and applying for several international and Chinese patents.
What’s a Scientific Advisory Board?
Nu Skin's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) comprises chief scientific advisors and leaders in skincare, pharmacy, and clinical practice, and those who have significantly contributed to the beauty and wellness industry. They provide strategic direction for our research and innovation. The SAB, our scientific management team, and senior scientists also help guide Nu Skin’s 75+ in-house scientists to propel our research into new frontiers.
The Nu Skin SAB Difference
Thanks to our leading-edge approach to science, you can feel confident knowing Nu Skin backs every product with 40 years of revolutionary science, research, and development. With dozens of patents based on anti-aging science, we continue to raise our bar to lead the world in beauty and wellness and, most importantly, make a real difference in yours. As we look to the future, our board of trusted scientists will always ask critical questions, relentlessly contribute to our growth, and help us improve lives through innovation.
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