Aaron J. Kowalski, PhD

Chief Mission Officer & Vice President, Research

Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D., was appointed JDRF’s first Chief Mission officer in December 2014 and serves as a key link between JDRF and the broad diabetes community. Dr. Kowalski combines his professional experience as a scientist with his personal experience of living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for over 30 years to help guide and champion JDRF’s programs focused on creating a world without T1D. Dr. Kowalski is an internationally recognized expert in the area of diabetes technologies and has been a leader of JDRF’s Artificial Pancreas Research Project, a multi-million dollar initiative that began in 2005 to accelerate the progress toward automated insulin-delivery systems. His ability to translate science into easily understandable concepts has made him a voice for diabetes research in the popular media, appearing on The Martha Stewart Show, dLife, Fox Business, and NPR, among others. He is often quoted in the print media, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and People magazine. Dr. Kowalski is a member of the JDRF PEAK Program’s expert panel and often speaks about the importance of exercise and diet in better diabetes control. While living with T1D, he has completed 17 marathons. He often shares his insights on exercise and diabetes on Twitter (@aaronjkowalski). He earned his doctorate in molecular genetics from Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Sarah Oliver

Sarah is a relatively new dietitian and diabetes educator, working in the field now for just under five years. Most of her experience thus far has been in rural areas and this has enabled her to become familiar with many different aspects of type 1 Diabetes that may not be as prevalent in an urban setting.

Sarah has a passion for helping individuals of all ages to use insulin and nutrition appropriately to manage their blood glucose levels while preparing for strenuous exercise, competitive events, and simple recreational activity. No one should miss out on the physical, social, or psychological benefits of exercise and her goal is to empower individuals with type 1 Diabetes to realize they can excel in this often intimidating area.

Anne L. Peters, MD

Anne L. Peters, MD, is currently a professor at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and the Director of the USC Clinical Diabetes Programs. She runs two diabetes centers, one in Beverly Hills and one in underserved East Los Angeles.

Dr. Peters has been a principal investigator on multiple clinical trials focusing on diabetes and diabetes prevention. She has received multiple NIH and foundation grants.

She has been an invited speaker at over 300 national and international medical conferences. Dr. Peters has authored three books on diabetes and over 100 articles appearing in multiple peer-reviewed medical journals. She has served on the ABIM Endocrine Board and the Board of the ADA. Dr. Peters received the ADA Outstanding Physician Clinician Award in 2008.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDE

Owner and Clinical Director, Integrated Diabetes Services

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDE is Owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services (www.integrateddiabetes.com), a practice located just outside of Philadelphia specializing in intensive insulin therapy and advanced education for children and adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). He and his staff have built a worldwide reputation for providing state-of-the-art type 1 diabetes care on an individualized remote basis. Gary has been a Certified Diabetes Educator for 20 years and was named the 2014 Diabetes Educator of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. He has had T1D for 30 years and makes personal use of all the latest technology. Gary has written six books, including the best-selling Think Like A Pancreas-A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes With Insulin.

Eric Tozer

Eric Tozer is a diabetes ambassador who inspires the community through sports and utilizes his athletic accomplishments as a platform to be a role model in the diabetes community.

ERIC MADE HISTORY, BECOMING THE FIRST PERSON WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES (T1D) TO COMPLETE THE WORLD MARATHON CHALLENGE, RUNNING 7 MARATHONS ON 7 CONTINENTS IN 7 CONSECUTIVE DAYS.

Eric was diagnosed with T1D in 2006, while traveling in Europe. He had the classic symptoms of diabetes including constant thirst, increased appetite, frequent urination, blurred vision, lethargy and weight loss. Eric had always lived a very active and healthy lifestyle, so the sudden 20-pound weight loss made him aware that something was seriously wrong. Upon returning home, a visit to his doctor revealed the devastating and life changing news of his diagnosis. Eric’s life was quickly turned upside down: checking his blood sugar levels up to 10 times a day, calculating carbohydrate intake and taking varying units of insulin shots with every meal.

But Eric wasn’t going to let diabetes control his life and decided to take charge. Soon after his diagnosis, he completed his first half Ironman and hasn’t stopped since. He co-founded non-profit organization, Diabetes Sports Project, comprised of hundreds of T1D athletes around the globe, demonstrating how through proper diet, exercise, a positive outlook and effective blood glucose management, dreams can be achieved.

Eric’s Athletic Accomplishments:

• World Marathon Challenge 2019 (7 Marathons, 7 Continents, 7 Days)
• Run Across America (3,000+ mile run across USA in 15 days with ten T1Ds)
• 140.6 mile Ironman distance triathlons
• 70.3 mile Half-Ironman distance triathlons
• Olympic and Sprint distance triathlons
• 26.2 mile Marathons
• 13.1 mile Half-Marathons
• NCAA Men's Soccer Final Four All-Tournament Team (2004)