Karen Hecht, PhD
Naturally Informed Speaker

Karen Hecht, PhD

Vice President of Science at AstaReal Inc.

Dr. Karen Hecht is the Vice President of Science at AstaReal Inc., leading research on the world’s most studied natural astaxanthin from algae. She earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh, completed postdoctoral training in algal molecular biology at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and holds a biochemistry degree from the University of Toronto. Dr. Hecht co-chairs the WIN Science Committee and serves on scientific advisory groups for CRN and Agro Food Industry Hi-Tech.

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On-demand sessions

Sessions from Karen Hecht, PhD

1 session across 1 conference
Women's Wellness 2026

Women’s Wellness Reimagined: Smarter Innovation for a Growing Market

Join this panel of women in the industry as they explore how the natural products industry can better meet evolving consumer expectations through smarter innovation, stronger science, and more intentional product development. Demand for women’s health solutions continues to accelerate, but meaningful innovation requires more than trend-driven marketing. This panel will explore how the nutraceutical industry can design products for women instead of at women by taking a more intentional, research-driven, and inclusive approach to product development, and how tools developed by Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) can support the process. Attendees will:
Identify key stages in the women-centered product innovation process
Recognize gaps in current nutraceutical product development for women
Explore strategies for creating more intentional, evidence-based products for women consumers
Apply consumer-centered thinking to formulation, marketing, and commercialization decisions.

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