Division Horticulture for Human Health [DHAE]

ISHS Elections – Vice-Chairperson – Candidates
Division Horticulture for Human Health [DHEA]

[1] Ms. Elizabeth Diehl (USA)

As Director of Therapeutic Horticulture at the University of Florida with a teaching and research appointment, I develop programs that support health and well-being across clinical and community populations. I established an accredited undergraduate certificate to support training in horticultural therapy, receiving several awards for my commitment to teaching and research. I bring leadership and mentorship, including collaboration with partners in Singapore, China, Taiwan, and Malaysia. I have published on nature-based interventions, supported by interdisciplinary partnerships across horticulture, medicine, and related fields. I am committed to advancing horticulture for human health through collaboration in research, education, and practice.

[2] Dr. Luca Mazzoni (Italy)

Luca Mazzoni, PhD, is a researcher at the Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences of Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy. His research focuses on the effects of genetic, environmental, and agronomic factors on fruit quality, nutritional traits, and human health benefits, with expertise in berry crops and strawberry breeding. Since 2015, he has been involved in national and European research projects integrating horticulture, nutrition, and biochemistry. He has been an ISHS member since 2016 and served in the Scientific Committees of the 9th and 10th International Strawberry Symposia. He is Convener of the XII International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables – FAVHEALTH 2028 (Rimini, Italy).