Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the largest aquaculture event in the Southern Hemisphere!
Chris Waldrop is a Senior Health Scientist in the Office of Surveillance Strategy and Risk Prioritization within the Human Foods Program at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In this role, he leads cross-agency working groups focused on advancing strategic priorities related to nutrition and food safety, contributing to the development and implementation of key regulatory frameworks. He played a central role in the drafting of the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule and continues to support its implementation through communications, stakeholder engagement, and outreach efforts. His work is oriented toward strengthening food safety systems, improving traceability, and supporting science-based decision-making across the food supply chain. Prior to joining the FDA, Chris Waldrop served for 12 years as Director of the Food Policy Institute at the Consumer Federation of America, where he led research, policy analysis, advocacy initiatives, and media engagement on a wide range of food policy issues. His career combines regulatory expertise, public health training, and policy leadership, supported by a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and an academic background in advertising from Texas Tech University. Earlier in his professional journey, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ghana, West Africa, working as a community health educator—experience that helped shape his long-standing commitment to public health, risk communication, and evidence-based policy development.
Explore the full list of experts who will take part in conferences, panels, and
event activities.
International Regulatory Analyst at the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), based in Santiago, Chile, a position he has held since 2010. An Agricultural Engineer with advanced training in agrarian economics and international trade policy, he has extensive experience in regulatory affairs, food safety, and international cooperation through both government and multilateral organizations.
Academic and researcher recognized for his work in genetics and genomics applied to aquaculture and genetic improvement.
Dr. Alex Romero is a Biochemist and PhD in Science with a specialization in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Universidad Austral de Chile. He currently leads the Laboratory of Immunology and Stress in Aquatic Organisms at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and is an Associate Researcher at the Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR²). His research focuses on fish defense mechanisms against stress and pathogen infections, as well as the development of natural additives to improve fish health and resilience.