Christian “Chris” Nelson, PhD, is the director of the Walther Center for Supportive Oncology at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Walther Professor of Supportive Oncology and professor of psychiatry and medicine at IU School of Medicine. Dr. Nelson will also serve as chief resilience officer for the cancer center.

Dr. Nelson leads the Walther Center for Supportive Oncology, where he is instrumental in developing clinical, education, and research initiatives.

His research interests include the impact of cancer on quality of life in prostate and geriatric cancer patients, and the development of new talk therapies for these patients. His research also includes sexual dysfunction after treatments, cognitive effects of hormonal therapy in prostate cancer patients, and emotional well-being in Black men with prostate cancer.

As a researcher, his work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, and he has launched independent research programs in male sexual medicine, prostate cancer and the psycho-oncology of aging and cancer. He has published more than 180 research articles.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in speech communication from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree from the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. He earned a master’s and a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Long Island University.

Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar (Doc Q) is the Founder and CEO of In Their Honor. As an Army Veteran, Spouse to a Combat Veteran, End-of-Life Doula Educator, and Storyteller, she has proudly devoted more than two decades to elevating the quality of life of military and Veteran communities.

As PsychArmor’s Executive Consultant, she extends her impact, leading efforts to cultivate partnerships and broaden PsychArmor’s impact across military-connected communities. In 2024, she was appointed to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s End-of-Life Doula Council. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Compassionate Communities Think Tank (U.S.), advocating for social change related to community-based end-of-life support. Qwynn also serves on the Advisory Board for the Veterans Studies Association. In her spare time, she mentors doctoral-level students focused on supporting the military and veteran communities.

Honored as one of USA TODAY’s 2024 Women of the Year, she is recognized among 60 women using their voices to drive change across the nation. Qwynn was also recognized by the Georgia Department of Veterans Services and named the inaugural Woman Veteran of the Year (2022-2023). This dual recognition highlights her dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a difference in her community and the nation.

Artie L. Shelton, MD, Colonel (ret) U.S Army veteran, is President CEO of Shelton Professional Services. Dr. Shelton is a committed PHEN advocate and serves as PHEN’s Regional Coordinator for the Washington, D.C area. He is a 22-year prostate cancer survivor/warrior and advocate for the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN). Dr. Shelton was appointed by Governor O’Malley to serve a six-year term as a member of the Maryland Council on Cancer Control and co-chaired writing the prostate chapter for the Maryland Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan Executive Summary. Dr. Shelton has served on the Department of Defense (DoD) Congressional Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) as a consumer reviewer/advocate and on the consumer work group.

Dr. Shelton states that during his person venture, with prostate cancer, he became aware of the magnitude of this disease that is impacting all men, but especially on African American men.

All health organizations must take PHEN’s example in their efforts to combat this disease and potentially cure it if diagnosed early. Faith-based and other organizations need to take advantage of their leadership roles and positions in society to raise public awareness in the fight against prostate cancer.