Nadene Joy, a strategic advisor and USA TODAY bestselling author, says she is deeply honored to have been invited as a keynote speaker at the First African International Medical Geology Association (IMGA) Regional Conference & Exhibition, taking place July 26–31, 2026, under the theme “Medical Geology in Public Health and Sustainability for the Creation of Resilient Communities.”

Joy will present a keynote titled “The Architecture of Preventative Health: Leveraging Geoscience Data to Drive Naturopathic Advocacy and Mitigation Against Environmental Radon Risks,” bringing together her background in geology and corporate governance with an emerging field that sits at the intersection of earth science and human health.

What Is Medical Geology?

Medical geology is an interdisciplinary field bridging geoscience, environmental science, and public health. By understanding how naturally occurring geological processes influence human health, researchers say, scientists can develop evidence-based strategies to prevent disease and build more resilient communities — an approach Joy describes as central to her own research.

“Radon exposure is one of the most preventable environmental health risks through testing, mitigation, education, and evidence-based public policy.” — Nadene Joy, CEO & Strategic Advisor

Radon: An Invisible but Preventable Threat

One of the most compelling examples of medical geology in action, Joy notes, is radon — a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from rocks and soils. According to the World Health Organization, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. Because the gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, millions of people are unknowingly exposed in their homes, schools, and workplaces.

Joy’s research focuses on translating geoscience into actionable public health solutions — using geological data, environmental risk assessment, and predictive modeling to identify exposure risks before disease occurs. At the conference, she says she looks forward to sharing her research and collaborating with researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders committed to advancing preventative health through science.

Honoring a Field’s Founding Vision

Joy extended particular gratitude to Dr. José A. Centeno for what she called his visionary leadership and pioneering contributions to the field of medical geology, crediting his lifelong commitment with helping establish the discipline as a globally recognized area of scientific study. The conference is hosted through the Dr. José A. Centeno Center for Medical Geology, whose mission is to advance research at the intersection of geoscience and public health.

Joy also thanked the International Medical Geology Association and the conference organizing committee for the opportunity, saying she looks forward to connecting with colleagues and contributing to discussions aimed at shaping a healthier future through science.