Dr. Zaw Wai Htoo received his doctorate degree (PhD) in human nutrition- public health from Kansas State University, medical degree (MBBS) from the University of Medicine, Mandalay, and master’s degree in public health (MPH) from Kansas State University.

Dr. Htoo practiced as a physician, and worked with the United Nations —The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) as National Officer, worked with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) as Programme Assistant for Health and Nutrition Programs, Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation, and Emergency Operation (food security and nutrition): Mother and Child Health and Nutrition - Young Child Survival and Development, Health and Nutrition for people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), and Tuberculosis (TB) complementing Antiretroviral therapy.  He served as Senior Project Officer for International Health Organization for Youth Sexual Reproductive Health, including Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). He also served as Consultant/Instructor of Capacity Building Initiatives Organization performing organizational capacity assessment and capacity building consultations, training courses for United Nations Agencies, International and National Organizations, and staff members.

He had been a graduate teaching assistant at the College of Health and Human Sciences, Kansas State University, and Adjunct Faculty of Southern California University of Health Sciences teaching undergraduate and graduate human nutrition, clinical and public health courses. He also has been an academic, Community Health and Nutrition Advisor at University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources.

His research interests include health and nutrition for children and adults, lifespan nutrition, nutraceuticals, medical nutrition therapy, gut-brain-axis, gut health, human gut microbiome, lifestyle management, obesity, diabetes, chronic diseases, metabolic diseases, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, mood, mental health, long-term care, quality of life, health disparities and health equity, community health, program management and evaluation, and interdisciplinary research.

Spring 2019 - Spring 2019

Outstanding Teaching Award, 2019, Kansas State University

Spring 2022 - Spring 2022

Outstanding Teaching Award, 2022, Kansas State University

Spring 2021 - Spring 2021

Honor Society Member, 2021, Kappa Omicron Nu - Omicron Theta Honor Society

Spring 2014 - Spring 2014

Honor Society Membership, 2014, Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society

Fall 2001 - Fall 2001

Distinction in Human Anatomy, 2001, University of Medicine, Mandalay

Fall 2000 - Fall 2000

Distinction in Physics, 2000, University of Medicine, Mandalay

Distinction in Chemistry, 2000, University of Medicine, Mandalay

Summer 2023 - Ongoing

American Public Health Association (APHA), June 2023, Ongoing

Fall 2014 - Fall 2015

American Public Health Association (APHA), November 2014, November 2015