ABOUT ME
I am a Research faculty at the University of Washington (UW) in the Department of Pediatrics. My research focuses on ways to increase resilience of, and treat injury of, the developing brain. I have a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from the University of Cambridge, a medical degree from the University of Oxford, and a PhD in physiology and neuroscience from the University of Oslo. In addition to my role as a faculty at UW, I serve as President of Physicians for Ancestral Health, and on the scientific advisory board of Hintsa Performance. Alongside my career in medicine and research, I have invested time in developing easily-accessible methods with which to track human health, performance, and longevity. I have published and spoken on multiple topics surrounding functional and ancestral approaches to health, including examining the root causes of multiple sclerosis and insulin resistance. I also use my experiences in coaching and competing in rowing, CrossFit, powerlifting, and ultra-endurance racing to inform my day-to-day interaction with clients looking to achieve long-term health and performance.
My website name is derived from my middle name, Ragnar, which means "wise warrior." I am half Icelandic and half British, but was born in the US. I currently live in Seattle, WA with my wife, Professor Elizabeth Nance, and our two energetic and goofy boxers, Parker and Bowen. My hobbies include reading, cooking, lifting something heavy, and being the best dog dad possible.
PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS
Research Assistant Professor, University of Washington Division of Neonatology
Board member and co-founder, Icelandic Health Symposium
Director and co-founder, British Society of Lifestyle Medicine
Scientific advisory board member, Hintsa Performance
President, Physicians for Ancestral Health
Research Scientist (by courtesy), Institute for Human and Machine Cognition
EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Brain Injury
Physiological and metabolic responses to brain injuries, including TBI, concussions, and neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (stroke).
Biomarkers of longevity
Leveraging machine learning to develop easily accessible methods in which to track biological aging.
Physiological resilience
Environmental (lifestyle) and therapeutic interventions to increase healthspan.
2013 - 2016
PhD, University of Oslo
Department of Physiology
2007 - 2011
BM BCh, University of Oxford Medical School
Medical Degree - Graduate Entry
2004 - 2007
Bachelor of Arts, University of Cambridge
Natural Sciences (Biochemistry)
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
2007 – Present British Medical Association
2013 – Present Pediatric Academic Society
2015 – Present Physicians for Ancestral Health
2016 – Present British Society of Lifestyle Medicine