Rehydration Heroes: Best Practices to Managing Dehydration in Pediatric Patients and Its Role in Nutrition Assessment

Andie Lee Gonzalez, PhD, MPH, RDN, FAND

Senior Medical Science Liaison
Global Medical Affairs & Research
Abbott Nutrition
Palmview, TX, USA

Andie Lee Gonzalez is a Medical Science Liaison with the Pediatric MSL Team. Dr Gonzalez earned a bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition, a Master in Public Health (MPH) and clinical Dietetic training at Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, Michigan. Her undergraduate and graduate work focused on nutrition and migrant farmworker children health. She completed her PhD in Organizational Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

Her previous roles included inpatient and outpatient counseling for adults and pediatric patients. She was an adjunct Community Nutrition Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, and served as an AmeriCorps-Health Corps member. Dr Gonzalez also serves in various community nutrition-focused local and national organizations. A few roles include President-Elect for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Advocacy Liaison for the Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition, and chair for Grants and Awards with the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group.

Lauren Spain, PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND

Medical Science Liaison
Global Medical Affairs & Research
Abbott Nutrition
Austin, TX, USA   

Dr Lauren Spain is a dedicated nutrition professional with extensive experience in leadership, research, and wellness. She currently serves as a Medical Science Liaison in Medical Affairs & Research at Abbott’s Nutrition Division. Her expertise spans pediatric nutrition, wellness programming, and public health initiatives.   

Dr Spain earned her PhD in Nutrition and Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. She completed her dietetic internship at Emory University Hospital and worked as a Clinical Dietitian prior to obtaining her PhD. Her research focused on protein sources and their effects on pediatric bone health and cognitive function. She previously served as Associated Department Head for Undergraduate Programs at Texas A&M University where she oversaw curriculum and taught both undergraduate and graduate courses.   

Dr Spain is active within the nutrition community and has held multiple leadership roles including serving as delegate to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) for the Nutrition Educators for Health Professionals Dietetics Practice Group and President of the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She recently began her tenure as Director-at-Large for the AND in June 2025. 

Dr Spain is an accomplished speaker and clinician, committed to driving innovative care in nutrition, health, and wellness.

Avinash Pokala, PhD, MS

Senior Scientist
Pediatric Nutrition Science & Innovation
Abbott Nutrition
Columbus, OH, USA 

Avi Pokala is a Senior Scientist on the Pediatric Nutrition Science Research and Development Team at Abbott. Dr. Pokala focuses on scientific research, clinical trials, and innovation initiatives focused on hydration for both children and adults, particularly as it relates to oral rehydration solutions.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition sciences from The Ohio State University, where he worked with dietary recall data and weighed food records. He later completed his PhD in Human Nutrition through Ohio State’s interdisciplinary PhD program. His graduate research centered on human clinical studies investigating the effects of food bioactives on cardiometabolic and gut health in metabolically compromised individuals. He has several publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has given guest lectures to both undergraduate and graduate students on topics related to nutrition research.