James D. Baird, Ph.D. has more than forty years of experience as a successful inventor and graduate engineer. A pioneer in the new science of ultrasonics, Baird has earned several patents and as a successful entrepreneur founded Dynasonics, Inc. a design and manufacturing company of ultrasonic sensors and computers.

His inventor background instilled in him a persistent curiosity about how things work, translating from mechanisms to life. His passion for understanding the bioengineering that makes us human combined with his religious and spiritual beliefs has led him to research the subject of happiness for more than 20 years, and in the process, earned him a Ph.D. in Natural Health.

He was the founder of "Happiness Ministries," a not-for-profit ministry that produced inspirational texts. His first two books, The Happiness Plan (Liquori, 1990) and The Modern Christian's Happiness Plan (Wine Press 1999) are based upon the premise that happiness comes from altruistic ethics and behavioral choices that put into action such spiritual qualities as loving-kindness and compassion.. Baird has been involved with many religious organizations including; nursing homes, churches and charitable organizations. He was chairman of Catholic Charities for about 8 years. Dr. Baird is chairman of a Chicago chapter of the American Scientific Association, a national professional association whose members are scientists who believe in God. The organization's mission is to bring harmony to science and religion.

As a natural health advocate with an inventor's curiosity, he was intrigued by the paradox that "diets don't work." In an effort to uncover the reasons and provide an answer, he wrote his third book, The Mindful Meals Diet (iUniverse 2007), which explained how genetic factors are the basis of unhealthy eating habits that lead people to become overweight. His program incorporated self-hypnosis and mind/body strategies to develop healthy eating habits (www.mindfulmealsdiet.com).

From his research of genetics in diet evolved the understanding that humans have a spiritual nature and that faith is genetic. This confirmed his belief that the expression of spirituality is genetically motivated and results in natural happiness. Results from researching genetic behavior and the new science of epigenetics inspired Baird to write the HAPPINESS GENES.

Intrigued by people's behaviors, Baird used his 20 years of researching in behavioral genetics to write BEHAVIORAL GENES- why we do what we do and how to change. [published 2/13/15] This book describes the genetic roots of our most common behaviors providing understanding of why we do what we do. While other books note that the genetic heritability component of behaviors is unchangeable, Baird shows that genes aren't destiny. Using evidence that epigenetic modalities, such as: meditation, mindfulness, and cognitive therapy can modify behaviors, practical therapies are described in the last chapter of the book.

The Five Gifts: Discovering Hope, Healing and Strength When Disaster Strikes (HCI Books) launches April 8th.

For more information, please visit www.laurienadel.com/FiveGifts.html