Jenna Anderson graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Political Science. She joined the MADC as a Research Coordinator for the UM-MAP study. She is interested in learning about neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and CTE. In the future, her goal is to further her education in neuropsychology. 
Ghadeer Ankouni is a Data Entry Specialist, joining the team in February of 2023. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Human Biology from Eastern Michigan University. She joins us from a professional background consisting of primarily direct patient care. Her interests include medicine, neuropsychology, physiology, and astronomy. Her future academic goals include graduate school in order to obtain a Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies. In her free time, she enjoys baking and making desserts and taking walks or hikes throughout various nature scenes. 
Arijit Bhaumik, CCRP - Research Administrator
Contact: arijit@med.umich.edu or 734-936-8281
Arijit has worked at the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center since 2007, managing neurodegenerative clinical trials and longitudinal research projects. He has been the center's Research Administrator since 2016. Ari's expertise lies in clinical research protocol management and working with cross-generation populations. He has a deep understanding of highly intricate grants that involve multiple investigators at multiple universities, complex budgets, and multiple sub-awards. Ari possesses all of these skills and is recognized by his peers for his ability to bridge the gap between research budgeting, research operations planning and execution of the research strategy. He is an excellent communicator, emphasizing creative and dynamic strategies for multicultural, cross-generational and multipurpose understanding of research within our center. In 2018, Ari joined the Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research STEP.up program, which is a formal mentorship program for research professional staff at U-M and is a member of the Advisory Committee. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Counseling at Richmond University, London, UK, and studied Cognitive Psychology at the post-baccalaureate level at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is also a Certified Clinical Research Professional (SoCRA). In 2018 he was awarded the Camille Mrozowski Award for Service and Excellence in Research sponsored by the University of Michigan Medical School Office of Research. In 2021, he was elected to the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Administrators Steering Committee where he represents the center at the national level (3 -year team; 1-year term as Chair).
Holly Bunker, M.A. - Research Engagement Coordinator
Contact: hlbunker@med.umich.edu or 734-615-5319
Holly Bunker joined the Center in 2018 as the Research Engagement Coordinator. Holly has a B.A. in Psychology from Michigan State University and a master's degree in Health Education from Wayne State University. Holly is responsible for enrolling participants into the Center's primary research study, the University of Michigan Memory & Aging Project (UM-MAP), and is our research participants’ main point of contact throughout their participation in this longitudinal study. In addition to managing the UM-MAP study, Holly works closely with study coordinators for other center-supported studies.
Alicia Burgei – Research Coordinator
Contact: aburgei@med.umich.edu or 734-615-7421
Alicia joined the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center in June 2021 where she works with the Clinical Core on the University of Michigan Memory & Aging Project (UM-MAP). Her role at the center is to administer neuropsychological examinations to research participants. Alicia is an Ohio State University graduate, having earned a B.S. degree in psychology and a minor in neuroscience. She is interested in getting to know more about neurocognition and neurodegenerative diseases as she pursues neuropsychology in the future.
Stephen Campbell, LMSW - Research Projects Manager
Contact: stepcamp@umich.edu or 734-763-2361
Stephen is responsible for a variety of activities within the Clinical Core. He manages the center's core study, the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP) which includes direction of study related activities and regulatory issues. Stephen also manages collaborative efforts between the University of Michigan and other research institutions. Stephen received Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Eastern Michigan University.
Kiren Chaudhry - Research Area Specialist
Contact: chaudhki@med.umich.edu
Kiren graduated from Wayne State University in 2015 with dual degrees in Psychology and Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies. Prior to arriving at the center, her work focused on children and adolescents through a developmental psychology lens. She joined the center in June 2021 to expand her skill set across the developmental lifespan. Kiren's role consists of helping with the U-M Memory & Aging Project and the ALLFTD study.
Danielle Davis - Clinical Research Coordinator
Contact: daviscd@med.umich.edu
Danielle Davis is the Clinical Research Coordinator for the Diverse Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Study (DVCID). She also leads the MADC’s Detroit Advisory Council, which helps to develop outreach strategies to recruit and retain African Americans for clinical research studies. Danielle is a Michigan State University graduate, with a B.A. degree in Family Community Services with over twelve years of Community Outreach experience.
Erin Fox - Communications Specialist
Contact: eefox@med.umich.edu
Erin Fox is the center's Communications Specialist. She is responsible for coordinating the center's communications channels including the website, newsletters, e-newsletters, social media, flyers, presentations and more. She also markets and advertises center activities and programs in the community and to professionals. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. degree in Communication Studies.
Renee Gadwa, M.B.A. - Outreach, Recruitment, & Engagement Manager
Contact: rgadwa@med.umich.edu or 734-764-5137
Renee is responsible for the management, performance and completion of outreach and recruitment activities at the center and in the community. She and her team lead a wide range of educational events, including health fairs, professional lectures, and community presentations, and she oversees recruitment into center supported research studies. Renee’s job also focuses on the development, implementation and evaluation of all activities and programs of the Carl Rinne Lewy Body Dementia Initiative. Renee has over fifteen years of experience in dementia care, education, and support and has been at the Center since 2015. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Science with a minor in Psychology from Grand Valley State University and her M.B.A. in Healthcare Management from Southern New Hampshire University.
Theresa Gierzynski, LMSW - Research Area Specialist
Contact: gierzyns@med.umich.edu or 734-615-0612
Theresa Gierzynski joined the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center in 2018 as a Clinical Subjects Coordinator. She is a licensed clinical social worker who assists with the management and oversight of the University of Michigan Memory &Aging Project (UM-MAP) Feedback Program. Her role involves delivering post-visit neuropsychological feedback to research participants, overseeing short- and long-term goals of the Feedback Program, and supporting feedback-related research projects. Theresa also bridges the Clinical and Outreach Cores by contributing to the Wellness Initiative. As part of the Wellness Initiative, Theresa facilitates psychotherapeutic grief and loss groups for care partners that are providing care to a loved one with a dementia diagnosis or who have lost a loved one to dementia.
Allyson Gregoire, M.P.H. - Data Analyst
Contact: allygreg@med.umich.edu
Allyson joined the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center in the summer of 2021 as a member of the data core team as a Data Analyst/Programmer. She earned her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University in 2016 and an M.P.H. in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan in 2019. Allyson’s role in the data core includes working with center collaborators to perform analyses and disseminate data with the ultimate goal of enhancing the understanding of disease and improving quality of life.
Kate Hanson, M.A. - Research Recruitment Coordinator
Contact: katsch@med.umich.edu or 734-936-8332
Kate joined the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center in 2018, working for the Data Core team in Research Support. In 2019 she joined the Outreach & Recruitment Core where she acts as a liaison between the Data, Clinical, and Outreach Cores. Kate works with the Clinical Core to process and initiate new studies affiliated with the center and with the Data Core to provide study teams with the data requests particular to each study. Kate works to keep our growing registry of research participants active and up-to-date, matching volunteers with appropriate studies that meet the needs of volunteers and study teams alike. She earned both a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Education at the University of Michigan.
Zachary Harmon joined the center from Outpatient Phlebotomy in the University Hospital. He joined U-M in August 2021 after obtaining his bachelor's degree in Pre-Medicine with a minor in Spanish and Psychology from Ferris State University. In joining the center, he hopes to discover the unknown side of medicine and further his knowledge in research. Zach hopes to one day become a neurosurgeon. 
Janaye received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Afro-American and African Studies from the University of Michigan in April of 2022. She currently is obtaining her Master of Public Health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health studying Health Behavior and Health Education with a certificate in Social Epidemiology and will graduate from this program in April 2024. Janaye is serving as the ORE Core summer intern as part of her MPH program.
Eshardeep joined the center in July 2023 as a research technician associate. She works in the Clinical Core on the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP). She is responsible for administering neuropsychological examinations to study participants. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2023 with a B.S. in Neuroscience. In the future, she plan to pursue a graduate degree in Neuroscience. 
Basra Keynan graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Human Biology. She joined the MADC as a Research Coordinator for UM-MAP study within the clinical core. She is interested in furthering her education into clinical research with an interest in public and community health especially surronding neurodegenerative diseases. 
Nahla R. Khobeir – Clinical Research Coordinator
Contact: khobeirn@med.umich.edu or 734-764-0212
Nahla joined the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center in June 2021. She coordinates and facilitates blood draws for all our research participants. She processes and distributes the specimens to our various research facilities. Nahla has a B.A. from the University of Toledo with a focus in Healthcare. She is the Director and Instructor of the phlebotomy program at Monroe County Community College and an ASCP certified phlebotomist.
Nancy Laracey - Center Administrator
Contact: laracey@med.umich.edu or 734-936-8764
Nancy oversees the center's daily operations and is responsible for administrative, financial and human resources activities. Nancy earned her B.A. degree from Michigan State University. She has an outstanding record of service, having dedicated over thirty years of her career to the University of Michigan in various positions in the Medical School.
Serena Marecle - Research Technician Associate
Contact: mareclse@med.umich.edu
Serena joined the center in October 2022 as a research technician associate. She works in the Clinical Core on the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP). She is responsible for administering neuropsychological examinations to study participants and scoring them afterward. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 2022 with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in Environmental Science. In the future, she is looking at going to graduate school to further her neuroscience education. In her free time, she enjoys baking, photography, and reading.
Brooke Morrison is a recent graduate of Oakland University with a B.S. in Health Sciences with a concentration in Holistic Health, and a minor in Psychology. She hopes to further her knowledge of research and Alzheimer’s/Dementia and potentially further her educational career in the area. In her free time, she loves listening to and collecting music, reading, and going to concerts. 
Stephanie Nava, M.A. - Education and Events Coordinator
Contact: senava@med.umich.edu
Stephanie Nava is the center’s Education and Events Coordinator. She leads the planning of center-hosted events including the monthly Speaker Series, the annual Research Symposium, the annual Appreciation Luncheon, and other special events throughout the year. She also manages the Research Education Component (REC) which allows her to work with early career investigators on education and career enhancement. Stephanie has worn many hats at this center and has had previous roles in the clinical core and neuroimaging core. Stephanie has a master’s degree in medical anthropology from Wayne State University and has over a decade of experience working in geriatric/dementia care, research, and event programming.
Subhamoy Pal, Ph.D. - Statistician
Contact: supal@med.umich.edu
Subhamoy joined the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center as a Statistician in August 2022. He obtained a Ph.D. in Statistics from Bowling Green State University in 2021. Prior to arriving at the center, his work focused on Cox proportional hazard models, ontraclass correlation, and missing data techniques. Previously, Subhamoy worked for Medpace Inc. as Biostatistician, focused on clinical trial studies (Phase II and Phase III). He also worked for the University of Alabama, Birmingham as a Scientist in the Department of Preventive Medicine.
Alexis Passamani - Data Entry Specialist
Contact: alexispp@med.umich.edu
Alexis Passamani joined the center in December 2019. She completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from Grand Valley State University in the fall of 2019. She loves to work with data and researchers to get a better understanding of how research is conducted as well as look into various degenerative diseases. She is currently preparing for graduate/medical school in order to gain her M.D./Ph.D. in Neuroscience and one day conduct her own research.
Matthew Perkins - Michigan Brain Bank Coordinator
Contact: perkmd@med.umich.edu or 734-647-7648
For autopsy assistance: 734-936-6267 (pager #9198)
Matthew Perkins is the coordinator of the Michigan Brain Bank. He has been involved in research at the University of Michigan since 2012. Matthew coordinates the center's brain autopsy services and collaborates with research groups across the University of Michigan campus. He is passionate about improving clinical care and research through his involvement in autopsy services. Matthew earned his B.S. degree in Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science from the University of Michigan. For more information about the Michigan Brain Bank, visit the website here.
Kenny joined the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center in the summer of 2023 as a member of the data core team as a Data Analyst/Programmer. He earned a B.S. in Statistics from Virginia Tech in 2021 and an M.P.H. in Global Health Epidemiology from the University of Michigan in 2023. Kenny’s role includes working with center collaborators and the data core team to improve data management processes and support data analysis. In his free time, he enjoys running, soccer, and watching TV/movies. 
Betsy Posby, D.N.P., AGPCNP-BC - Nurse Clinician
Contact: blwar@med.umich.edu
Betsy works as a nurse clinician. She works with multiple studies conducting neurological exams, obtaining health histories and documenting the history of dementia onset and progression, as applicable. Betsy received her Bachelors in Nursing from the University of Michigan and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Rush University. She has been working with the geriatric and dementia population for over 10 years. Betsy has worked as a research RN at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago, IL. As a nurse practitioner she has worked in palliative care, long term care and home health.
Jonathan Reader, M.S. - Data Systems Manager
Contact: readerj@med.umich.edu or 734-936-9048
Jon joined the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center in July 2019 as a Programmer/Data Analyst. He was promoted to Data Systems Manager in 2021. He earned his master's degree in Human Development & Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University. He is interested in using technology to improve the efficiency of the research process as a whole. This includes working with data from collection to publication with the ultimate goal of improving individuals’ lives via policy-level impact. In his spare time, he enjoys Netflix, reading, and spending time with his friends and family (including his cat, Albany).
Laura Rice-Oeschger, LMSW - Managing Director, Wellness Initiative Managing Director
Contact: lerice@umich.edu or 734-615-8210
Since 2012, Laura has led the Wellness Initiative where she designs, implements, and evaluates wellbeing and self-care programming for family caregivers. Moved by family experiences with long-term illness and memory loss, Laura has worked in dementia care since 1996 in a variety of capacities. She was the first Director of Michigan Medicine’s Silver Club Memory Loss Programs prior to serving as the clinical manager for the Early Stage Initiative at the Los Angeles regional Alzheimer’s Association. Laura is a national and state presenter on memory loss and caregiver wellbeing, has advanced professional training in mindfulness-based interventions and holds professional certifications in aging, dementia and contemplative clinical care. Laura is the lead teacher and trainer of the Mindfulness-based Dementia Care (MBDC) program, the first to launch this program in a community-based setting and the co-creator of the MBDC professional training program. Laura continues to train clinicians nationally and around the world in MBDC in collaboration with colleagues through the Presence Care Project. Laura is an Anthony V. DeVito II Memorial Award recipient. This award is presented annually by the U-M Geriatrics Center to recognize outstanding service, dedication and commitment to excellence in geriatrics education in Michigan. She received her MSW from the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 1997.
Edna Rose, Ph.D., M.S.W., R.N.-P.M.H.-B.C. - Clinician & Outreach Specialist
Contact: ednarose@med.umich.edu or 734-936-8329
Since 2008, Dr. Edna Rose has provided education about the risk factors associated with dementia and the benefits of participating in research to underrepresented communities. She has successfully enhanced minority inclusion in Center-supported studies through linkages at local churches, sororities, fraternities and other social organizations. She is also a nurse clinician that assesses many of our research participants in the U-M Memory & Aging Project. Dr. Rose received her M.S.W. and Ph.D. from Clark Atlanta University in Social Work Planning and Administration, and her undergraduate nursing degree from Kennesaw University in Atlanta.
Noelle joined the center in August 2023 as a research assistant and Social Work intern. She works in the Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core on the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP) and assists in facilitating Wellness Initiative programs. Noelle is a graduate of Indiana University with a B.A. in Folklore and Ethnomusicology with minors in Psychology and Music Studies. While she is pursuing her Master’s of Social Work degree, she aspires to learn more about those with mild cognitive impairment diagnoses and how she can promote wellness both for them and their caregivers. In her free time, Noelle enjoys singing, creating playlists, thrifting, and spending time outdoors.
Shayna Smith - Imaging Coordinator
Contact: shaymari@med.umich.edu
Shayna joined the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center in January 2022. As the Imaging Subjects Coordinator, she oversees the scheduling and administration of MRI and PET scans for UM-MAP and other center affiliated studies. She has prior experience in the Neurosurgery and Radiology departments at Michigan Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys photography, traveling and spending time with family.
Cynthia is the Neuroimaging Core Manager, her experience shows a dedication to health-focused research. Leveraging her background in psychology and data science, she has previously worked at institutions like the University of Pittsburgh and the Department of Veteran Affairs. Beyond her professional pursuits, Cynthia enjoys kayaking, gardening, and embarking on a quest for the ultimate cup of coffee. 
Yvonne Sturt, B.S., CCRP - Regulatory Specialist
Contact: ysturt@med.umich.edu
Yvonne joined the center in 2021 and serves as its Regulatory Specialist, helping to manage the center’s numerous clinical trials and longitudinal research projects. She earned her B.S. degree in Health Sciences from Georgia Southern University and is also a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) through the Society of Clinical Research Administrators (SOCRA). Yvonne has held various positions in both Michigan Medicine and the Office of Research over the past twenty five years. She has expertise in research administration, project and program management, regulatory oversight, human resources, financial management, and pre/post-award grants management.
Yewande Taiwo, M.S. - Imaging Coordinator
Contact: ytaiwo@med.umich.edu or 734-615-3421
Yewande joined the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center in March 2021. She is responsible for the acquisition, management, analysis and transfer of imaging files. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology and Washington University in St. Louis, respectively. In her spare time, she enjoys watching tv, reading, and playing ultimate frisbee.
Katrina Tardif - Brain Bank Autopsy Coordinator
Contact: tardifk@med.umich.edu
Katrina Tardif is the Michigan Brain Bank Autopsy Coordinator. She is a graduate of Wayne State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science. Katrina is passionate about serving the dementia community through autopsy services. For more information about the Michigan Brain Bank, visit the website here.
Alexa joined the center in May 2023 as a research technician associate. She works in the Clinical Core on the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP) and is responsible for administering neuropsychological examinations to study participants. Alexa is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Neuroscience and Psychology. She is looking forward to learning more about neurodegenerative diseases and pursuing graduate school in the future. In her free time, she enjoys baking and gardening. 
Louann Walch - Data Entry Specialist
Contact: louann@med.umich.edu or 734-615-3593
Louann has been at the University of Michigan since 2012 and became a member of the center in 2019. She works on the Data Integrity Team, as a Data Entry Specialist, maintaining data quality control. She has a Bachelor of Business Management Healthcare. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and new grandson.
Reginald graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a concentration in health and medicine in 2021. While in undergrad, Reginald served in multiple leadership roles, primarily with the Black Undergraduate Medical Association, where he ultimately served as the president of the organization from 2019-2020. He also had the opportunity to intern with the Adolescent Health Initiative, where he served as a data analyst intern and provided feedback on primary care center efficiencies. Since graduating, Reginald has founded a non-profit organization structured around providing holistic wellness education and resources to underprivileged members of the Detroit and Metro-Detroit areas. As the Community Navigator, Reginald will be strategically partnering with constituents in the Detroit area to improve minority representation in the center’s research goals.