Staff
Our staff keep the lab moving – staff support research administration, coordination, and data management tasks. Together, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of privacy protection.
Chidinma Opara, BA
Study Coordinator/Research Teaching Specialist V (December 2022-Present)
I assist Dr. Iyer with administrative tasks including completing IRB’s, processing documents, and organizing agendas for meetings that are associated with the various projects we work on. I help gather publications and contribute ideas to projects that are surrounded about neighborhood SES, racial disparities, and its impact on prostate cancer. I have gained insight on cancer research, data analysis, and understanding the socioeconomic impact of prostate cancer within minority communities.
Jennifer Falcon
Administrative Research Associate (November 2023-present)
I assist Dr. Iyer and his team with administrative tasks, including procurement, finance, and grant support. My focus is to provide administrative support and be a liaison for Dr. Iyer and other departments throughout the university. I handle the onboarding of new research staff, help with expenses, assist with getting approvals for purchases, and submit the purchases. I also assist with scheduling various meetings for Dr. Iyer with the team and other colleagues.I’ve learned a great deal about research administration since I started working here. The administrative and business side of conducting research is fascinating to me and I’m looking forward to learning more.
Stefanie Joseph, MPH
Program Manager/Research Teaching Specialist II (March 2025-Present)
I assist Dr. Iyer and team members with organizing the logistics of various Pre2 CaP studies. Mainly, I oversee the Research on the Epidemiology of Prostate Cancer and Environmental Levels (REPEL) study, which investigates the link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the risk of prostate cancer. I will also contribute to our Mutlivelevel Epidemiology Tumor Registry for Oncology (METRO) cohort study, which focuses on prostate cancer epidemiology and screening. Additionally, I support the team with research grant proposals and publications.
Uyai Ibanga, MPH
Research Associate (October 2025-Present)
I support Dr. Iyer and the research team on the REPEL (Research on the Epidemiology of Prostate Cancer and Environmental Levels) study, which explores the relationship between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and prostate cancer risk. My role includes coordinating study logistics, supporting data collection efforts, and contributing to the dissemination of findings through newsletters and public-facing communications. Through this work, I have strengthened my understanding of cancer research methodologies and collaborative program management.
Megan Shanahan, MS
Data Analyst (January 2025-Present)
I assist Dr. Iyer and the research team in conducting advanced epidemiologic and health outcomes research focused on prostate cancer. My role involves analyzing a wide range of environmental exposures and access to care factors, and their impact on cancer outcomes, largely in the Research on the Epidemiology of Prostate Cancer and Environmental Levels (REPEL) study, Multilevel Epidemiology Tumor Registry for Oncology (METRO) cohort study, and SEER Medicare data. I support the development of manuscripts, grant proposals, and presentations. Additionally, I provide mentorship to support the statistical analyses of student-led projects in environmental epidemiology and health services research.